Question For All Grainers

[rich_lamb]

I only AG; since I have the gear and it's about quality. I'd never go back to kits - only ever did a couple anyway. Once you see your quality improve you will realise it's a funny question to ask.

But I have had the odd patch where I wonder if partials might be a good tradeoff in terms of equipment; as I could get away with smaller equipment and even use the stove (storage and gear setup is a hassle for me). But since the time's about the same I never act on it.

I do - rarely - use some extract in a high gravity beer to make life easier. Does that count as a partial? (ie. if more than 80% of malt is from grain)

 

[jonocarroll]

:lol: That hoary old chestnut will *never* be resolved.

Probably not for everyone, but with all that's gone wrong with this beer (although it's now finally fermenting) if it does somehow come out good, I'll have the evidence I need to convince anyone who tastes it that AG is worth it, and more-or-less foolproof.

If it ends up tasting like dog's bollocks, then so be it. I reckon my first AG is better than any of my kits. I'm really looking forward to tasting the second one.

 

[peas_and_corn]

I agree that AG is better- but it's an argument that's gone in circles for years, and I stay away from it as much as possible.

 

[Steve]

I try to do a double AG batch once a week or at least once a fortnight. I dont have time this weekend so going to buy a couple of K&Ks and chuck them down. Havent made a kit for about 2 years now. Looking forward to it.
Cheers
Steve

 

[Jerry]

On average I brew every 2 -3 weeks or so.

When I started brewing AG a bit over 2 years ago I had every intention of still doing the occasional extract brew.

Looking back at my records I did my first 3 AG's and then a final extract. Can't remember why.

Since then its been 50 something AG's in a row.

I enjoyed doing extract, much more than kit and bits, but I just truely love the AG process.

And for me, enjoying doing it is the most important thing.

Sure at the end you end up with beer but if it becomes a chore then I think you would find the time and effort involved would not be worthwhile.

As always, each to their own.

Scott