Is AG reaally worth it?

[BangorBrewer]

It seems to be like there is a certain elitism about brewing all-grain. I wouldn't really know what AG beer tastes like, but the extract brews I have been making over the last year-and-a-half have been spectacular. There is no doubt in my mind that brewing AG puts you in the driver seat, but I think sometimes not enough credit goes out to those of us who can only afford--for a number of reasons--to brew with extract. I know I often get some of the freshest extract going, either from listermann's or elsewhere--and my brews taste fresh, rarely have any sort of twang and are well-regarded by those who try them. I, however, would be remiss if I didn't mention the envy I have for those of you who can brew AG. I really think you guys are artists in a lot of different ways, from the way you set up your breweries to the recipes you concoct.

Just my two cents, but I often feel marginalized for being an extract brewer.

 

[bradsul]

...but I often feel marginalized for being an extract brewer.

It would never be the intention of anyone on HBT to make you feel that way. This is absolutely the friendliest forum on the internet I've ever been on. AG brewing just has a way of getting under your skin and you can't help but talk about nothing else.

For me extract brewing was actually too expensive, a batch was costing me about $50CDN compared to about $25CDN for my AG batches. Both of those can be reduced by about $8 if I use a dry yeast. But for me my goal was always AG brewing anyway.

 

[abracadabra]

It seems to be like there is a certain elitism about brewing all-grain. I wouldn't really know what AG beer tastes like, but the extract brews I have been making over the last year-and-a-half have been spectacular. There is no doubt in my mind that brewing AG puts you in the driver seat, but I think sometimes not enough credit goes out to those of us who can only afford--for a number of reasons--to brew with extract. I know I often get some of the freshest extract going, either from listermann's or elsewhere--and my brews taste fresh, rarely have any sort of twang and are well-regarded by those who try them. I, however, would be remiss if I didn't mention the envy I have for those of you who can brew AG. I really think you guys are artists in a lot of different ways, from the way you set up your breweries to the recipes you concoct.

Just my two cents, but I often feel marginalized for being an extract brewer.

You are giving us way too much credit. It's really not that big a deal. But you can make it a BFD if you'd like. And you're right on the money about certain individuals being EAC's. But the vast majortiy are really nice helpful people you'd be proud to call your friends.

 

[PseudoChef]

It seems to be like there is a certain elitism about brewing all-grain. I wouldn't really know what AG beer tastes like, but the extract brews I have been making over the last year-and-a-half have been spectacular. There is no doubt in my mind that brewing AG puts you in the driver seat, but I think sometimes not enough credit goes out to those of us who can only afford--for a number of reasons--to brew with extract. I know I often get some of the freshest extract going, either from listermann's or elsewhere--and my brews taste fresh, rarely have any sort of twang and are well-regarded by those who try them. I, however, would be remiss if I didn't mention the envy I have for those of you who can brew AG. I really think you guys are artists in a lot of different ways, from the way you set up your breweries to the recipes you concoct.

Just my two cents, but I often feel marginalized for being an extract brewer.

Can I ask what the reasons are you cannot go AG? Grain is cheaper than extract, which pays for the equipment costs within a handful of brew sessions. You mention other reasons which may hold you back, which is fine. Perhaps we here at HBT could help you find alternatives if you have the desire to go AG.

I'm sure your beers are great, my extract Nut Brown I did is still one of my favourites. The friend who got me into homebrewing won an AHA-regional contest with an extract-only RIS.

Either way, keep doing what makes you happy!!

 

[BangorBrewer]

I wouldn't say it is impossible for me to go AG, but I think it would be irresponsible and ill-advised on a couple of levels.

For one thing, I live in a pretty small apartment with really no room to set up the needed equipment. I would really enjoy trying some sort of mini/parial-mash, just to see if I enjoy the process as much as I think I will.

For another thing, I am a college student with a very minimal income. But, I must admit that I have a leg up on the AG process. I have a good-sized brew pot, a really nice propane burner and a real willingness to learn.

I very much like the idea of being able to brew for less money. Right now, it costs me about 3.50-4.50/lb for DME. If I make anything resembling a big beer it's gonna cost me.

I guess I was just trying to offer a different perspective on the homebrewing experience. For me, at least right now, it only really makes sense for me to "just
cook up the wort."

By no means was I trying to imply that these people on here have been anything short of great; they've been the single greatest resource I could have ever asked for. I think often times elitism is taken with a very negative connotation and I think that's undue. I don't really want to get into a discussion about language, but I guess it was ill-advised to lead off with such a contentious word. Sometimes people call be an elitist for being a golfer and bibliophile; do I take offense? Sometimes. But most of the time, I know what they mean.

Regardless, some day I will make my way into the realm of AG brewing, but for right now I'm trying to be as creative and as diligent as possible with my extracts.

But, to you home brewers of the world, I post this question: what do you think should come first, upgrading to AG or getting myself a keg system?

 

[Iordz]

But, to you home brewers of the world, I post this question: what do you think should come first, upgrading to AG or getting myself a keg system?

I went with AG. It was more important for me to make good beer than to keg mediocre beer, plus it was cheaper, however everyone is different. Only recently I managed to put a kegging system together. I understand the part about living in a small apartment, I do too. This is why I brew at my buddy’s house. Gives me a chance to brew and hang out with him.

 

[Hopleaf]

I went All-Grain and I'm very happy I did...it feels more "real" to me. Though I've yet to make an all-grain which is better than my best extract beers (imho). But I'm expecting my all-grain beers to blow away my extracts once I get my technique down.

I did extracts solidly for a year.. always with steeped grains and used the fresher bulk extract from the homebrew store rather than the cans and I think most turned out well.

 

[bradsul]

...But, to you home brewers of the world, I post this question: what do you think should come first, upgrading to AG or getting myself a keg system?

I had the same decision to make and I decided that going AG was the best option for me. I never did (nor do I still) have a problem with bottling whereas a lot of people seem to loath it - obviously if you fall into the latter camp I'd go for kegging.

Also if you already have a full size brew pot and propane burner all you really need is a cheap cooler and a wort chiller and you're ready to AG. The minimal cost of those two items would be paid for within a few batches with the cost difference over extract brewing. Oh and I'm an apartment dweller myself so believe me I know your pains in that regard.

 

[kobis.1]

I've just started to drink my first all-grain homebrew(I've done it three times but had some bad gusher batches) and its awesome. It has a better mouthfeel and maltyness than any of my extract beers and its only a 6lb recipe.(oh yeah, first post btw!)

 

[bradsul]

I've just started to drink my first all-grain homebrew(I've done it three times but had some bad gusher batches) and its awesome. It has a better mouthfeel and maltyness than any of my extract beers and its only a 6lb recipe.(oh yeah, first post btw!)

Sorry to hear about the gushers, I had one of those a while back. Waste of good beer.

Welcome to HBT!

 

[Nyxator]

It seems to be like there is a certain elitism about brewing all-grain. I wouldn't really know what AG beer tastes like, but the extract brews I have been making over the last year-and-a-half have been spectacular. There is no doubt in my mind that brewing AG puts you in the driver seat, but I think sometimes not enough credit goes out to those of us who can only afford--for a number of reasons--to brew with extract. I know I often get some of the freshest extract going, either from listermann's or elsewhere--and my brews taste fresh, rarely have any sort of twang and are well-regarded by those who try them. I, however, would be remiss if I didn't mention the envy I have for those of you who can brew AG. I really think you guys are artists in a lot of different ways, from the way you set up your breweries to the recipes you concoct.

Just my two cents, but I often feel marginalized for being an extract brewer.

Well, for what it's worth, I think that extract beers can be every bit as good as AG beer. I did extract for 2.5 years before moving to AG. I never noticed an extract twang in my beers, either.

I tend to agree about your elitism comment, and anyone that thinks that extract beers aren't as good as AG beers needs to reread the Malt section of the Home Brewer's Companion (as every self respecting AG brewer no doubt has in their brewing library ). Specifically, reread the part that talks about the CAMRA blind taste test in which the panel showed no preference between the extract brew vs. the all grain brew. I still brew an extract beer every now and then when I'm crunched for time.

Also someone commented on English ales being the only extract beers that are worthwile, and that's nonsense, with one example being hefeweizens. Extract hefes are easy and extract beers make it into the NHC finalists all the time. To reference Designing Great Beers, over 1/4 of the NHC finalists that year made hefes with exclusively extract, and Mr. Daniels also cites that he once made a partial mash hefe that won first place, beating out two AG hefes he made for the same competition.

That being said, I have to agree that AG brewing is much cheaper. You can buy grain at a much lower price than extract, and the cost of materials will be paid for quickly in the money you save on grain. From the sound of your setup, BangorBrewer, all you need is a Rubbermaid 10g cooler from Home Depot, and a false bottom from morebeer.com to go AG.

 

[BierMuncher]

...Just my two cents, but I often feel marginalized for being an extract brewer...

If I couldn’t do all grain…I’d certainly do extracts.

And as for feeling marginalized…don’t. The brewing brotherhood (and sisterhood) is for all brewers interested in doing it themselves. Trust me…your extract brew would be welcome in my house anytime.

No really…I mean it…I’ll PM you my address…really…S E N D…M E…S O M E…B E E R !!