Coopers revolutionised home brewing in the 1970s by perfecting DIY Beer concentratesand now that they are the world’s largest producer of brew at home kits they continue to work to make good beer easier to make yourself at home.

Now, a new generation DIY Beer kit, designed by Coopers and manufactured in Adelaide by Seeley International, is being sold to beer connoisseurs around the world.

The Marketing Manager Brewing Products for Coopers, Mr Scott Harris, said an estimated 30,000 DIY Beer kits would be produced and sold in the next 12 months, with strong demand expected from overseas brewers.

“The new DIY Beer kits have been designed to overcome most of the problems encountered by people making their own beer, especially new brewers,” he said.

“They are simpler to use, very reliable and easier to clean. They also include a DVD ROM that not only takes people through the simple steps involved in brewing with their DIY Beer kits but also contains links to interesting sites, tips and hints for the new brewer.

“We think they will encourage more people to enjoy the experience of producing their own quality beer.”

Mr Harris said one of the keys to the new DIY Beer kits was the redesigned micro fermenter which overcame many of the problems experienced by novice brewers.

“The new fermenters are easier to clean and sterilise, reducing the chances of contamination spoiling a brew. They also reduce sedimentation and use a special collar and “floating” lid arrangement instead of an airlock to enable vigorous brews to expand while fermenting without spilling,” he said.

“Another breakthrough has been the development of a plastic hydrometer specifically made for beer that is used to measure alcohol content. This replaces the fragile glass hydrometers provided previously.

“These design features overcome the majority of problems that new brewers experience.”

Mr Harris said the DIY Beer kits had already attracted strong interest from around the world through the new website www.DIYBeer.com.au.

For your chance to win a DIY Beer Kit courtesy of Coopers, simply visit DIYBeer.com.au and tell us what’s written on the wall behind the DIYBeer picture.

Email entries to the editor with DIY Beer in the subject line. Entries close 5pm Christmas Eve, winner announced January 28. Entries are limited to Australian residents only.