Homebrew shops send me their catalogs in the mail. When I flip through the pages, I check out the special deals and the latest and greatest products.
The recipe kits are always presented attractively. I see the pictures and read the descriptions and it makes me want to brew and taste each one.
Reading the descriptions, in a few of the catalogs, the claim of “most popular recipe” was given to the Irish Red ale kit.
I never gave it much thought but today I started to think about why the Irish Red ale kit is the most popular one.
Is it because it’s easy to brew? An easy to brew and tastier than Bud recipe is a good entry point for any brand new homebrewer. As someone starts out, they want to feel comfortable and confident that they are going to brew something that would seem well-crafted. An Irish Red ale kit is a good candidate for that requirement.
Beyond beginners, are there more experienced homebrewers brewing that kit on a regular basis?
Maybe it was just me, but I wanted to brew different styles every time I got my brew pot out. To keep going back to the same kit each time, month after month, would make it seem like I was missing out on something.
I would love to ask a homebrew shop owner what their most popular kit is and why. If it is popular because they offer it in all the beginner equipment kits as well, then I would have a definite answer.
It’s interesting to me that there would be a most popular style. Plus, what is the definition of popular?
How much does the kit outsell others? Is it by a large margin or a slight one?
As you have read, I have many questions. I wonder if I could interview a homebrew shop owner for the answer to each of these questions and more. It would help me and others to better understand the hobby.
Watch this space for interviews.
Neal
My opinion is that “top selling” kits are usually the session beers. Beers which you would always want on tap at any giving moment. I personally buy more of those than specialty beers (e.g., pumpkin, fruit, etc.). I mean really … who keeps a keg of pumpkin ale on tap at all times throughout the year??!!??
John
Hey Neal – makes sense. My follow up question would be how much more do the session beer kit outsell the other ones… Also, it would be interesting to see if even session beers have a seasonal pattern.