Almost all shipping in Canada today gets ridiculous, so local, particularly for bulky items, is usually best. Our small, local suppliers can't keep everything in stock, but the more we support them, the better they can get. Prairie is a prime example. His stock has expanded dramatically over the last few years that I have been supporting him. If you can drive there, or better still, have business in Regina, it's a total win.
I still have to order stuff that he doesn't carry from OBK or other suppliers, but in general, the shipping is equal to 1/3 to 1/2 of the cost. I think Kevin would order it for me, probably at competitive prices, but between trip co-ordination and impatience it's easier to order from OBK. That's the price I pay.
You're new to this. You don't want to get burned. But a local supplier who will give you the best advice he can, for your level of experience, is invaluable. He wants to get your return business - if you have a problem, he will want to address it. Don't feel intimidated, ask questions, let him know where you're coming from. The more he can help you, the better chance he has of you coming back. Keep reading these posts. Keep asking questions here. It will help filter the
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When you say you want to start with extract, even that is open to interpretation. At the simplest, this would be a kit. Although that is where I started, I wouldn't recommend it. If you must, at least read up on temperature control during fermentation and use dry malt extract instead of dextrose. That way, at least you might get something drinkable out of it. Again, if you must, do it once to understand basic fermentation and bottling, then move on.
With true extract brewing, you are using either dry or liquid malt. The biggest difference between the two is the shipping price and age. If you have to get it shipped, dry is cheaper to ship and lasts longer without deterioration. Prairie doesn't offer true bulk (25 kg), but OBK no longer quotes shipping price on-line. With local supply, you know what you get, with on-line it takes more digging. If you can get it locally, liquid may be cheaper, but it doesn't age as well - look at expiry dates.
The choice of hops and timing are yours. This is more complex than kits and gives you more control of your final product. To start with, you will be using hops by the oz. rather than lb. range. Hopefully Prairie can supply all of the hops you need. When you get more experience, you may want to try hops they don't carry. Get out on the internet, and find what you need. If you settle on a hop you really like, go for bulk from
https://northwesthopfarms.com/ or
http://chilliwackhopfarms.com/shop/ Even with shipping, their prices are competitive.
When you are getting started, your recipes should be as simple as possible. If you identify something you don't like or something you like more of, concentrate on one change at a time.
Just get started. Ask us for advice - there is no stupid question, except for the one that isn't asked. Above all, learn how to use the search function on this site!
Good brewing!
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