Brewing Beer

Mr Beer works fine. All the basic homebrew set ups are the same. You may look into Northern Brewer online. They've got good ingredient kits and nice starter kits.

I've done three homebrews and they've gotten progressively better. If he's making a strong homebrew, though, then he's either getting a special ingredient kit or an alcohol boost. The Austin Brewhouse (online) has the most variety and they give the option of getting an alcohol boost (1%) with your kit. They also do a version of any commercial beer you can think of.

I think its worth the trouble. You get a good quality beer (stick with the ales) and for much cheaper per bottle. Its crucial not to be impatient with the siphon and to be sure to leave all the sediment in the bottom of the carboy when you're ready to bottle. Too much sediment will not only give you gunk it your beer but it will ruin the flavor, turn it bitter as hell. Just follow the directions EXACTLY and you should come out with a great beer. One thing I did in my last batch was use more priming sugar than required, I think 1.5 times the amount they recommend. This will give you more carbonation. I did this because my first brew was a bit flat. But be careful not to add too much. You bottle will explode!