I pay $6 for a tall glass of Hefe at the local brewery in my city. I feel it's worth it. Yum. If I learn to brew my own what can I expect a tall glass to cost me once I have all my equipment down? Just curious.
So,,,,,how much will I save
- Thread starter bajarob
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BradleyBrew
Well-Known Member
some online vendors claim to have kits for ".50 cents a beer" basic basic stuff.. thats obviously not including cost for equipment... It can be really "cheap" or really expensive when you starting getting into imperials, etc.
*Laughs uproarioulsy* Ah, the naivety of the new brewer...
Don't even think that this is something that you can save money on....
I probably spend MORE on commercial micros of an expensive nature since I started homebrewing....it's called research.
Especially hanging out on here, you read about so many interesting beers that you just have to try. You want to brew a new style, so you have to try a bunch of different versions. You want to make a clone of something so you have to keep buying to try to nail it. You have a full pipeling, with 3-4 beers drinkable, but you just happen to be in the mood for a double chocolate bourbon jalapeno porter, so you drop 12 bucks for a bomber of it.
When you start brewing your beery horizons broaden so much, you really can't escape buying beer.
(Heck, I'm getting a feel for the bock style of beer, and looking at brewing one, in one weeks I bought 3 different sixers of it, one of them was 14.00 for the six- Bell's Celebrator Dopplebock.)
Not to mention new shiny brewing toys, ingredients, yeasts, books, magazines, and whatever else I can do it.
You can't escape it. You're gonna be buying gear, ingredients AND beer.
Don't even think that this is something that you can save money on....
I probably spend MORE on commercial micros of an expensive nature since I started homebrewing....it's called research.
Especially hanging out on here, you read about so many interesting beers that you just have to try. You want to brew a new style, so you have to try a bunch of different versions. You want to make a clone of something so you have to keep buying to try to nail it. You have a full pipeling, with 3-4 beers drinkable, but you just happen to be in the mood for a double chocolate bourbon jalapeno porter, so you drop 12 bucks for a bomber of it.
When you start brewing your beery horizons broaden so much, you really can't escape buying beer.
(Heck, I'm getting a feel for the bock style of beer, and looking at brewing one, in one weeks I bought 3 different sixers of it, one of them was 14.00 for the six- Bell's Celebrator Dopplebock.)
Not to mention new shiny brewing toys, ingredients, yeasts, books, magazines, and whatever else I can do it.
You can't escape it. You're gonna be buying gear, ingredients AND beer.
LandoLincoln
Well-Known Member
Yeah, just put those thoughts of saving money right out the window. That's simply not going to happen.
DoubleAught
Well-Known Member
The way I explain it to my wife...lol...is that it averages 12 bucks for a 4-6 pack of micro brew from the local liquor store. That's 48 bucks for 24 (a case) that's 96 bucks for 2 cases which is basically what I brew for around 30 bucks. Although the equipment off-sets those figures but she doesn't need to know that part...lol.
![Craft A Brew - Safale BE-256 Yeast - Fermentis - Belgian Ale Dry Yeast - For Belgian & Strong Ales - Ingredients for Home Brewing - Beer Making Supplies - [3 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bcKEwQmWL._SL500_.jpg)
Frank99
Well-Known Member
Yeah, the 2 great myths:
1. I'll save a lot of money
2. I'll stop drinking commercial beer.
1. I'll save a lot of money
2. I'll stop drinking commercial beer.
subliminalurge
Well-Known Member
Yeah.
It's technically possible, but I don't think anyone in the history of brewing has actually pulled it off.
There's just too many cool toys out there.
Hell, if I stopped buying gear right now (not gonna happen) I would still probably have to brew 200 more 5 gallon batches before I hit the break even point compared to buying microbrews from the store. If I did the math right now, including gear and ingredients, well, let's just say I don't want to do the math.
WineChief
Well-Known Member
This is why I'm stuck on Apfelwein now. I will start the beer again soon, so I fear I am doomed!
I have almost completely stopped drinking commercial beer. Every other week or so I'll stop and buy a single bottle of something that I'm planning on brewing, a "calibrator". Verdict: NOT A MYTH
You probably could save money doing this, but only well after you stop upgrading the system. I'm at that point now. I'd say I save a lot of money compared to buying. VERDICT: MYTH IN THE SHORT TERM, TRUE FOR THE LONG RUN
paulster2626
Well-Known Member
Dude. Before I got in to this, I drank maybe a beer a day in the summer. Less in winter.
Now, I've spent a ridiculous amount of money on equipment and ingredients, and have invested an even more ridiculous amount of time on this hobby.
I now drink more beer than I ever did. And it's expensive! Hell, even tonight I stopped at the beer store and picked up a 24 of craft brew. I'm concerned I might be turning in to a full-blown alcoholic. Seriously! But man, it's a delicious addiction.
To answer your question: You'll save nothing. You'll spend more.
Now, I've spent a ridiculous amount of money on equipment and ingredients, and have invested an even more ridiculous amount of time on this hobby.
I now drink more beer than I ever did. And it's expensive! Hell, even tonight I stopped at the beer store and picked up a 24 of craft brew. I'm concerned I might be turning in to a full-blown alcoholic. Seriously! But man, it's a delicious addiction.
To answer your question: You'll save nothing. You'll spend more.
BigB
Well-Known Member
I don't recall the prophet that said this, but it is right on: "Homebrewing to save money on beer is like buying a fishing boat to save money on fish."
Clann
Well-Known Member
Its plenty possible to save money. I still use the same equipment kit I started with 2+ years ago and the only upgrade I have made is a turkey frier that I got at a yardsale. You don't have to go all out in this hobby but some people do and they probabily don't need to save money.
If you don't get carried away with upgrades and pretty shiny kettles, kegs and whatever it is very possible. I spend about $70 a month on ingredients and that averages out to about $12 a case. Hell a case of bush is $17 so tell me I'm not saving money.
If you don't get carried away with upgrades and pretty shiny kettles, kegs and whatever it is very possible. I spend about $70 a month on ingredients and that averages out to about $12 a case. Hell a case of bush is $17 so tell me I'm not saving money.
And beer/brewery t-shirts, pint glasses, cool bottle openers, hats, beer taps (whether or not you keg), beer mirrors, brewiana from old breweries, at least one glass for EVERY style of beer out there including every one for Belgian beers, tattoos if you're inclined that way, hop bines, obscure scientific instruments for harvesting/growing yeast, storage things for all your beer gear and collectables, tools so you can make some beer gear of your own, as well as more storage, plane tickets to travel to breweries, more luggage to bring back beer swag and beers you can't get at home, a second home or at least some sort of a brewshed or man cave, scrap metal to make your own brew stand, foods you never tried before to pair with your beers, your own set of pots, pans, knives and other cooking gear because you're also going to become a gourmet cook since your pallete has been refined, a smoker since beer and smoked meat goes together, a new computer to better surf homebrewtalk, sausage making and cheese making kits, since you started reading those other forums on here, and not to mention, a lawyer to help with the divorce when your wife can't take it anymore.
Have I missed anything gang?
Welcome to the obsession.
Have I missed anything gang?
Welcome to the obsession.
DoubleAught
Well-Known Member
And t-shirts, pint glasses, cool bottle openers, hats, beer taps (whether or not you keg), beer mirrors, brewiana from old breweries, at least one glass for EVERY style of beer out there including every one for Belgian beers, tattoos if you're inclined that way, hop bines, obscure scientific instruments for harvesting/growing yeast, storage things for all your beer gear and collectables, tools so you can make some beer gear of your own, as well as more storage, plane tickets to travel to breweries, more luggage to bring back beer swag and beers you can't get at home, a second home or at least some sort of a brewshed or man cave, scrap metal to make your own brew stand, foods you never tried before to pair with your beers, your own set of pots, pans, knives and other cooking gear because you're also going to become a gourmet cook since your pallete has been refined, a smoker since beer and smoked meat goes together, a new computer to better surf homebrewtalk, sausage making and cheese making kits, since you started reading those other forums on here, and not to mention, a lawyer to help with the divorce when your wife can't take it anymore.
Welcome to the obsession.
Dude...I think you need to see a support group
BBL_Brewer
Well-Known Member
+2 Once you max out your system for the long haul, you will save money. I'm at that point myself. I haven't bought any commercial beer for well over a year (except a couple beers here and there from the local pub) It might take a couple years to recoup your investment. But eventually you will be money ahead. It takes a commitment to reach that level though. If you only want to brew a handful of 5-gallon batches a year, you are better off not spending money on expensive equipment. Your beer will be more expensive on a small scale, but if your not brewing that much it doesn't make a big difference. If you've really gotten into the hobby and you know you will continue to brew on a regular basis, upgrade your system to the point that will minimize time spent and maintain a steady pipeline and you've got it made.
BBL_Brewer
Well-Known Member
And t-shirts, pint glasses, cool bottle openers, hats, beer taps (whether or not you keg), beer mirrors, brewiana from old breweries, at least one glass for EVERY style of beer out there including every one for Belgian beers, tattoos if you're inclined that way, hop bines, obscure scientific instruments for harvesting/growing yeast, storage things for all your beer gear and collectables, tools so you can make some beer gear of your own, as well as more storage, plane tickets to travel to breweries, more luggage to bring back beer swag and beers you can't get at home, a second home or at least some sort of a brewshed or man cave, scrap metal to make your own brew stand, foods you never tried before to pair with your beers, your own set of pots, pans, knives and other cooking gear because you're also going to become a gourmet cook since your pallete has been refined, a smoker since beer and smoked meat goes together, a new computer to better surf homebrewtalk, sausage making and cheese making kits, since you started reading those other forums on here, and not to mention, a lawyer to help with the divorce when your wife can't take it anymore.
Have I missed anything gang?
Welcome to the obsession.
Man, I didn't realize I needed a t-shirt, a plane ticket and a divorce to brew beer.
wvlheel
Active Member
I'm different than most home brewers. I got a process (brew in a bag) down, I can make pretty good beer within a fairly defined window of styles (nothing too big), and now I just churn out 50 beers at a time for $20 - $25. With 3 kids I don't have time to experiment (experiment=buying lots of new gear).
My equipment cost me $150 bucks, and I've made up that money by now.
I just can't make a 12% RIS.
I still buy my share of commercial brew, but much less than a year ago.
My equipment cost me $150 bucks, and I've made up that money by now.
I just can't make a 12% RIS.
I still buy my share of commercial brew, but much less than a year ago.
If you can control your urge to get that "one last thing I really need to make my brewing super awesome" then definitely, no matter what country and liquor tax laws you are besieged by, you'll save money. The trap is that you always find something new that will save you time, or make things easier, or is just cool....
For what it's worth, I've not purchased a single bottle/can of commercial beer in almost 7 months now, with the exception of a glass or two at a restaurant every now and then. I spend roughly $15 (canadian) to make 50-60 bottles of beer, and therefore I drink more than I used to.
If I could just stop buying new cool things like kegerators and such, I could really justify it all. But in the end, I call it a hobby as well and since it fits two aspects, it's worth it. I save money on actual beer expenses and get cool DIY knowledge on things like metallurgy and electrical work, while getting to drink my own beer which has been FAR better than the commercial swill I was drinking before.
All in all, it's different than I expected, but it's full of win!
For what it's worth, I've not purchased a single bottle/can of commercial beer in almost 7 months now, with the exception of a glass or two at a restaurant every now and then. I spend roughly $15 (canadian) to make 50-60 bottles of beer, and therefore I drink more than I used to.
If I could just stop buying new cool things like kegerators and such, I could really justify it all. But in the end, I call it a hobby as well and since it fits two aspects, it's worth it. I save money on actual beer expenses and get cool DIY knowledge on things like metallurgy and electrical work, while getting to drink my own beer which has been FAR better than the commercial swill I was drinking before.
All in all, it's different than I expected, but it's full of win!
motobrewer
I'm no atheist scientist, but...
Consecrator. Celebrator is Ayinger's. which is a fantastic beer. so is Consecrator. but not as good as Celebrator.
danorocks17
Well-Known Member
I've been brewing for 3 years and i'm still in the hole! don't do it for cost savings, do it for the great beer and the wonderful hobby it is
revy preach on man...heck im not even married and i could smell divorce... lol jk but its a true passion that if really heart felt, placing a dollar amount on it is absurd.. your always going to want to do better than your last...sometimes that means spending a few extra bucks here and there...just dont think about it..lol
paraordnance
Well-Known Member
Not sure about US, but here in Canada one will save considerable amount in long run because booze is so expensive here. How about $40 for 24 pack of Molson lager. I not even talking craft beer here, that stuff sells for $5-15 per bottle and its mostly come from US since craft brewing almost non-existent here. I used to spend $150-200 on beer per month, now days I just get 5 x 55 lbs of malt from local malster for $130 which last me almost a year if brew 5 gal every other weekend. I biab and don't planning to upgrade equipment anytime soon. And I stoped purchasing commercial beer because its taste like water compare to my homebrew. Buy bulk, reuse yeast and you will save some in long run once you overcome the urge to drop some cash on next piece of hardware
Sent from GT-I9100M
Sent from GT-I9100M
Pennsyltucky
Well-Known Member
Cheaper than a psychiatrist!!
Pulled this from a random google result...
Our Current Fee Schedule:
New evaluation 60-75 minutes............................................$350
Follow up visit 30 minutes..................................................$175
Brief Medication Check 20 minutes......................................$118
Physician document review/preparation...............................$350/hr prorated
Record copying/sending (electronic)...................................$25
Record copying/sending (hard copy)...................................$35
Telephone visit (scheduled or urgent).................................$350/hr prorated
Late cancellations or no shows...........................................$100
Psychotherapy.................................................................$300/hr prorated
Heck, I can make 5 gallons of pale ale for the cost of "record copying/ sending (hard copy)!"
Pulled this from a random google result...
Our Current Fee Schedule:
New evaluation 60-75 minutes............................................$350
Follow up visit 30 minutes..................................................$175
Brief Medication Check 20 minutes......................................$118
Physician document review/preparation...............................$350/hr prorated
Record copying/sending (electronic)...................................$25
Record copying/sending (hard copy)...................................$35
Telephone visit (scheduled or urgent).................................$350/hr prorated
Late cancellations or no shows...........................................$100
Psychotherapy.................................................................$300/hr prorated
Heck, I can make 5 gallons of pale ale for the cost of "record copying/ sending (hard copy)!"
WCD
Well-Known Member
I agree with all the threads. I think if you went by pure cost alonel(maybe if you stick to the plastic buckets, and never replace them).....never fine tune your process or buy brew gadgets. if you add in the time and reseach and forget it. Its fun, gratifying to make something, dissappointing at times. I still think its cheaper than golf.
I'm kind of in the same position. I have 2 kids and my time is very limitted. Not to mention that I'm a stay-at-home Dad and we live off of my wife's income (all by choice.)
Almost all the equipment I have I got for b-days, X-mas, or father's day. I think I've only forked out about $40 to build a Son of Fermentaion Chamber and I rarely buy commercial beer anymore. The beer I used to buy costs $12 to $18. Now, I brew about a case for that much.
E
dutchoven
Well-Known Member
I've never had anything short of a great time while brewing ... worth every penny
