Overall I'm happy with the purchase, it didn't take long to get my first batch started. I have a few minor points to mention that could make this a better fit for those of us just starting to get into the hobby.
All in all, I'm pleased with the number of non-standard recipes in the booklet, and I the kit has enough supplies to make a good number of batches- and has basically all the additives needed for most wine styles in reasonable quantities. Since I'm impatient, I will likely order a few more carboys so I can start more batches.
1- I think it's fair to not include a hydrometer in the kit since that's a fairly specialized piece of gear, but since it's a key tool, I'd suggest reviewing both the amazon description and the instructions that come with the kit and mention that you strongly recommend purchasing one. Most new hobbyists will figure this out before they make a purchase, but someone buying this as a gift may not!
2- I hit a little trouble with my first usage- I did not do a good job of mixing in my sugar, so a lot of it settled to the bottom of the carboy- that's when I realized the kit did not come with a long-handled stirring spoon/paddle. I know home brew ohio has these items (I ordered one as soon as I realized I was in trouble!) but it may be a good idea to include a 24" stirrer in the kit, even if it bumps up the price a little. I did a good amount of research ahead of time, but this was the thing I didn't figure out ahead of time.
3- The recipe book/instructions are not all that great- it really is just the recipes themselves, not a step by step how-to (although it may be a good idea to write up a generic step-by-step walkthrough to help out beginners). This really didn't bother me much as I quickly found that there are more than enough resources out on the internet to get this information from. Even listing a web link somewhere in the materials pointing a a few web resources would help- since not every beginner is going to research things ahead of time, at least pointing them in the right direction would be an easy improvement to make.
All in all, I'm very happy with the purchase, but I do recommend that beginners thinking about buying this kit make sure they also buy a hydrometer set that comes with a testing vessel, and a long stirrer. As I mentioned, all you really need to expand your use of the kit is more carboys (and vapor locks- but you can easily find these packaged together).
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Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2019
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Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2020
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Did not have all items
By missy on January 6, 2020
What you see is all my kit came with! No lid for my bucket, no instructions or recipes, no ingredients to get me started....not even a top or the little burper that goes on the glass jug was in my kit. I'm very disappointed because I was ready to make some wine!
By missy on January 6, 2020
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Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2019
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