AG vs extract

[recharge]

Having never tried or thought of trying an AG until discovering these forum thingies i was wondering if,

a) there is much cost difference between the two to make a similar style

b) is there a significant improvement between say an all extract , partial or AG

[gregb]

Recharge,

I'll take a stab, I've based this on a couple of assumptions:
1. Pale ale malt $4 /kg (Daves Homebrew at North Sydney)
2. Coopers LME can $11.05 / 1.5 kg (Asquith Homebrew)
3. LME will give 36 PPG (Palmer: How to Brew: pg 40)
4. Pale ale malt typically 32 PPG (Palmer: How to Brew: pg 150)

So for a 23Litre 1040 wort we require 3.5Kg Pale Ale malt $14 or 3Kg LME $22.10. However, your mash efficiency may be (like mine) less than typical, and you'll therefore require more grain.

Also, by just using extract you are not heating mash or sparge water, and you are not spending the time mashing the grain. Less cost of energy.

As to the difference in taste, that is something only the drinker can answer for themselves.

All grain brewing is a commitment, and not for the faint of heart, but few beers are as satisfying, even if you can pick a string of faults with it. I went all grain only because I wanted to.

Cheers,
Greg

[recharge]

Well im kinda thinkin the same way, Just because i can i think i will.
Probably take a while to get around to it tho.

Cheers

[Dogger Dan]

I like it.

Dogger

[Tipsy]

b) is there a significant improvement between say an all extract , partial or AG

Can a few AGers give an answer on this, I'd be interested how you would rate your AG against kit brews.

[tcc]

if you want to see for yourself, pick up an ESB fresh wort kit from your HBS - they do all the mashing etc for you, just add 5 litres of water and yeast

I bottled the american pale ale about 6 weeks ago from memory and I've had to force myself not to drink the last 3 bottles so I can see if it ages well...it is the best thing I've brewed so far.

[tyrone]

Is it really that hard to mash and sparge or does it just take some time and care?

[yardglass]

Is it really that hard to mash and sparge or does it just take some time and care?

one Partial does not make me a Partial Masher, but here's my 2bobs.

i think the easiest road is to start steeping some spec grains to get the feel for it.
then read, read, read, ask questions, google everything you can, soak it all up.
Assess your equipment, can it handle what you want to do ?

If it can, go from there but imo keep it simple for your first attempt.

There's quite a few members here that helped me out.
search 'Partial' and 'Grain' here for heaps of info.

cheers
yard

[Dogger Dan]

Actually, It is very easy. It does take time and the first time you do it there will be water everywhere and a big mess until you figure out how to make it all work

Andy

[Tipsy]

Actually, It is very easy. It does take time and the first time you do it there will be water everywhere and a big mess until you figure out how to make it all work

Andy

Who's Andy?

Luke

[tyrone]

Thanks for the advice Dogger -AGAIN- arn't you sick of helping me out yet? I'm goiung to give it a go

[tyrone]

Sorry about the spellintg: -HIC- to many dogger wheats

[Dogger Dan]

Andy is the fricking pony. That Bugger and the Troll are up to no good again

Dogger