Cheapest Place for Ingredience?

[Jaykhjr]

Im very new to the brewing world. I have done wine twice and my first beer is going to be finished with a Mr. beer kit in a few days. I want to try a "from Scratch" recipe but, as a college student, my budget is LOW. I enjoy lighter beers and I'm hoping someone can give me a decent, simplified, list of ingredients, and the CHEAPEST way to get them. Also, I'd like to do a 5 gallon batch.

 

[bernerbrau]

Not a whole lot of variation in price when it comes to beer ingredients, until you start buying bulk. To do that, you'll need to find a buying group in your area.

Until you're ready to go bulk, the ingredients for all-grain are cheaper than extract, but the up front cost is much higher, possibly prohibitive for someone on a shoestring budget.

Check out one of the kits here. They will get you started as cheap as any.

Kits: http://morebeer.com/search/102141/beerwinecoffee/coffeewinebeer/Home_Brew_Starter_Kits
Bottles: http://morebeer.com/view_product/15630//Bottles_-_22_oz_12
Ingredients: http://morebeer.com/search/102144/beerwinecoffee/coffeewinebeer/Ale_-_Room_Temperature_Fermentation

 

[bernerbrau]

Oh also... You're 21, right?

 

[Jaykhjr]

Yes sir I am 21, I was looking at those kits and I believe I have everything that you need as far as hardware (with the exception of the sparging bag). I have a 5 gallon carboy, 4.5 gallon brew pot, siphon, bottles with caps, metal stirring spoon, Potassium metabisulfate for sterilization, It comes milled so I do not need a mill. and those recipe kits simply require me to add yeast, then bottling sugar when the time comes, correct?

One mroe question, do you recommend the Potassium to sanatize? or bleach, san-star etc.?

Thanks alot, I appreciate the help.

 

[studmonk3y]

Use star-san or idophor as a no rinse sanitizer, look into brew in a bag (BIAB) for a cheap way to get into all grain.

 

[Jaykhjr]

Ok I just put in an order for a bottle of star san, and I looked around at them, There is a brewing supply store I may visit this weekend and see if I can get started then. Thanks for the help!

 

[ozzy1038]

Check out BIAB technique for the least expensive way to brew beer and get the benefits of all grain without needing extra equipment.

 

[H-ost]

And unless you want to clean up a mess you need at least a 6 gallon fermenter. I did my first batch in a 5 gallon carboy (on accident), it shot to the roof and i feel like a blowoff hose wouldn't have helped much it was pretty violent.

 

[Jaykhjr]

Good idea, I found 3 used 6 gallon carboys with thermometers for 10 dollars each. i am going to get all three

 

[blizzard]

Good idea, I found 3 used 6 gallon carboys with thermometers for 10 dollars each. i am going to get all three

That's a smoking deal. Definitely pick those up.

 

[cincydave]

You might look at Northern Brewer. Their kits look well priced. Several under 20 bucks, especially since you like lighter brews. $7.99 flat rate shipping on entire order.
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...its/extract-ale-kits.html?dir=asc&order=price