Buy it what ever way is the least expensive. When you buy your can of wort also purchase an extra package of Munton's Ale Yeast, just incase...just to have on hand.
When you open the can it is like Molasses, really sticky and smells really good.
We also brewed up a batch of Brewmart Mexican Style Cerveza, Iron Master Irish Stout and Brewmart Chech Pilsner...They were all very inexpensive, easy to make and weren't too bad....We are not beer connoisseurs, so we are easy to please.
We didn't buy anything extra except bottles, caps and a capper....acually since then we have bought several antique cappers...one is from 1920...must have been a Prohibition toy.
Being as your basement is cool maybe try a Lager can/kit...I think that brews at a cooler temp....I am not sure about that tho....ask Masta about that.
Try these easy kits...and if you like it then get into the boil projects with all the fancy chillers and other toys.....these easy kits should get you started.Edited by: Northern Winos