Malt preference poll

[Corbin]

I have never had a desire to do extract. It’s expensive and a bit of a cop out. I don’t mean to insult any else’s brewing method, it’s just that it’s not as difficult as some make it out to be. And jhudson, as far as being concerned about space, I can do 5 gallon batches with my setup and everything I have fits in the corner of my bedroom (I guess we all know that means “yes, I am single” &#61514 I gathered equipment over the course of three months, acquiring it when I could find it for free or cheap. My first batch was all grain, it wasn’t great, but we that didn’t stop us from drinking up, and I learned a great deal from it. I like 2 row pale as a base malt; it converts easily, and is pretty versatile in that you can incorporate it as a base for a variety of styles.

 

[cha ngo]

ALL F-ING GRAIN!

50 Pounds of grain for $30

Please tell me where you are getting 50lbs of grain for $30.00.
I like the point that all-grain is CHEAPER than extracts.
Also, 2 row converts so easily in a single infusion it really is not that big a deal. You will pay for your equipment in a few batches. I am currently making an excellent pale ale for about $0.25 per 12oz (not counting my time to make) and drinking it within two weeks.

 

[Walker]

I have never had a desire to do extract. It’s expensive and a bit of a cop out. I don’t mean to insult any else’s brewing method,

That's like saying, "Your an idiot, but I mean that in the best possible way."

We don't look down on any brewing method around here.

-walker

 

[Axegod]

Just tried All Grain on Labour Day Monday....and things didn't go as well as planned.
However, since I have the room now (I skipped the mini-mash step) I don't think I would go back to extract. I may change my mind if I screw up a few AGs - but overall it was much more fun and I learned a lot about a great hobby.

Cheers.

 

[brackbrew]

Well, since I don't have the extra room for AG equipment yet, I've stayed with extract brewing, but have begun doing partial mashes with each batch. While it doesn't satisfy my hunger for controling as much minutiae of the brewing process as possible, I do think you can have fun and be satisfied with trying to refine extract beers to as close a level as possible of an AG batch by knowing your techniques, knowing what's happening and why, and most simply, by just paying close attention to the brewing process from start to drink.

Extract brewing can require a high level of skill, knowledge and meticulousness, too. Especially if you want to be proud of what you create.

People who look down on extract brewing are missing the poetry and challenge of taking some uncontrolled brewing variables (starch conversion in the original brewer's malt, water chemistry of original wort before dehydration, packaging, etc) and taking it to a higher level.

Thank being said, I still look forward to getting into AG and really feeling the WHOLE process out. I'm not sure I'd completely give up brewing extract recipes, though especially if it's time-effective when I NEED to brew.

Just my two 'copper Lincolns.'

BREW ON

 

[mikealangevin]

I have been brewing for about 1.5 yrs now. Had a knee replacement and needed a hobby. Well that's what I told my wife anyway. Have thought it would be fun from the first time I ran into a guy that brewed.

I don't know how many batches I have done. Probably one per week. I started with canned, then went grained extracts and have enjoyed both. It all depends on how much time and effort I want to put into it. Since any of these beer taste better than what is normally on the american market, it is a good thing.

I will probably move to AG one day but I am in no hurry to change anything. Brew then drink, brew then drink. I may be in a rut but I am happy.

 

[Orfy]

The main thing is you're brewing.

I went Extract to AG in just over a month.

 

[Buford]

I'm doing extract with steeping grains. My electric stove can boil 3 gallons, but starts to struggle around 5. I really don't want to bother with using a burner outside, especially since I don't have a garage and I'd just rather be in the house.

 

[Orfy]

Take a look at my hot water kettle. It could be used for boiling the wort.
I had some great beers from the extract kits. But I did the $ math and figured AG was half the price.
Plus I liked the idea of building the kit and doing the full brew.

 

[ZenButcher]

I generally make only Belgians. Tried AG a few times at my buddies house. I have no room for the equipment and it is a lot of extra work in my opinion. Very few experienced AG brewers have any idea mine are not AG. Guess I must be doing what I do correctly. My experience is the major difference in what the AG beer gives you is body and complexity. However if you adjust for this when you brew with extract and specialty grains you can make Belgians indistinguishable from AG.


:cross:

 

[beer35]

I have never had a desire to do extract. It’s expensive and a bit of a cop out. .

I am just the opposite. I am presently enjoying one of my first home brews as I type, it is a porter with a nice mellow hint of choco-nut. Mmmm-mm!

I have no desire to do all grain. Ive sampled many of my friends extract/flavor grain brews and Ive been drinking the best store bought beers I can find and there is no comparison, home brew rocks! Now I have my own access to some fantastic brews with minimum hassel and it certianly costs much less than buying top shelf beer.

I can now do two 5 gal batches at a time and be done in a couple three hours and Ive prolly only spent a little over $200.00 on equipment including a simple corny setup.

I bought a couple kegs from the LHBS yesterday, he asked me if Im doing AG and I said no. He said "I dont anymore either, its too much work".. That is from a guy who has been doing home brew for a very long time.

Ive still got an incredible degree of control as well, when one considers all of the variables. Lots of grains, strains, and technical gains to be dabbled with in the extract/specialty grain variation. Those who enjoy All grain, more power to you, it just aint my cup-a-meat! Me, Id just assume wrap it up and get on with enjoying a cold one with one of my other hobbies.. I seriously doubt if Ill ever go all grain, but who knows???

 

[joshpooh]

I'm doing extract with steeping grains. My electric stove can boil 3 gallons, but starts to struggle around 5. I really don't want to bother with using a burner outside, especially since I don't have a garage and I'd just rather be in the house.

I do my AG brewing in 2 brewpots splitting the boil right down the middle. This eliminates the need for an outdoor propane burner because a kitchen stove can handle a 3 gallon boil and that is all you need for a 5 gallon batch when you do two boils. I see no drawbacks with this method other than the extra effort splitting the boils up .

I started with extract and steeping grains, and moved to AG after 8-10 batches. AG is the best way to go, but I still brew the old extract recipes for my friends and family that came to enjoy them. I seriously doubt I will create anymore extract recipes though. I came up with this method because I was bored with extract brewing and wanted to try all grain, but it was the middle of winter and very cold.

 

[ZenButcher]

I am just getting back into brewing after not brewing for 10 years. I see not much has changed, AG brewers are still quite snotty and snobby regarding those who don't do AG in my opinion from my observations. Just in reading this thread it is amazing how many AG brewers refer to anyone that brews non-AG as an extract kit brewer. Like if you are not AG you are viewed as some ignorant trailer trash who buys a beginner kit where you pour syrup into a hot water fermenter add some cold water and then pitch the package of dry yeast that came with the syrup can. Obviously brewers using extract and grains doing partial or mini-mash are quite sophisticated also, but are not shown much respect. I am not sure why.

I don't have anything against AG brewers but am curious as to why the superiority complex? Or maybe I am all wet.

 

[stale]

I mainly have been using 2 row pale ale; either marris otter or great western then add in some crystal, honey, aromatic and anything that catches my fancy for a given brew session. I started about year ago with 2 batches of kits then 1 mini mash then AG from then on.


primary: none
secondary: none (argh!)
just bottled: Pale ale

 

[Buford]

Since my previous post in this thread I've done 5 partial mash batches. Last batch used 7.5 lbs of grain, 2.5 lbs of extract. I find doing a mash a whole hell of a lot more fun than just doing extract, or at least it is now that I've got my equipment numbers figured out. Last two batches I've nailed on calculated OG, so I must be doing something right.

Last batch used 6 lbs Maris Otter, I've never used it before. I've also started using Munich malt in my recipes. Mashing opens up your options.

 

[banjopicker16]

Munich is the finest grain. Such a malty, biscuity, AWESOME flavor.

 

[landhoney]

Brewed the first extract for my wife and was hooked. Next batch AG! :rockin:

 

[cool brew]

I had to vote for extract/mini mash because it is so easy. I want to get into AG, but that will have to wait until I get the money to get set up right for it.

 

[revrand65]

ive done 2 all grain so far..best beers yet but being summer now and i don't have as much free time i'm back to extracts...brown,porters and stouts in the winter and wheats ,ipa and pale ale in summer..low gravity in the summer i crashed my new rideing mower 2 weeks ago guess i better stick to the lighter sauce for the mowing season..

 

[Eye8oneu812]

Using extract with a partial mash is, to me, a very efficient way to take a basic beer and add your own special touch. I would agree that all-grain is probably the best way and allows the most customization, but for a guy without much space, a compromise is the only way to go. Mixing and matching still allows me to make some pretty good beers. Here's hoping that someday I score enough space to create a nice setup and try out all-grain brewing.

Cheers and Happy Homebrewing.

 

[DarinB]

I'm in the eager to try AG, but haven't yet category.

I started in the very beginning with the steep method, and have never brewed any other way. At this point, I have a few things I want to accomplish before trying/attempting AG - first is converting a little chest freezer into a kegerator, which is step 1 in my desire to begin kegging at least some of the beer I make. Once I have that ability, I'll start working on AG...

As far as fave's - I use primarily crystal, with a few other odds and ends thrown in for either color, flavor, or both.

 

[DeathBrewer]

Using extract with a partial mash is, to me, a very efficient way to take a basic beer and add your own special touch. I would agree that all-grain is probably the best way and allows the most customization, but for a guy without much space, a compromise is the only way to go. Mixing and matching still allows me to make some pretty good beers. Here's hoping that someday I score enough space to create a nice setup and try out all-grain brewing.

Cheers and Happy Homebrewing.

my sentiment exactly.