I enjoy the hobby, if it costs a bit more, so be it. I am guessing any other comments regarding uptick in commercially manufactured beer is off limits? I don't quite understand why, as they are probably paying more for their ingredients as well. As I said, I enjoy the hobby, so paying a bit more is ok with me. I usually get about 40 12 ounce bottles out of my batch. Most batches are in the 40 to 50 dollar range in just ingredients. I don't count my time as I don't think it is right to do so. I also don't count the water, which is a huge part of this hobby in both making it, cleaning up after it and the other stuff we use it for. For me, like fixing up an old car, you have to weigh the cost versus the enjoyment of the time spent. Well worth it in my opinion