my LHBS convinced me not to jump into all grain....for now...
He won me over with his arguments about all the extra equipment and the lack of consistency. Also, a pretty damn good beer can be made with quality extract and steeping grains.
Sill, I'm a geek, so I'll probably dip my toe into the all grain mash tun eventually.
There is a certain mystery with brewing all grain vs. extract, despite everyones efforts. The reality is, it's not that hard once you understand what's going on.
1. Heat up some water.
2. Add hot water to cracked grain.
3. Wait 60 minutes.
4. Drain.
At this point you have your "extract" and it's already mixed with the water (BONUS!) It's true there are a few pieces of equipment that you need to buy, but they are readily available and verrry easy to make your self. Of course, as many of the posts on this site will indicate, you can obviously go to the extreme and get very complex (and expensive) very quickly.
"Lack of consistency" is a poor way to describe it, IMO. I prefer to see that as one of the benefits. Slight variations from batch to batch keep things interesting. Personally, if I ever got to the point where I said "Wow... this beer tastes absolutely identical to the previous 10 times I made it..." I would probably stop making that beer.
As far as a LHBS talking you into, or out of, anything... buyer beware. Not to say they are all crooked or out to get you, but you need to remember they "in the business" of selling you what they have in the store. Sometimes they will sell you something more expensive because it's more "convenient", which may be true.... but it's also pretty convenient to drive to the store and pick up a 12 pack.... but what fun is that?
Last edited by HomebrewJeff; 07-03-2009 at 02:30 AM.
my LHBS convinced me not to jump into all grain....for now...
He won me over with his arguments about all the extra equipment and the lack of consistency. Also, a pretty damn good beer can be made with quality extract and steeping grains.
Sill, I'm a geek, so I'll probably dip my toe into the all grain mash tun eventually.
Well, I'm a petite middle aged non-geek. The first 3-4 months I was here on this forum, I said things like, "I'll never go AG, but maybe I'll do PM" because I was intimidated by some of the "geekitude" things like mash ph, equipment, etc.
Let me just say that there is nothing to be intimidated about, and I NEVER have a lack of consistency. Just the opposite, in fact. Extract may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and so can the other ingredients. It's cheaper to buy grain in bulk, it's more consistent to use your own equipment and procedures, and it makes better beer.
Yes, you can make some award winning beers with extract. But, many of us can taste a beer and say, "oh, an extract beer" because many times the extract has a certain taste that lingers in the mouthfeel. Not that it's bad, but it's discernible. Many of us can make a beer that rivals a commercial microbrew, and oftentimes even better.
If you're happy with your beers, there is no reason to change it because we think the beer may be better. If YOU'RE wanting better beer, though, don't let your homebrew store dissuade you. It's not hard, it's just a bit more time consuming. Since it's my hobby, I don't mind the extra time.
__________________ Broken Leg Brewery
Giving beer a leg to stand on since 2006
You call me a dog well that's fair enough 'Cause it ain't no use to pretend You're wrong
But when it's my time to throw The next stone I'll call you beautiful if I call at all
Over the course of the last 9 or 10 months, I have brewed beer many different ways. Extract w/ steeping, partial mash, and all-grain. All-grain is my preferred method. Does it take longer? Yes. Is it more work? Yes. Is it worth the extra effort? Yes!
Just like homemade spaghetti sauce is better than Prego, beer made from scratch is more satisfying than beer made from pre-made ingredients. Make it from scratch once, you'll taste the difference.
The cost difference is huge. 2 cases of craft beer for $20? Yes, please. If you buy in bulk, it's even cheaper.
There is also a feeling of pride that comes with all-grain brewing. Each sip is just so satisfying. All of the mystery is gone. It's just you and YOUR beer. It's so good.
I think I'll grab another.
Last edited by LakeErieBrew; 07-03-2009 at 04:34 AM.
Reason: I remembered how to speak English
Brew beer like it is supposed to be brewed! All Grain tests the skill and knowledge of a homebrewer! This is how craft brewers do it! I strive for making the best product I can and that is why I brew all grain.
Mix crushed grain w/ 168 degree water (@ 1.25 qt. per lb) in cooler to achieve 152 mash temp.
Wait one hour and drain tun.
Add 185 degree water, stir, vorlaugh and drain.
repeat above step w/ enough water to fill kettle to pre boil volume.
Boil w/ hop additions, add whirfloc at 5 - 7 min.
Cool Wort and pitch yeast.
That's pretty much it...don't let the details and the numbers make you crazy. It is only as ccomplicated as you make it or want it to be!
Oh, also w/ 5 lbs of bulk hops in the freezer purchased for a song, dry yeast, and grain by the sack, quality brew at laughable prices! Say $2 a gallon.
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Last edited by wilserbrewer; 07-03-2009 at 04:47 AM.
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