Is AG really that much cheaper then extract?

bkov · 08-28-2008, 11:01 PM

is AG really much cheaper then exract brewing, if you dont buy your grain in bulk?

squeekysheep · 08-28-2008, 11:10 PM

i just did an ag 5.4 % simple recipe and it was $18 for AG. i would assume in extract i would have spent $28.

TwoHeadsBrewing · 08-28-2008, 11:16 PM

Batch for batch it's cheaper. The only wild card in there is that you have to buy extra equipment to go all grain. If you go cheap on your equipment like I did, you can spend under $100 and get a decent 5 gallon system. My all grain batches run between $20-25, while my extract batches are between $32-40.

If you buy bulk grain you can really save, but then you'll need a grain crusher. All that means is that the more money you spend on the equipment, the longer it will take you to "break even" by saving money on all grain.

drunkatuw · 08-28-2008, 11:22 PM

Most of my 10 gal batches cost around $25:

My last batch was BierMuncher's Cream of 3 Crops:
12 lb base malt x $0.80 ~ $10
4 lb flaked corn = $4
1 lb flaked rice = $1
2 oz hops ~ $4
s-05 yeast x2 = $4
Total = $23, under $12 per 5 gal batch.

**John Beere** · 08-28-2008, 11:24 PM

It really works best when you don't figure cost into the overall equation...

TwoHeadsBrewing · 08-28-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Beere

It really works best when you don't figure cost into the overall equation...

Right, i like that!
"See honey, the reason you think I'm spending too much on eqiupment is that your considering cost into the overall equation. Look, I make beer...and in the end we have beer to drink! Case closed!"

BigEd · 08-28-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkov

is AG really much cheaper then exract brewing, if you dont buy your grain in bulk?

Yes it costs less for the ingrdients but don't do all-grain to save money. Do it to make better beer and have more control over the process. You are going to have to substitute some of your own labor and time for the price difference and like has been mentioned you will need to buy or make additional equipment.

blacklab · 08-28-2008, 11:36 PM

Yes, it really is, discounting the equipment. Even more so if you buy supplies in bulk.

Throw in the gear and you're many, many batches from even.

**Bobby_M** · 08-28-2008, 11:45 PM

Let me put it this way, the costs involved with making good beer are pretty much the same no matter where you get your fermentables from.

One example is fermentation temp control and full boils (which require a large pot and chiller).

After that, a converted cooler and braid will be absorbed after only half a dozen all grain batches.

Tankard · 08-28-2008, 11:46 PM

It'll take time before it becomes cheaper, thanks to the equipment cost. Eventually, yes it will be cheaper.