Considering home-brewing

Hi,

Obviously it depends on what sort of brewing supplies you want. It seems that many stores both sell and have these kits in stock these days. You can just walk in and buy one complete with nothing more to obtain. My Coopers kit comes complete with bottles and ingredients for one brew. They are not the sort of thing you need to pre-order and wait 30 days for delivery.

As an estimate I would say that it would probably take a couple of hours to obtain a standard brewing kit.

regards,

Tiny

I'd say go for it. A kit and the first set of ingredients should cost $50 - $100 depending upon what you want your in your kit. Basic kits are at every homebrew shop. Some online ones off the top of my head are:

It is best to find a local shop and, if they know what they are doing, spend some time there and buy from them (even it if costs a little more). Ie., support your Local Homebrew Shop (LHBS).

Be sure to read this excellent online site thru a couple of times first:

A starter kit (equipment) will run you $80-$100 or so. Starter ingredient kits, probably $25-$30, depending on the brew. As you get into it, you'll probably add additional gear and start buying "non- packaged" ingredients, but this will get you that first batch of beer.

Is it worth it? I think so.

bob p

Check out Alternative Beverages in NC

I've been using them for years with good results.

Their brew kits contain more stuff than you really need, so it may be better to read about it first and then decide what to get. Ditto the recipe packages (although their recipe cost is pretty close to what the individual ingredients cost)

Their recipe packages are 100% dried malt extract (no liquid). I've used both and can't detect a difference (except the cost is lower and shipping cost lower)

I've long since switched to all-glass fermentation using a blow off technique in the primary stage. Blow off only takes a carboy stopper and piece of plastic tubing (Lowe's has plastic tubing).

The two handle cappers won't work on all beer bottles but is the easiest to use - I keep nothing but Corona bottles now - Capper won't work on Heinekin bottles. I do have a bench capper, which will cap any bottle (including champagne bottles) but it is more hassle to set up and use.

I keep a few carboys going at once. I brew in the 6 coolest months (NC) and have a bottling capacity of 18 cases (adding 5 more today). I drink most of it during the warmer months so it works out well . . .

The initial cost is more than store-bought beer. You'll have to brew ~50 cases (one five gallon batch is ~2 cases) to break even cost wise. The taste is superior to most store-bought (all American and Canadian beer). Once you have the equipment paid off, It can cost as little as ~40 cents a bottle to ~50 cents for some pretty good stuff. It is a satisfying hobby - and they're getting ready to raise the beer tax again.

Alternative has a monthly sale for a recipe package that is usually a good deal cost wise. They allow substitution of liquid yeast for dried in the kits (slightly more cost). Their yeast and hops are fresh. Hops are packaged in sealed metalized polyester bags (freeze them to keep them fresh). The last few bags of hops I bought were vacuum packed, so they are improving their technique. Customer service is good if you have problems.

Most of the brew stores I've been to do not store their hops properly, but that's my only gripe with buying from a local store. The local store would be my first choice (if it hadn't folded years ago).

Good brewing

Your data on costs, I believe, are pretty accurate, especially since the OP was in NC. For Canadians, the economics are entirely different. Due to the heavy tax on any alcoholic beverage in Canada, the average (and even the higher end) starter kits will actually cost about the same as the equivelent in store-bought beer. Basically, the kit is break-even, but the beer can be better.

This being the case in Canada, it mystifies me why more Canucks don't homebrew.

I tossed this in, not to contradict you, but to add additional information to any Canadian lurkers. ;)

Steve

Thanks to all for providing such useful information; I look forward to brewing my own very soon. Thanks again.