I'd use a kit. You'd be surprised how good a product you can turn out with them. More than a few of them have turned out award winners at contests and the State Fair. You'll need some equipment, like a decent sized carboy and the like, but they're all readily available through the internet or take a trip to Castleton to Great Fermentations and pick up everything you need, including advice, from Anita and the crew, (they also do beer making).