Wherry is a very good two-can kit, middle-of-the-road hopped. I've never wanted to add steeped grains or extra hops to a Wherry - but others frequently do, and (see link above, from edgeone) there are never any complaints. I'm happy to drink Wherry pretty young - 2 to 4 weeks after bottling. Unlike the darker beers, I prefer it from a Keg, rather than the bottle.

I'd agree the Coopers kits are surprisingly good - especially when tweaked. I've got a Stout and an Australian Pale Ale conditioning at the moment. Only 3 weeks to go !

If you like a darker beer, then Woodforde's Nog is great - sadly it's not on offer in this sale - looks like Tesco don't carry stock, so it's only available from other sellers. Mind you, look out for the Wilko sale whenever it occurs - they do stock Nog.

The starter kit is on offer too - just add screw-top bottles or beer bottles + crown caps + capper or pressure keg , enough for 40 pints. Clean and sterilised empty beer bottles will normally suffice, but avoid 1) lightweight bottles (they have to withstand the pressure of homebrew beer when conditioned in the bottle), and strangely, 2) Wychwood Brewery (Hobgoblin etc.) bottles - I find I can't re-cap using crown caps on these tops - different design to other bottles.

If you follow the instructions (cleanliness, preparation) to the letter, but allow an extra 7 days in the primary fermenting stage (allow 2 weeks for fermentation), then you'll likely end up with a pretty good pint - just the right encouragement to do a second kit (e.g. Wherry, bought at a discount of course). Then you'll be hooked !

BrewBuddy Starter Kit

A brewing bucket, airlock, big plastic spoon, thermometer, syphon and tap to go on the end, steriliser, sugar, and a mix of hot and cold water to get it to the desired temperature.

You can use old soda bottles to put your booze in to mature.

If you care about figuring out the alcohol content (I don't), then you'll need a measuring tube and a hydrometer. This also helps you figute out when fermentation is complete, but I just follow the instructions.

All the above, plus a kit to make your first brew, should cost about 40 quid from your local homebrew shop. It'll make you about 40 pints. After that, you only need to buy the beer/cider/wine kit and the brewing sugar.

C+C is free if your order is £30 or more. How to avoid C+C charges detailed elsehwere on HUKD.

If you're only after one, then still cheaper than Wilko's (at the moment @ £20 Wherry at Wilko)

Like some other people, when there's a sale on, I stock up for a good six months' brewing. With both Tesco and Wilko doing sales at different times of the year, and most kits having a good few months before the Best Before date, then it makes sense to plan ahead !