All Grain ?

[mikebiewer]

I'm going on batch number 9 with extracts. I'm having a great time seeing my beer become better and better as I go. I have a feeling it is going to be that addiction of having the beer get better and better that is going to force me into all grain brewing. I'm a nerd, so I like to have control over as many things as possible when I do stuff, plus I like doing more and learning more.

I feel that once I'm an expert at brewing extracts, I'll jump past partials and go right to all grain. I need a bit more space before I do that I don't see that happening in the next 2 years. So I may work to win some comps with extracts before moving on.

Plus, I like the idea that eventually all grain will pay for the system. I've heard, and please verify, that if you buy grains in bulk for beers you like you can make 5 gallons for under $20 easy.

So for now, extract it is! Someday, all grain.

Good question!

[brewinhard]

I made the leap to all grain 5 years ago and never looked back. Except for an occasional extract lambic. The quality of my beer increased several fold and I learned a lot more about brewing with all the different grains and their affect on the final wort than I did using extract.

[TheTodd]

If you're happy with your beer and you enjoy the process, stick with what you're doing. Don't go to AG because anybody tells you you should. Only do it because you absolutely have the urge to do so.

That being said, I did my first AG batch this past weekend and absolutely loved it. I haven't had that much fun brewing since my very first batch. I totally agree with HoozierDaddy. Other than a little more planning ahead of time, I thought the actual process was a lot easier.

[Old_Skool]

Wow - lots of folks moving to the All Grain train. Some good comments - I guess if TheTodd can pull it off maybe it is a possibility.

I have to say with 20 batches done and I would say 12 outstanding - 3 just good - and two flops I'm very happy. And I've had no issue getting my primary to 1.015 and sometimes down to 1.010.

So maybe in 3-4yrs when I can buy an All-Grain-Daddy Mr. Masher setup. Mean while I'll keep the lights on here for fellow travelers passing thru

[BDawg]

Just Brew it!

[Billy Klubb]

I've been brewing extract since '99 and I'm happy with my beer. I would like to go AG, but it requires more time and money to get set up. and I don't have that time or money right now.

[edisonst]

going all grain isnt expensive. It only cost me 25 bucks for a 5 gal cooler on sale at home depot, 10 bucks for plumbing fittings and another ten bucks for a stainless braid. Just batch sparge..you dont need a brew stand. A ten gallon kettle is the only expensive thing you need. I buy weyerman pilsener malt for 55$ for a 55# sack at my local homebrew shop. Thats 6 batches worth...all grain set up paid for. I made some very good extract beers but I would never go back. You learn so much about the brewing process doing all grain. There is always a next level of expense when it comes to hobbies, especially this one. Fermentors, o2 systems, ph meters, pumps, freezers, fridges, heaters, thermostats, co2, kegs, chemicals, water salts, perlicks...I guess we all choose where to invest in our system.

[Lefty]

I made some pretty dang tasty extract brews. If you like your extract brew process and happy with the result, cool. If you want to move on to AG, cool. Remember you are drinking the beer YOU want to drink man. Nothing wrong with some extract brewing.