Newest Threads

crammer · 11-03-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabledawg

I order from http://www.ebrew.com/ It is 2 hours away, about the closet thing I have to a LHBS

These guys are my primary source since they are 5 minutes away but I have also ordered kits from NB, Austin and Williams.

SMOKEU · 11-03-2009, 05:30 AM

Pak 'n Save. They're the cheapest.

zinger084 · 11-03-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reedwalker

Ditch the kits!!!!!

...funny you say that... my last recipie was shot from the hip while at my LHBS:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/random-recipie-what-do-you-think-142915/

who knows how it will come out, but it smelled awesome...

blackcows · 11-03-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reedwalker

Ditch the kits!!!!!

Buy some bulk hops and bulk DME. You'll save 50% or more this way.

I won't claim to be an expert but with many kits costing as low as $20 to $25 I am not sure how you can save 50% or more buying in bulk...what kind of quantites are you purchasing that you are realizing these savings?

Mike

justflow1983 · 11-03-2009, 11:58 AM

I find that buying the ingredients separately is somewhat more expensive than the kits, but results in far better beer.

Reedwalker · 11-04-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justflow1983

I find that buying the ingredients separately is somewhat more expensive than the kits, but results in far better beer.

Buy bulk.

DME when bought in 50# sacks cost $2.32/lb (inluding shipping)

Hops bought 3#'s at a time cost $0.77/oz (including shipping)

Bulk LME at the LHBS is $2.49/lb or $1.99/lb w/ coupon.

There is no way kits do it for less if you plan ahead.

I'm not trying to poopoo kits here. They are convenient. Grab the box, fill the pot, stir. You can get a brew session done quickly and you can pretty much know the results will be good. It's also an easy way to get a clone of a brew you really like. Please don't get me wrong. I like kits and use them. I just think they can be a barrier in the way of your own creativity and growth as a brewer.

Glockster · 11-04-2009, 12:10 PM

I have switched to Austin Homebrew! I can select the style of beer I want and it comes packaged and ready to go! Prices are right!

FxdGrMind · 11-04-2009, 01:24 PM

I've bought from my LHBS. Great source of info and good recipies. They are happy to modify their "Kits" to my likeing and only charging me for what I buy (I remove Bottleing suggar and yeast as I Keg and have my own yeast). Great service!

Pete79 · 11-04-2009, 10:47 PM

I have had great experiences with the kits from Austin Homebrew. It is more fun to make your own recipes though.

alexavery · 11-05-2009, 04:39 PM

midwestsupplies.com so far for me. I live in the midwest, so they are pretty close. Prices are very competitive too.