About to start home-brewing

F-Mr. Beer in the mouth...Get something like this:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...arter-kits/essential-brewing-starter-kit.html
If you use Mr. Beer you will fail. Spend the extra $ to have a fighting chance for success.

 

Agreed. Mr Beer is cheap plastic and terrible. Search "homebrewing" and look for places near by, someone there will make sure you get everything you need. There are kits online you can buy but I feel like having someone walk you through the purchase and selection is super helpful. Another tip that I still rely on is pick a strong flavored beer, a slight misstep in something loaded with flavor isn't too bad, but trying to make a really light beer and you'll sure notice that mistake.

 

Also since I play hockey with the owner I recommend http://www.midwestsupplies.com/ for your online purchases.

 

I would recommend you read www.howtobrew.com to get a very good idea about the equipment you'll need. (You'll probably nix the Mr. Beer idea after reading a little.) Then, when you order the equipment (or buy it locally), also order (or buy locally) the more up-to-date print version of the book. It's IMO the best primer on homebrewing. Reading this forum is a good idea too.

 

If you have the time, you can peruse these forum discussions after reading How to Brew.

http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/recomended-materials-for-beginners.72840/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/homebrew-novice.79446/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/just-another-noob-recipe-recommendations.78667/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/want-to-get-into-homebrewing-what-to-get-and-tips.76666/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/homebrewing-where-to-start.70838/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/absolute-noob-here.56172/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/how-do-i-start-homebrewing.62630/#post-853379
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/absolute-beginner.22189/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/t...ewing-where-to-shop-online.49108/#post-632027
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/start-up-cost-for-home-brewing.43242/#post-544831
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/best-beer-to-brew-for-a-first-timer.82162/#post-1228253