Questions about buying grains in bulk

**remthewanderer** · 01-28-2012, 06:59 PM

I'm slowly making moves that will allow me to brew all grain batches by the spring. My Christmas present from my family was a penrose kettle from the brewhemouth guys. I'm super excited about it!

At some point I'm going to get involved in my local group grain buy for a 50lb sack of 2 row or other base grain. I want to supplement this with a few different types of speciality grains.

Ignoring the types of speciality grain that I should buy, what is the best way to buy speciality grains? I don't think I would be able to use up a 50lb sack of any variety of speciality grains.

As an extract brewer, I make a mean kolsch and a really nice Irish stout. I'm working on a good pale ale recipe right now. I want to be able to brew these three beers once I move to all grain, and from what I can tell there is no real overlap in the grains used.

**Hammy71** · 01-28-2012, 07:13 PM

As a general rule I buy 2-row and hops in bulk. The specialty grains I just get at my LHBS. I usually buy at least a pound extra, so I have some stock at home. Like you said, I can't see my self going through 50# of Crystal malt in enough time to ensure its freshness. Some group buys will let you buy in 10# increments for specialty grains. If you have that option, I would suggest you go for that.