Thoughts on newbie going straight to AG

[TexLaw]

If you have the cash, the room, and the time, then there's little to hold you back from starting with AG.

One good thing about starting off with extract, though, is that you can concentrate on your boil and fermentation techniques without worrying about hitting a temperature, hitting a gravity, boiling husks, or any of the other complexities of AG brewing. Starting with extract also gives you a reference point from which you can learn. That might pay off more in the long run.


TL

 

[JamesKY]

Yeah, you are right, I guess I was trying to make convince myself. I probably would not splurge for a mill right off the bat, but I think I could probably upgrade for about $100 (turkey fryer kit and cooler MLT plus some other odds and ends). Its just that if I started spending money on doing extract kits it would be harder for me to justify another $100 investment in order to do AG.

FYI, I just followed this path and here is everything that I spent to convert from extract to AG.

$50 - 10 Gallon Beverage Cooler
$25 - Miscellaneous Hardware to Convert it to a MLT
$40 - 30 Quart Turkey Fryer

I received a mash paddle, digital thermometer, and digital scale as Christmas presents but you may be able to get away without having them at first although they help a lot so you should definitely consider it. A mash paddle is practically required. I also already had a propane tank from my grill but that is something else you will need if you don't already have one.

So yes you'll spend around $100 bucks to convert to AG but don't forget the little odds and ends that will eventually add to the total cost of conversion.

*Edit*
Also, since you're starting from scratch, you'll need things like a fermentation vessel, racking cane, blowoff tube, sanitizer, etc. I guess the best thing you can do is make a list of the bare necessities that you need to get started and try to buy things that you will be able to reuse in the future. I still use my original Ale Pail for various tasks all the time like mixing sanitizing solution.

 

[CBBaron]

I did two extract kits before starting AG. The extract kits were good to get me started and to learn some of the basic steps. I am learning everytime I do an AG brew. There are lots of little details that you come to understand as you brew. Its not that brewing is difficult just that it is fairly complicated with lot of variables.
I think its fine you want to jump into AG but don't expect you will produce better beers until you get a good feel for the process. It is a hands on learning process.

Craig

 

[eviljafar]

Go all grain. I brewed extract for years and the difference in quality with AG makes me wish I went AG years ago. Repeating some of what was mentioned above:

-Write out the process step by step.
-Prepare what you can the night before to reduce your brew day time, eg weigh out your grain and hops, filter your water etc.
-Good sanitation of your equipment and a clean (as possible if you're brewing in the garage or outside) brewing environment is key. If you drop or sneeze on something sanitise it again.
-Always have extra water. Boiling and chilled water in case you under or overshoot your mash temp. Extra sparge water because you will run short from time to time.
-Get some software like Beersmith or Promash.
-Clean up on brew day and save youself from scrubbing off dried up stuff.
-It's the law to have a beer (or few) while brewing but don't get off your face (on your first few batches anyway).
-Use your mash time to tidy up and prepare the next steps. If you don't risk a boil over use your boil time for the same.

Cheers, Jaf.

 

[abracadabra]

I have to disagree about the software. Software might be nice to have but it's by no means needed.

For your first attempt at AG you'll be much better off just trying to make a clone or using someone else's recipe.

I also disagree about drinking, better to drink your beer after you've cooled your wort.

But to each his own.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

In hindsight, my preferred way to get into homebrewing would have been to follow these steps:
1. Talk to an experienced homebrewer and brew on his/her souped up AG system.
2. Decide homebrewing is obviously the coolest hobby in the world.
3. Designed my system on paper, priced everything out for my dream all grain system (this will be ridiculously expensive)
4. Gone back to my experienced homebrewer friend, and asked which of those components were necessary to brew extract.
5. Purchased the necessary components.
6. Built my way to all grain heaven as the funds allowed.

If I could have done that I would have saved a bunch of money in the long run and had an even cooler system that I have now. A problem most homebrewers have is buying a kit, being unsatisfied with the equipment then upgrading. This wastes time and money, not to mention brewing with nice equipment is awesome!

I say give all grain a go.

Cheers,
Justin

 

[Chriso]

From a fellow AG student, DO IT!!!

I did. My first batch was September 22 2007, All-grain from the get-go, and I love it! Honestly, if I had learned on extract, I probably would've quit brewing already.

Besides that, I don't know about YOUR lhbs, but mine is so cost-prohibitive that I couldn't AFFORD to brew extract. That would be 40 bucks or more per batch for me!