Purchasing Bulk Grains for Multiple Recipes

MissKellerweis · 07-26-2009, 12:06 AM

I am about to start my first AG batch. I am planning to brew a variety of types and the two on my upcoming list are this pumpkin ale and most likely an oatmeal stout. I was looking at buying something in bulk and was wondering if this domestic 2-row was okay. If not, what would be a good base malt to start with? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, thanks!

Rick500 · 07-26-2009, 12:13 AM

You might want to check out the following links first... flat-rate shipping applies and probably will make it less expensive than from the link you posted:

Brewmaster's Warehouse

Austin Homebrew Supply

Tech211 · 07-26-2009, 12:14 AM

No one has ever complained about Great Western as far as I know. Regardless, if you are buying a sack and live in upstate NY, look at North Country. It's cheaper and close to you.

jdinger29 · 07-26-2009, 03:18 AM

The only thing I would say is the Oatmeal Stout is typically made with a British Base malt. If you aren't entering in competition than I say go for the domestic base, otherwise call your pumpkin ale an English Style Pumpkin Ale and buy a British Malt. I really like the Brewmaster's Warehouse, they put everything together for you, very handy!

The Pol · 07-26-2009, 12:59 PM

Yeah, unless you are entering a comp. the domestic 2-row will do nearly anything you need for a base malt. I typically use 2-Row as my #1 base, Maris Otter as my #2, and Pilsner as my #3.

This year I actually planned out all of the major brews that I wanted to accomplish in the coming 12 months. Give or take. I input all of the recipes into a spreadhseet, all of the ingredients, then placed an order at Brewmasters Warehouse for ALL of it at one time.

Planning helps reduce cost, so if you can think that far ahead, you may be able to come up with some bulk quantities.

KayaBrew · 07-26-2009, 01:19 PM

I can't say enough about Brewmaster's Warehouse. They are by far the cheapest, and you get PERSONAL service from Ed. That being said, I'd go with American 2-Row. BTW, where in NY are you?

**ajf** · 07-26-2009, 02:19 PM

I'd agree that 2 row is the way to go for a bulk purchase. The only problem is the shipping cost.
Some places give you a discount for the sack, but charge exorbitant amounts for shipping. Other places charge more for the sack, but give you flat rate shipping.
The closer you are to the distributor, the less the shipping costs should be.
You may also be able to buy from a local brew pub or your LHBS. I bought 2 sacks of Maris Otter last month from my LHBS. It cost me $106.00. It would cost me $177.53 from Brewmasters Warehouse.
I'd definitely check out The Country Malt Group where you may get some good shipping rates.

-a.

The Pol · 07-26-2009, 02:23 PM

If you can find a HBS within 100 miles that sells sacks of grain, which most do for 38-42 bucks per 50lb sack, you are golden.

Rick500 · 07-26-2009, 04:23 PM

Shipping cost is an issue, but not with brewmasterswarehouse.com and austinhomebrew.com ... It's $6.99 or $7.99 flat-rate shipping even for 50 pound bags of grain.

jdinger29 · 07-26-2009, 05:52 PM

When you buy in bulk, what do you store the grain in? The Pol, I would love to buy a years worth of base malt (especially considering how far I live from "Local" home brew shop.) I would have no idea how to store it though... Any tips?