Midwest Supplies Cider Essentials Kit

I was very happy with this kit until I actually tried to make hard cider. The Munson's Ale Yeast does not work well with apple cider (cider books specifically say not to use brewer's yeast, perhaps because the must is too acidic). Instead, use Lalvin EC-1118 Champagne Yeast (SKU 8835)--much more vigorous ferment.

This is a bare bones kit, get the better beer making kit, because the equipment is mostly the same, with a better capper, and thicker tubing and siphon.

I think this is the ideal starter kit. Before spending a lot of money on a hobby, try it out first. This kit contains almost all you need, other than ingredients. If after a year you want to upgrade, there are a large number of choices for you to buy. The yeast that come with this kit are not optimal for cider. Cider yeast are more alcohol tolerant, and have somewhat different nutritional requirements, and make different tastes. Try the Wyeast ACT4766 or the Red Star Cote des Blancs instead.

My uncle is interested in my brewing but likes hard cider not beer. Well he is in luck, because I got him this. We made a cider together and he wants to make more. The kit has all you need to get started, just buy a cider kit and you are ready to go.

I make cider and while this kit is ok, its pretty much the same as a beer kit, and the yeast it comes with I would recommend not using. I'd instead use better yeast like the EC-1118.