What's the thinking on Austin's new AHS Advanced ?
 

"The Advanced Recipe Kits are for the all grain homebrewer that buys their base grain in bulk. These kits make 5 gallons of beer and are based on our top selling recipes. Each recipe includes specialty grains, hops, and flavoring when needed, but do not include base grains. You will need 10.75 lb of 2-row for this recipe (not included)."

I have been experimenting with yeast and my own recipes, but this seems like a genius idea from them, eh?

What say the masses?

:rockin:

I like the idea. Especially if it saves a bunch on shipping. I haven't ordered from them in awhile, but my last 2 all grain kit orders from other companies, that don't do flat rate, have cost me about $20 in shipping. That's almost enough to buy a whole kit!

I find it interesting, because technically they will be taking money out of their own pockets by not requiring you to buy the grain from them in kits. Maybe they will pick up some new business from people who wouldn't normally buy from them, but still seems like there is a possibility for losing money overall.

Otherwise, I think its a good idea. A lot of people do buy in bulk, and/or have LHBS with good grain prices they like to support, or just simply don't want to pay shipping on 10+ pounds of grain.

I looked at it on their website because of this thread. I like the idea but I do not get the pricing: $10 for 2.25# of specialty grains (flaked corn) and 1 oz of a common hop (brewer gold)? Referring to Texas ale.
super pricey.

You hit on what I was thinking- it seems a good deal if you're used to paying extra shipping for that 10# of 2row, but if the shipping is fixed and the discount from the norm kit$ is <$2 per lb of base grain, is it a deal?
Not so much, is my thinking.

I guess it's a good idea if you don't have a LHBS and can get bulk grain. I just don't order yeast online in the warmer months, so the kits aren't that attractive to me.

Double Chocolate Stout looks like a good deal.

Or they might be saving money since they have flat rate shipping.

Not to hi-jack the thread, but I brewed AHS's Double Chocolate Stout last year and it was awesome (partial mash kit).

I order from AHS a lot and have been very pleased.

Not to hijack either, but how are the AHS Stone IPA and Stone Pale Ale clones?