Organic brews

[Gaunnyno]

Hey

looking to brew organic beer in the future

Does anyone know where I can get a hold of organic grains/hops etc in Australia (Tas). I've found a supplier in the States but not in Oz.

Cheers

[chris.]

Powells do an organic pilsener malt. I know www.ndbrewing.com.au sell it.
As far as hops go I think there's only 1 variety available to us hbers. Pacific Gem. Which you should find at www.craftbrewer.com.au

[lethaldog]

Try the grain and grape apparently they are fantastic, they are in vic but you can order online http://www.grainandgrape.com.au not sure bout tassie but at any good homebrew store they could also probably point you in the right direction

[blandy]

Organic??? Dude, chemically speaking, PETROL is organic, PLASTIC is organic, TOLUENE is organic. Organic just means something like "crabon-based compound"

no seriously I know what you mean
A lot of hops are grown in Tassie, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[chris.]

Organic??? Dude, chemically speaking, PETROL is organic, PLASTIC is organic, TOLUENE is organic. Organic just means something like "crabon-based compound"

no seriously I know what you mean
A lot of hops are grown in Tassie, so that shouldn't be a problem.

www.dictionary.com

ORGANIC
"Of, marked by, or involving the use of fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable origin: organic vegetables; an organic farm.
Raised or conducted without the use of drugs, hormones, or synthetic chemicals: organic chicken; organic cattle farming. "

[Chris]

I know what you're getting at blandy. I'm sick of hearing about 'organic.' Marketing have created a new way of misusing a word.

[blandy]

At least dictionary.com had this definition SOMEWHARE:

"Chemistry. Of or designating carbon compounds."

although it was number 7.

That said, I like a few organic compunds in my beer, namely ethanol and it's precursor D-glucose.

If Gaunnyno wants to try beer with petrol, I'd like to gear how it turns out.

yep, G&G will be a good place to ask about "organic" ingredients, and I'm sure you won't get as many silly comments as this forum either.

[Chris]

Watch out blandy, the hippies are circling. We're in a PC world now, and everything must be 'organic.' There's no room in the world for people who actually understand the meaning of words.

[Gaunnyno]

Hey guys

firstly, thanks for the info.

second. What is it about wanting to brew a beer that contains none of the crap that is found in the majority of the beers this country has to offer that offends you blokes so much? Is it the fact that it challenges the Bogan in you to question the mullet, the Vb homebrew replication and exploits the constant inability to think for youselves? "Organic" may be, as you suggest, a buzz word at the moment but I believe it to be a word of far greater imprtance than some of the (Starts with P, similar to Fish) words that are creeping into our vernacular.

thanks again

[NTRabbit]

I don't know of any organic malt suppliers, but probably the best way to get organic hops is to grow them yourself - Grumpys are selling a variety of hop rhizomes for $35 each, with instructions for good healthy growth.

Nevermind, just saw the ordering deadline was may 30th. Craftbrewer is your best bet now.

[Chris]

Gaunnyno,

This is the wrong place to accuse people of being VB lovers. Many of us are here because of the crap that's in VB.

I personally was poking fun at the latest 'craze' that is 'organic.' Don't take it too seriously.

And you are the first person EVER to suggest that I am a mullet-adorned bogan! I almost feel honoured. Almost.

[chum]

The 'organic' craze does have its merits however how much positive difference you make to your body is debatable. But to each his own - it certainly doesn't hurt (except for your wallet) to go organic.

[two headed brewer]

people with passion - I like it! To weigh in on the debate, I am critical of the marketing side of "Organic" to justify rediculously high prices. Organic Chicken breast recently seen for $39.95 per KG. It's a f'ken chicken for god sake and doesn't cost that much to feed and knock it's head off!!!
I consider pesticide/chemical and hormone free to be more important. Provided the quality of the product is good and at a competitive price I don't a fat-rats whether it's organic or not.
Bally

[chris.]

I am critical of the marketing side of "Organic" to justify rediculously high prices. Organic Chicken breast recently seen for $39.95 per KG. It's a f'ken chicken for god sake and doesn't cost that much to feed and knock it's head off!!!

I agree on the marketing fad of organic food. But if you have a spare 6 weeks on your hands, go try & get yourself a hormone fed chick from a chicken farmer & watch how it grows. I gaurantee you'll either have trouble eating chicken again, or wont mind paying $40 per kilo

[two headed brewer]

Chris,
agree mate, grew up on a farm, prefer our beef as well, funny that. Probably explains why I'm a bit of a tight arse too! All for naturally fed and will buy if competitive, but some marketing leaves me cold.
Did find an organic rice malt in the Health Food shop near Coles in Westfield Hornsby, for those in the area. Was clearly a better product and cheaper than the competitor. Brand was NaturesHarvest.
For those that are interested, used the Coopers Cerveza Kit, Rice Malt and LDM, boiled for 30 min with 15 g Hallertau, Steeped 150g Pale Grain and added to final 10 min boil. Steeped 12g Cascade for 15 min while cooling.
Currently in the pail and can't wait. Second time as the first went in about 3 weeks
Bally

[111222333]

The only problem you'll have getting a true "organic" beer is the water. Anyone who tells you that water is organic should be shot. I'm sick of it.

Thats beside the point; I'm thinking of the sanation side of it. There are some organic cleaners on the market (particularly for coffee machines) but I'm pretty sure they will not sanatise. You'll still need to use something to sanatise the brew equipment. I would probably go for idophor, even though its not "organic", it is non-dectectable in proper quantities.

Also, I think you'll find that most grains from general homebrew stores are pretty good, hops maybe less so.

And the definition of organic is something like; a molecule made of predominatly carbon and hydrogen linkages that may contain sulfur, oxigen, nitrgen or halides atoms.

[da_damage_done]

how about orgasmic brews??

now that'd be sweet !!!

[rwh]

How about rainwater? It won't impurify your precious bodily fluids either... ;)

As for an organic sanitiser, how about boiling water? Unless you think that electricity isn't kosher. I suppose you could use organically grown wood to boil it or something. :P

As for the definition of organic, you're talking about the chemistry sense of the word. The first definition in dictionary.com follows, and I think that's what most people think of when they hear the word.

or·gan·ic
adj.

1. Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter.

[blandy]

The only problem you'll have getting a true "organic" beer is the water. Anyone who tells you that water is organic should be shot. I'm sick of it.

Just replace it with crude oil, which is pretty much 100% organic.

[111222333]

Just replace it with crude oil, which is pretty much 100% organic.

or just make pure ethanol - nothing inorganic about ethanol.

And sorry to be a pain, but urea is not organic, and it is most certainly derived from living organisms.