Bulk Ingredients

[boomtown25]

Since I have no LHBS, I am conspiring to get the cheapest cost I can on ingredients. My plan is to buy 2-4 types of hops in bulk (1lb each at a time), and the local brewery in my area has offered to give me jugs of yeast for free and sell me bulk grains. Their 55 lb 2 row is $45, but oddly enough, their 50 lb maris otter is $45 also. I was also going to buy several lbs of specialty grains online. So, here is my question:

1. Which hops in bulk? 2-3 types
2. Is marris Otter exchangable with 2 row? I have heard this grain is awesome;
3. Which specialty grains could I buy a lb or 2 of that will go a long way?
4. Is there any other that I would be wise to buy in bulk?

 

[Airborneguy]

1. Depends on the beers you like to make. I keep English, Continental, and American bittering hops in bulk.

2. Some would say so, others can tell a difference in taste. I like MO better and rarely have two-row on hand.

3. Can't go wrong with keeping a mid-range crystal/caramel around. I always have wheat on hand also.

4. Consider Vienna, munich, and/or pilsener depending on the beers you like to make.

 

[waldoar15]

It really depends on what you like to brew and drink. But, buying bulk is always the best (cheapest) way to go.

Sometimes I get really, really good deals on Pils or 6 row locally and just brew beers that use those base malts for a while. <shrug> Not like I'm not going to drink them eventually

 

[bigbeergeek]

1. I primarily brew IPAs and Belgian things, so I like to have Columbus, Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe, Amarillo, Northern Brewer and Styrian Goldings.

2. Both are pale base malts, marris otter is a *tad* darker and has a wee bit more grainy flavor

3. Middle of the road crystal malt -- 40L, 60L -- and an off beat crystal malt like caramunich

4. If you like stouts, roasted barley is nice to have around -- it adds nice color to reds etc in small amounts, too. I'm for having some wheat on hand as stated above. Special B, munich, honey malt... so many options. It all boils down to what you like to drink and brew.