Cheapest place to buy bulk grains?

[dsaavedra]

I've tried searching for this topic but it looks like most of the threads are a bit outdated and most of the prices thrown around aren't accurate anymore and some of the sources don't even exist anymore.

So I am looking for a more up to date source of cheap bulk grains. I realize that group buys on pallets of grain will be the cheapest option for sure, but what are some cheap options for just picking up a sack of grain?

My LHBS sells a sack of 2-row for $51 ($1.02/lb). I know some online suppliers charge significantly cheaper than that but it seems that once you pay shipping it would actually be cheaper to get it from the LHBS.

Any online sources that are cheaper than ~$50 including shipping?

 

[Beersnob16]

I have used www.Ritebrew.com with great results. Shipping will vary depending on where you are though. I pay about $60 for a 50 lb bag of 2 row shipped to the house which is reasonable as the only lhbs is about 45 mins away and will not sell in bulk.

 

[m00ps]

id reccomend checking out your local brewery. I have 2 near me that ive brought my beers for them to sample and they are glad to let me grab a few sacks of malts now and then. Wholesale prices plus no shipping costs

 

[dsaavedra]

id reccomend checking out your local brewery. I have 2 near me that ive brought my beers for them to sample and they are glad to let me grab a few sacks of malts now and then. Wholesale prices plus no shipping costs

There are a few craft breweries near me and I have considered giving them a call or just going there and asking if they would be willing to let me buy a few sacks of grain. What do they usually charge you?

 

[m00ps]

I get a sack of wheat, 2row or pilsner for $25 each last time I picked stuff up

 

[brewerJase]

You could see if there are any local grain wholesalers. I get 2-row for $32 Canadian.

 

[wilserbrewer]

There are a few craft breweries near me and I have considered giving them a call or just going there and asking if they would be willing to let me buy a few sacks of grain. What do they usually charge you?

I think your chances of success will be higher if you actually go there and develop a relationship of sorts.

Selling grain to you at cost is a favor, perhaps you could do something for them???

 

[dsaavedra]

How do you get to know the brewers a bit? I feel like if I were to go into the taproom to hangout I'd only ever get to know the servers.

 

[BPO]

I have also bought from a local brewer before. It makes the grain cost around $0.40-.$050 a lb. Last time we bought grain this way, there was a group and we tried to make it as painless as possible for the brewery. we tried to buy the same stuff they used and we bought enough for a year. I still have (a life time supply)about 20 lbs of crystal 40.

 

[djt17]

How do you get to know the brewers a bit? I feel like if I were to go into the taproom to hangout I'd only ever get to know the servers.

That's a start; the couple of tap rooms I go to frequently also have the owner/brewer serving as well.

 

[m00ps]

How do you get to know the brewers a bit? I feel like if I were to go into the taproom to hangout I'd only ever get to know the servers.

I walked in with a cold 6pack for them to try. Got a lot of confused looks from people. Now, I bring them some of everything i make. One of them has an amazingly discerning palate