[beersk]

What do you typically brew?  I started out doing kits, then started doing my own recipes.  But sometimes I feel like brewing kits just for the hell of it; for something different than I'd normally brew.  Lately I've been running out of ideas or desires to brew my own recipes because basically all I know how to create recipes for are IPAs, pale ales, amber ales and stouts...I get a little bored with stuff like that all the time.

Cheers,

Jesse

[dbeechum]

I'm a full blown recipe creator (big surprise). In a lot of ways, for me that's the biggest pants kicker I get from homebrewing is the thought experiments on what to create.

I'm not even sure I can remember the last time I did a kit!

[richardt]

I started out like most--a Mr. Beer Kit.  Then box kits (extract/partial grain).  Now, All-Grain.

I'm like Drew--I really like knowing why I use each ingredient in the recipe. 
I also find the process fascinating--especially how so many people brew in so many different ways and still make great beer.

Yes, I daresay that brewing can be a cerebral and creative process--if you want it to be. 

[weithman5]

I spend more time thinking up recipes than I do actually getting around to brewing.  I have been planning a rhubarb and rye concoction ever since I had a rhubarb/strawberry jam peanut butter sandwhich on rye bread.  If I could actually find some time to try it I could move on to other things.  Like Drew, I think designing the beers is fun. I try not to get hung up on a style. Just what I think will taste good and refreshing.  of course go look at extreme brewing and radical brewing, or the homebrewer's garden for some unique stuff to try.

[beerocd]

I wing it at least half the time. Spot a recipe - missing ingredients - make some subs... it's beer.

[hopaddicted]

I've never used a kit. Started brewing extract/specialty grains copying recipes. Now all grain and all original recipes for the most part. I reference other recipes for some inspiration and general aiming in the right direction (if I don't know the style very well), but I try to put my own stamp on them.

I've found experimentation a great way to understand the ingredients that I am using and it really makes it rewarding when you knock one out of the park and the recipe is all yours.

[micsager]

Generally, the first time a brew a beer, I will brew the style form JZ's book.  then, I start "tweaking."

[vista]

if i'm brewing a style for the first time i'll either follow a book or buy a kit...NB kits have treated me well in this respect.

[blatz]

the last time I brewed a kit was the first time  I brewed at all.

almost all the recipes I brew with regularity are my own evolutions, though I do use JZ's Amber and most recently, majorvice's helles, as 'house recipes'

if I am looking to create something new such as last year when I started on the "Dunkel Project" I'll consult JZ's BCS or online, but I tend not to like a lot of the recipes in the BCS, so it may only be to see what level of Carafa Special he used or something like that to get a ballpark and go from there.

honing in recipes is part of the fun for me, but not as much as the taste testing.

[bluesman]

the last time I brewed a kit was the first time  I brewed...

+1

Developing recipes and honing the brewing process is what it's all about for me. 

It's the freedom of experimentation that keeps me inspired.

[SwashBuckling Drunk]

So where are all the people that brew Denny's RPA?

[blatz]

So where are all the people that brew Denny's RPA?

haven't brewed that in at least 3 years  

but I might brew it again this fall.

[Slowbrew]

I have my copy of Denny's RIPA on tap right now.

I've 3 maybe 4 extract kits many moons ago.  I've used many recipes from other people, both extract and all grain.  Like others I generally start with a published recipe to establish what a new brew should taste/look like and then they start morphing.

I have recipes I make now that are still named the same but haven't been the original brew in 6 years.  I keep telling myself I need to change the names.

Mix it up and have some fun.

Paul

[beersk]

I think what I really need to do is brew more and drink more 

Great to see your responses, guys.

Cheers

[lazydog79]

Generally, the first time a brew a beer, I will brew the style form JZ's book.  then, I start "tweaking."

+1 on that!  I usually use a recipe - either from "Classic Styles," BYO, or one my my clone books, and then go from there.  I find that JZ's recipes usually give me a good foundation to work with.  I will be guaranteed to make something at least drinkable the first time out with a recipe, which is not the case if I do one from complete scratch.

I never used to be a big kit user, but have recently started playing with them - NB makes some fine kits!  If it's a style I don't brew a lot or am unsure of, I might hit a kit.  Example - a couple buddies helped me roof the garage last year.  They both like Wits, but I'm not a big fan.  So, I bought NB's to brew them for a thank you.  Gave them most of it and saved a 12'er for myself.  I've also found kits to be a little more "economical" in that I'm not left with a lot of odds and ends of specialty grains and hops laying around - you get what you need.  I might be doing a few more of them in the future.  However, I do like adjusting a recipe to my specific tastes - that's why I brew!