Spencecore24
Well-Known Member
what is the appeal of extract brewing? People put all grain on this pedestal i dont understand it. It is very easy. Just takes longer
Why extract?
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Spencecore24
Well-Known Member
extract is more expensive than grain!
Spencecore24
Well-Known Member
from what i have seen its a lot of "im not there yet" or "thats far down the road" as in the difficulty level
It is more difficult, more complex, and cheaper in terms of grain bills but more equipment is needed.
There are 5 major types of extracts to choose from while there are about 20 types of base grains and dozens of additional specialty grains and flakes to add.
There is nothing 'wrong' with extract brewing. Most people who really enjoy the craft just naturally evolve into all-grain brewing as their technique improves and they are more immersed in the hobby.
There are 5 major types of extracts to choose from while there are about 20 types of base grains and dozens of additional specialty grains and flakes to add.
There is nothing 'wrong' with extract brewing. Most people who really enjoy the craft just naturally evolve into all-grain brewing as their technique improves and they are more immersed in the hobby.
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extract is "easier" by just having to heat water and add the extract. Smaller batch, smaller pot, smaller $$$ outlay to start. Plus, time is money. I brew extract as I am new to this, its simple to do (you don't even need to take the temp of the wort until you are cooling to add yeast) AG: specific water temps mash, multiple heating steps, easily confusing for a beginner. Extract is simpler just due to the initial knowledge of getting into brewing for most. I don't see AG as difficult, but more time consuming, more attention to detail, and pricier equipment.
Spencecore24
Well-Known Member
i suppose i have a biased opinion since i started all grain and have all the equipment to do so and wont be doing extract.
If you have the equipment, its how you learned so it is easier for sure. Brewing is all about process, so if you start with any process and learn it becomes second nature, therefore "easy".
It's about time and simplicity for me. I do partial mash to limit the amount of time I need to spend on brew day and to make it easier to not have to worry so much about things like water chemistry and brewhouse efficiency. I basically get the flexibility of all grain, but a little less of the hassle - works for me.
I went from extract to all grain and really the only cost was my $60 mash tun. I have saved that already in the 4 batches I made since. Yeah you can go all crazy with stands and pumps but that is separate really. Kind of like choosing kegging over bottling. Yes it costs more but its easier so the cost is justified in that persons mind. People get nervous because they think they need all this " required " stuff when they really don't.
I like extract at the moment because there are several different extracts,liquid & dry from several countries nowadays. And being from different countries means different grains used to produce them,giving different flavors. Dito with the hops. Then water treatment salts & whatnot.
So many different styles,extinct & otherwise I can brew up from extract.
I don't know if I could explain it precisely,but it's partly a zen thing. I do research,& my subconcious mind just goes to work on it. Then it just pops into my consious mind,& I write it down.I started doing that in college,kinda like using my mind like what we used to call a ram disc.
Anyway,with so many extracts,hops,etc to choose from,the only limits are one's imagination.
So many different styles,extinct & otherwise I can brew up from extract.
I don't know if I could explain it precisely,but it's partly a zen thing. I do research,& my subconcious mind just goes to work on it. Then it just pops into my consious mind,& I write it down.I started doing that in college,kinda like using my mind like what we used to call a ram disc.
Anyway,with so many extracts,hops,etc to choose from,the only limits are one's imagination.
I'm going to take this stance as well. I have only recently started creating my own recipes and I am content with keeping a selection of DME, specialty grains and hops on hand...and yeast, of course. Great beer can be made with extracts. There's a lot more to it than just dissolving some powder in boiling water and throwing yeast into it when it's cooled. I'm taking this time to learn as much as I can about the whole process. I like the science of it all. One could start with the greatest, freshest, most exotic ingredients in the world, but if there is no control over the process the end result will not be favorable.
I've seen it a lot where extract brewing is oversimplified like mixing up a glass of Tang. That is quite the contrary.
Taking longer is a big problem for lots of folks. And while I agree it's not all that difficult I wouldn't categorize AG brewing as "very easy". It can be a bit overwhelming for some. The space and extra equipment are also factors for many. That said I've been doing AG for twenty years and would never think of doing an extract batch. However, extract does fit the needs of many homebrewers and what's wrong with that?
keysersoze
Member
Extract is great way to start brewing. I started brewing extract kits last spring, and have expanded to include PMs and 1gal AG batches. Some of my best brews have been from extract kits.
Making extract beer is as easy as making instant noodles (except maybe the microwave 
). I brew all-grain, but there are days where I wish I had enough extract to make the beer instead.
). I brew all-grain, but there are days where I wish I had enough extract to make the beer instead.
Started with extract because of initial equipment cost. Switched to BIAB to do AG and love it. Recipes are now cheaper, only equipment upgrade needed was a voile bag. Might move to a more traditional AG setup down the road but I currently live in an apartment so there is no space. So many different ways to brew beer, just choose what fits your budget and your lifestyle. Pros and cons to every setup out there.
Spencecore24
Well-Known Member
For me personally using extract is like using that McCormick seasoning packet. I would rather put together my own concoction which usually ends up tasting better.
You don't need any kind of sculpture to produce great AG beer. I use my same pot from extract brewing, a propane burner, a 10 gallon cooler, and a trash can flipped over to elevate said 10 gallon cooler for sparging for my brew days. My scales cost all of $18 from amazon.com. If you brew enough, the savings of AG recipes offsets the initial equipment cost by a long shot.
My first two batches were extract, and I wasn't at all happy with the results. And it wasn't from poor fermentation temperature control or underpitching either, I used the same techniques for my first AG batch. But that batch was worlds ahead of my first two. I haven't had any other extract homebrew, but I'm assuming my two pitfalls were from old extract, or just extract "twang" or whatever it's called.
AG does take longer, but I like just about every aspect of brew day minus the cleaning part of course.
DarthMalt
Well-Known Member
Agreed. I'll fully change over to AG when I have more time and space. Until then, I'll revel in limbo!
Clann
Well-Known Member
I think you just have something against extract. Extract brewers can use any specialty grains they want to just like all grain.
Far from a premixed seasoning packet. More like a seasoning base of salt and adding to it with specialty spices.
I personally have the equipment to do all grain but still do extract. It is easy and time to brew is a premium to me. Mabye I'll go all grain in the future when I have more time......Mabye not.
1GR8DA
Well-Known Member
I have alot invested in my stand pumps and kettles. I have had to start taking the day off from work to appropriately make a 10 gallon batch (cleaning, brewing, cleaning). I can make a 5 gallon extract either from a kit or designed from scratch with good results in a fraction of the time. I would rather make my own regardless of AG or extract instead of passing my hard earned money to the store.
When I bake bread, sometimes I use a boxed mix that I like, and sometimes I grab the bag and flour and add a couple of ingredients to make a recipe.
When I brew, I can either use a pre-built kit, or put together some extract with a couple of special ingredients, and follow the recipe.
Or, I could buy my own grain and mill it as I see fit, to either make my own flour for bread, or mash for an all grain brew.
Saying that extract isn't really brewing is the same as saying that using store-bought flour isn't really baking.
There are degrees to all hobbies and activities, and room for all interest levels.
When I brew, I can either use a pre-built kit, or put together some extract with a couple of special ingredients, and follow the recipe.
Or, I could buy my own grain and mill it as I see fit, to either make my own flour for bread, or mash for an all grain brew.
Saying that extract isn't really brewing is the same as saying that using store-bought flour isn't really baking.
There are degrees to all hobbies and activities, and room for all interest levels.
I can't tell if this is intended to be a troll post or just an uninformed one.
Well said...
Spencecore24
Well-Known Member
haha i just like sparking debate and being a menace. Nothing against anyone. Much love to all home brewers. I just want all sides of the story
Much love to all home brewers. I just want all sides of the story
Spence,
I just started to home brew around christmas. Started with a MR Beer, went to 5 gallon extract, now I'm building a sculpture and going to all grain. I like the absolute control all grain wil allow me to exercise. If your that interested and willing to invest the time and money you will be a happy camper with the results. If I was worried about return on investment and cost to production figures it would not be a hobby it would be a business by definition.... I am enjoying a new hobby, not starting a new business. Do what you feel like is best for you, that way you can get to your happy place and enjoy a brew or two.
cheers!!!!
Bob
I just started to home brew around christmas. Started with a MR Beer, went to 5 gallon extract, now I'm building a sculpture and going to all grain. I like the absolute control all grain wil allow me to exercise. If your that interested and willing to invest the time and money you will be a happy camper with the results. If I was worried about return on investment and cost to production figures it would not be a hobby it would be a business by definition.... I am enjoying a new hobby, not starting a new business. Do what you feel like is best for you, that way you can get to your happy place and enjoy a brew or two.
cheers!!!!
Bob
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