Cost of homebrew

[Totem]

I’ve not done a brew in quite a while and I’m thinking I should get back on the horse so to speak. I don’t have many supplies to call on so was looking around for some cheap places. Thought I would check out barley bottom's pre made AG kits but since I last brewed they gone up by double. Have I missed something but now kits are about the same price as it is to brew AG unless I buy bulk. I probably sound like I’m moaning but it’s just a bit of a shock!

So where does everyone get their stocks? I was looking at BB or H&G but not sure where else.

Totem.

[boingy]

Barley Bottom is great for hops and dried yeast.
Some companies, like Leyland, will deliver for free if you spend over a certain amount (£60 for Leyland).

For grain I find it cheaper to get stocks locally due to the postage prices on heavy grain.

[floydmeddler]

Google your local breweries then email them. Compliment their beer then ask them if they would be willing to support a local homebrewer. You can get 25kg of MO for round £20-£25 if you're lucky!

[delboy]

I’ve not done a brew in quite a while and I’m thinking I should get back on the horse so to speak. I don’t have many supplies to call on so was looking around for some cheap places. Thought I would check out barley bottom's pre made AG kits but since I last brewed they gone up by double. Have I missed something but now kits are about the same price as it is to brew AG unless I buy bulk. I probably sound like I’m moaning but it’s just a bit of a shock!

So where does everyone get their stocks? I was looking at BB or H&G but not sure where else.

Totem.

BBs All grain kits come preweighed ready and raring to go, you are always going to pay a price for convience, also those kits have free delivery IIRC, so maybe not as pricey as they first seem. And of course a decent AG will knock spots off a kit brew.

I suppose if you want it to be a bit more economical you'll need to buy in bulk (the pale malt at least).

[Jerry Cornelius]

Google your local breweries then email them. Compliment their beer then ask them if they would be willing to support a local homebrewer. You can get 25kg of MO for round £20-£25 if you're lucky!

I'd agree with that. Phoned a couple of local micros, first one said 'No, they only buy what they need', second one said 'yeah, pop round'. Nice and friendly, got a tour of the brewery and the offer of their yeast (had nothing to put it in, unfortunately ). Been back twice, now! £20 for 25 kg MO.

Crystal, dark and chocolate malts from the LHBS - £3 a Kg.

[Parva]

Furthermore, whilst the AG kits supplied by Paul at BB may match a decent no sugar required tinned kit brew, the resulting beer will be worlds apart from the tinned stuff. It's like comparing an Asda basics fish pie to one made by <insert favourite chef here>