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**swackattack** · 06-09-2012, 01:21 PM

Trying to save money on a hobby is a fools errand

**mikescooling** · 06-09-2012, 01:25 PM

If I paid 40$ per case and each 10gal batch was 5 cases and did that 5 times I could cover all my gear, grain and hops. BUT, I give beer away all the time. So I am wastful. It's not about the money, it's about the journey.

kh54s10 · 06-09-2012, 01:39 PM

You can save money brewing your own beer....

You will have to stop buying new equipment, probably brew all grain, and buy bulk grains.

........eventually...........

I was at that point, then I added a utility sink on my porch for cleaning my gear. Next up is a 4-5 carboy sized fermentation chamber. Maybe two zoned so I can do lagers and ales at the same time. Well, there goes the savings.

phenry · 06-09-2012, 01:54 PM

I try to keep my brewing costs down if possible, but I'm really not concerned about the bottom line when everything is considered. I don't buy much commercial beer anymore though, so I guess no longer dropping ~$10 a 6 pack or ~$8 a 750ml helps things quite a bit.

**lschiavo** · 06-09-2012, 02:03 PM

Brewing is a great way to spend a Monday

runt23 · 06-09-2012, 02:04 PM

Great input guys! Thanks. I'm not about to stop because I will probably spend more on equipment. I think it's nice to know that I COULD save money if I were to stop buying equipment. If I am running low on money, its nice to know I could spend less than a case of beer and be set for a few weeks after.

Luckily I am getting a freezer from my sister for free to make a keezer. I will try not to buy equipment unless I need it and just keep my eyes open for deals.

Thanks for the imput

runt23 · 06-09-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lschiavo

Brewing is a great way to spend a Monday

haha it was 3am and I just couldnt get brewing off of my mind

**ktblunden** · 06-09-2012, 02:54 PM

I figured out the other day that I can buy a case of Ruination directly from Stone for $60. On the other hand, I can brew two cases of a clone for about $35 in materials. That's pretty damn awesome. I try not to think about how much I've put into equipment. I just write all that off as "sunk costs."

CBXBob · 06-09-2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper

It's a hobby, and it's cheaper than owning a plane as a hobby.

Or vintage motorcycles, I stopped keeping track of what I spend on those!

I think if you stay bare bones on the equipment, only bottle, (with recycled bottles), you can totally save money and drink really good beer.
But as a hobby, ain't no way your going to save money, but you'll have a lot of fun, and drink good beer too

**unionrdr** · 06-09-2012, 08:01 PM

I'm like that. I've got a couple hudred in equipment & can do 2 5-6 Gallon batches at a time. An IPA with 6oz of hops runs about .57c per bottle. That's pretty frugal. An average pale ale about 45c per bottle. I use recycled bottles Wit o2 barrier caps I get good beer without all the bells & whistels.