All Grain - why not?

[fatmoose]

That sounds very high. Have you tried MidCountry Malt?

No, I have not. I'll give them I try when I get around to ordering a 50 pounder. Thanks!

 

[fatmoose]

No, I have not. I'll give them I try when I get around to ordering a 50 pounder. Thanks!

Just checked in on this, BTW, and it seems for me to buy a 55 pound bag from them with shipping would make it more expensive than to buy it locally. Guess I'll have to see if I can get in on a group buy in Minneapolis at some point in time.

 

[Minky]

One major drawback to extract brewing is not knowing the specific grains that the extract was made from. You can buy light, medium, or dark extracts and get your color right, but maybe not the flavor profile you're looking for.

There are some great extract/specialty grain recipes out there, and even some extracts made from specialty base grains like Munich, for example, but it may take much experimentation to develop an extract recipe that meets your expectations.

The signature flavors of some beers may only be attainable by mashing.

 

[cenla]

I spent about $50 on stuff for my AG setup which I would not have spent if I went extract. Really, I made a mash tun out of a 20 dollar cooler and $30 on parts from home depot. I don't see why everyone doesn't do AG and why the extract side of the hobby exists at all.

well, for me it's either extract or nothing. I don't have the time and I don't have the gear. Our kitchen is suitable for extract, but I'd need to get a propane burner, tank, etc... in able to do AG.

And then there's the kids. (2 and 4). They're intensely curious and the wife strangely expects me to help out when I have time off.

and yes, malt extract is expensive but the total cost of buying the necessary ingredients for an extract brew is still less than buying a case of a decent ale in my area.

Then again, I could go back to drinking Miller High Life.

 

[weirdboy]

well, for me it's either extract or nothing. I don't have the time and I don't have the gear. Our kitchen is suitable for extract, but I'd need to get a propane burner, tank, etc... in able to do AG.

I have done plenty of AG batches in my apartment kitchen, both of the BIAB variety as well as the full gamut using a mash tun, etc.

You might take a look at this thread:

Easy Stovetop All-Grain Brewing

That's not the only way to get it done, but it's a decent system.

 

[cenla]

I have done plenty of AG batches in my apartment kitchen, both of the BIAB variety as well as the full gamut using a mash tun, etc.

You might take a look at this thread:

Easy Stovetop All-Grain Brewing

That's not the only way to get it done, but it's a decent system.

thanks for the link!

 

[dracus]

I've done a few stove top AG batches. While not ideal, I have done a full boil on my electric stove. I had to use two burners and it took forever but I did work.

 

[HomelessWook]

space is a factor

time can also be a factor

and of course equipment

 

[kappclark]

AG is fun for experimenting ... I am now tasting an ale I made from just a base grain of Marris Otter and Amarillo hops... not bad, if I do say so myself - but it has me thinking about what effect this ingredient or that wld have on the taste...it helps me focus on the ingredients...

The process is full of discovery..sure, we can follow a cook book, but when we add our imagination, the fun really begins..

 

[Synovia]

Wow, you're either paying way too much for grains or had a really cheap extract supplier. The cost difference for me was far more. Each batch of extract was costing me 30-40 bucks. AG batches for me average $20.

I've heard people brewing really great extract batches. I could not make one I thought was that great. AG is the way to go for me. I don't mind the small amount of extra time for beer that tastes better.

With Bulk Hops, I'm at about $8-10 for a nice pale ale. Still can't get extract below about 25. Thats 200% MORE expensive.

 

[Synovia]

Going all grain can also increase the amount you spend on the hobby. A simple 20 qt stock pot can be used for extract and steeping.

No, it really can't. Doing full boils will significantly increase the quality of your beer. AFAIC, every extract brewer who can, should be doing full boils.

Yeah, you need the big pot for AG, but you really should already have it.