[dlihcsnatas]

The only reason I got into homebrew many years ago was to create a stronger better tasting brew. While I still have found there is much to learn I have created my own formula to beers that can kick some serious rear.
Typical 5 gallon kits make about 4.5 to 5% Alcohol by Volume. This is the same as most american lagers and is considered the standard. So the trick is to create the flavor you are looking for while boosting up the kick. Here is how I did it in the beginning....

Buy a kit that makes the style you are looking for. Some like ambers while others like me like the porters and stouts. The kit will give you the taste you are wanting but we are going to add to that. While at the store go ahead and pick up a pound of corn sugar and an extra 3 or 4 pounds of malt. If you are unsure what kind of malt goes with your kit, open the thing and see what type malts are being used. Of course if all else fails go with amber. Even in a stout the amber added will not make a huge difference.

When it comes to the yeast you will need more than what is in the kit. You can pick up an extra pack of what is in the kit or you can go with a couple packs of another yeast. If you are going to go with a yeast other than what is in the kit I would recommend getting a Belgian yeast or similar yeast with the ability to survive higher alcohol content. Ask your local retailer to see what they carry and recommend.

Now that you have your kit, yeast, sugar, and extra malt you are ready to make something around 9% ABV. Follow your directions in the kit exactly as normal. When boiling your wort add in the sugar and extra malt. Afterwards prep you ferment as instructed. Then when it comes to pitching yeast go with what you have rather than the one pack included in the kit.

Granted that sometimes this added stuff can drive the cost of your 5 gallon batch up to about $40 but consider this, to get a twelve ounce bottle of ale with around 8 or 9% ABV will cost $1 to $2 a bottle. You just made about 53 twelve ounce brews for less than a buck a bottle. The other thing good about it is you can brag to others about how YOU made it.