"Adam Lang" > wrote in message
...
> The brew king kits typically are a 4-6 week turn around, according to
> instructions.
>
> "Mark Garwatoski" > wrote in message
> news
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have been making beer for over 10yrs and mead for about two. My father
> has
> > been harassing me to make a batch of Merlot. I think I'm about to
finally
> > break down and get a Brew King Select kit and get it started. I plan to
> make
> > it per the instructions for the first time and rack onto marbles to
yield
> a
> > low headspace after racking.
> >
> > Is it to late to start a kit and still be in bottles by xmas? I don't
mind
> > telling him to let it age 3-6 months in the bottle. I basically have no
> idea
> > how long wine takes but I make meads and Lambics that I make and forget
> > about for 12-18months so I know the drill and can wait if needed.
> >
> > Is the yeast provided adequate or should I use a liquid strain?
> >
> > Thanks for any input,
> >
> > Mark
> >


IMHO, Christmas should be fine. If you start in June, bottle in September
you will have 90 days in the bottle. Longer is better but 90 days will
suffice (I've made about 20 brew king kits).

The supplied yeast is fine too IMO. You might consider adding some oak to
your primary if you like an oaky flavor and/or add some tannin. Also, there
is a range of SG to which you dilute with water. Dilute to the high end
(less water) for a better result (in fact, I have reduced the water to 5.75
US gallons total volume with good results).

Good Luck,
--
KB