How much money can you actually save if you move from extract to a partial mash? I've made 5 batches at an intermediate level using extract and I want to move into partial mashing. I don't have the space or materials to move to AG yet.
I just like the idea of buying more grains instead of costly extract.
I already have all the gear, doing my first AG brew this weekend.If thats the idea, come to the dark side and go AG!!!
(evil laugh)
You can use LME for a PM beer, though, can't you? I mean nothing says you can't use LME. I know lots of people think LME will give your beer the extract 'twang' but i know some of that has to do with the age of the LME and how much turnover there is at the place you bought it.
Or am i wrong?
Just re-read the post. You're just saying that DME will give you better results, hence the cost being worth it, is that right?
FYI: I've now gone AG and I got a 55lb "account" of grain from my LHBS for $80. I can get the grain for a batch milled in the store from this account as I need it - which will keep it fresh (no grainmill for me... yet). They will also let me take any base grain I might need (hence the $80 price tag, it's for the most expensive grain they have, Marris Otter).
Just because i'm curious. This 'account', did you basically pay for 55lbs of grain and you can take as much at a time as you want until you hit your 55 lb limit? I just want to make sure i understand the process. I'm not close enough to a LHBS to really pull off a deal like that, but i am intrigued.
It'd be pretty sweet to do that with with LME. I mean if you could buy a bulk barrel of it, but could pull from the newest barrel each time you needed some, that'd be pretty cool. Nice way to save money while still getting a fresh product.
FYI: I've now gone AG and I got a 55lb "account" of grain from my LHBS for $80. I can get the grain for a batch milled in the store from this account as I need it - which will keep it fresh (no grain mill for me... yet). They will also let me take any base grain I might need (hence the $80 price tag, it's for the most expensive grain they have, Marris Otter).
55# MO from the group grain buy was $47 delivered. If your keeping score that's 86 cents a pound.
Wow looks like I'm getting hosed here. There's no where in Philly area selling that cheap plus I'd have to get a grain mill (probably end up with one anyway in the long run). Where are you getting 10lb of grain for $8? I want in!
If you're still buying extract as a majority of your fermentable base, I don't think you'll save a ton. Getting away from extract is really the only way to cut cost on raw materials because it is so expensive.
I don't know that I would call it getting hosed exactly. But your feeling that base grains cost 2-3 at LHBS is off-base. I am in the Philly area and both of my LHS charge between $1.20 and $1.40 / lb.
I would love to get a group purchase together. I'm in for 300# or so.
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