First impressions are outstanding. MJ have gone to some length to create a quasi-craft brew experience with high quality malt, yeast and dry hops. One gripe: The pouch may yield better product to the consumer, but its design ineeds work. It is very difficult to access the instructions without opening the extract part of the pouch. Not that there is any special wizardry therein, so no matter for experienced brewers.
A gift from my darling wife so made with 1kg lhbs brew enhancer she provided (seems to be coopers no 2 clone) plus an extra 320g ldme, as it was dark enough, but not stout enough already for my taste. The galena hops included smell divine! Tasting out of the fv gives intense dark malt character, strong roasted grain backbone and sufficient tannin to indicate this should be well aged. Hop presence is too strong at this stage, but this will be necessary to survive lengthy ageing. The strong ale yeast worked very effectively, and true to style, left relatively little trace in the final product. I dont expect it to taste the way it should for a few months (unlike the optimistic 3 weeks on the label) but will attempt to update as it goes. Will probably try it with some lactose next time though, as there will certainly be a next time.
update: over 3 months the flavours transitioned well, subtly sweetening and developing beautiful coffee notes. A winter winner.