Can i substitute something for malt extact?

[garvinator70]

Malt extract is high here. In DFW.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Are you asking if there's something you can use instead of extract because extract is so expensive?

Sugar is cheaper, and would be good for some beers when used in relatively small portions, but other beers you wouldn't want to use it. And while it can be good in some beers with restraint, if you use too much it'll be detrimental to any beer. You willl still need to the majority of the fermentables to come from extract.

Base malts are cheaper, and substituting some of the extract for base malt and doing a small partial mash wouldn't be difficult. There's a tutorial here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/easy-partial-mash-brewing-pics-75231/

But unless you're willing to jump to all-grain, you are going to have to pay for extract.

 

[MaxStout]

Perhaps check out some of the area brewing clubs. Some clubs do group buys of materials and it might be a good way to stock up at a reduced price. And meet some other brewers, too.

 

[jrgtr42]

Depends on what you're looking at it for.
First, I should ask if you're talking about DME or LME? Around here, Boston MA, DME is less expensive than LME, I think.
If you're talking about using it in your boil, you can use sugar, but you're not going to get the "beer" flavor from it. You can boil sugar and hops, and throw in yeast, you will get a fermented product, but I don't know if it'll be drinkable.
If you want it for priming, yes, sugar is fine.
You're talking about brewing, well, you can go all-grain, the ingredient calls are lower, but you will be investing in equipment to do that.

 

[MaxStout]

You could go brew in a bag (BIAB). It's all-grain done in a single vessel (your brew kettle). Basically all you need is a cloth bag for the grain, and a good thermometer to monitor mash temps.

 

[unionrdr]

Or take a look at the gluten free forum below this one. they use sorghum & the like to brew with. that might be cheaper for you.

 

[garvinator70]

Or take a look at the gluten free forum below this one. they use sorghum & the like to brew with. that might be cheaper for you.

thanks I was thinking sorghum .

 

[garvinator70]

Or take a look at the gluten free forum below this one. they use sorghum & the like to brew with. that might be cheaper for you.

I didn't see a forum below this one . Thanks.

 

[garvinator70]

Depends on what you're looking at it for. First, I should ask if you're talking about DME or LME? Around here, Boston MA, DME is less expensive than LME, I think. If you're talking about using it in your boil, you can use sugar, but you're not going to get the "beer" flavor from it. You can boil sugar and hops, and throw in yeast, you will get a fermented product, but I don't know if it'll be drinkable. If you want it for priming, yes, sugar is fine. You're talking about brewing, well, you can go all-grain, the ingredient calls are lower, but you will be investing in equipment to do that.

can you use dry malt extract in place of LMX. ?

 

[E_Marquez]

can you use dry malt extract in place of LMX. ?

LMX? Or do you mean LME?
LME = Liquid Malt Extract
DME= Dry Malt Extract

Functionally the same thing.

LME has water weight, vs the dry, so different amounts of each are used to account for that and get a like finial effect .

DME at Austin Homebrew Supply is $3.99 a lb ... or $10.49 if you're buying a 3lb bag

 

[garvinator70]

LMX? Or do you mean LME? LME = Liquid Malt Extract DME= Dry Malt Extract Functionally the same thing. LME has water weight, vs the dry, so different amounts of each are used to account for that and get a like finial effect . DME at Austin Homebrew Supply is $3.99 a lb ... or $10.49 if you're buying a 3lb bag

yes that's what I meant ! I figured the cost both ways it would be about the same .
3.99 times 6 lbs. # 24$ and two three pound LME 24.00 you may use a half a pound less using DME. Not saving much?

 

[E_Marquez]

yes that's what I meant ! I figured the cost both ways it would be about the same .
3.99 times 6 lbs. # 24$ and two three pound LME 24.00 you may use a half a pound less using DME. Not saving much?

You're correct.. so a small 5gal amber ale partial mash recipe from ABHS uses
7lb of LME amber LME or 6 lb amber DME in the recipe


At AHBS the two different Malt extracts cost virtually the same.

Only shipping weight might cause a difference in final price.

With AHBS running the flat rate $6.99 shipping deal and or free shipping on a recipe.... shipping weight really does not factor in much.

 

[unionrdr]

I didn't see a forum below this one . Thanks.

Are you kidding me?!! go to the red stripe at the top of the page,click on "forums". There's a whole big long page of forums on here to choose from.
It's the 6th one from the top,"Gluten Free Brewing". Easy.