Extract, generally not that cheap!

[WishboneBrewery]

I'll be going the BrewGenie route as its probably a safer bet for me

[brewin_bear]

Ahh, OK, so the 51 quid should last in good health until its empty, I suppose its a bit like Jam... you get a furry mouldy top but other than that its probably still OK!!!

Not a good comparison IMHO as anything other than fresh LME will give you that home-brew tang. I certainly wouldn't want to drink anything made from mouldy LME but each to their own

Yes. I'm not intending to keep it that long. The 15kg should last me about 1 and half months (4 brews) so 'shouldn't' get old and mouldy. I was simply pointing out that others have used this stuff with mould on the top. Like you, I wouldn't fancy the idea.

I have now got 2 brews conditioning from dry extract, and over the next 6 weeks will have another 4 going from the liquid so should give me a good comparison of taste / twang development from actual experience of use rather than internet gossip and speculation I'll let you guys know.

[arturobandini]

I've got no idea how people let mould grow on something that is effectively syrup! Extract doesn't really go off as it's just sugar but depending on what it's stored in (tins!) I'd say less time in there the better. I have a definite preference for spray malt over liquid because the freshness of the Extract is hard to ascertain and I think that more time in the can means more tinny twang potential.

should give me a good comparison of taste / twang development from actual experience of use rather than internet gossip and speculation

Good luck and depending on what you use you might get none at all and having said that it's not something that will make you stop drinking it...it's just an unpleasant niggle your beer would probably be perfect without.

[brewin_bear]

The 15kg isn't in a tin but a large plastic 'thing' -

[arturobandini]

Then the Extract Brewer's here will probably be doubly interested in your findings. Go on, brew until you drop as it is in the name of science!

[sonicated]

Can anyone recommend places that sell LME as fresh as possible? How will I know if I've got an older one or not?

[WishboneBrewery]

Can anyone recommend places that sell LME as fresh as possible? How will I know if I've got an older one or not?

It might be an idea to ask everyone who their favourite HBS is and from that get an idea which shop has the highest turnover / turnaround of stock... Hopefully that also equates to fresher products in general.

Personally I'm a fan of http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk as they have a large comprehensive online shop

[brewin_bear]

Brewday went well yesterday and have posted a few picys here viewtopic.php?f=24&t=23013&p=256616#p256616. you can see how I measured out the LME using digital scales which was cleaner than using dry malt. Just have to see how it lasts now.

PS... I'm a fan of the Home Brew Shop as well. Good stock and fast turnaround / delivery. Many other brew shops seem a little amateur regarding internet sales in comparisson.

[KevP]

Ahh, OK, so the 51 quid should last in good health until its empty, I suppose its a bit like Jam... you get a furry mouldy top but other than that its probably still OK!!!

Not a good comparison IMHO as anything other than fresh LME will give you that home-brew tang. I certainly wouldn't want to drink anything made from mouldy LME but each to their own

Yes. I'm not intending to keep it that long. The 15kg should last me about 1 and half months (4 brews) so 'shouldn't' get old and mouldy. I was simply pointing out that others have used this stuff with mould on the top. Like you, I wouldn't fancy the idea.

I have now got 2 brews conditioning from dry extract, and over the next 6 weeks will have another 4 going from the liquid so should give me a good comparison of taste / twang development from actual experience of use rather than internet gossip and speculation I'll let you guys know.

Please do keep us informed mate, I'm interested to hear about this, always looking to keep costs down, had to give up AG mostly due to time constraints, but DME prices are a killer.

[WishboneBrewery]

The best deals I can see would be:
http://www.brewgenie.co.uk
Giving you 11Kg of DME and a packet of yeast!

Quantity 20
Spraymalt (Light)
Quantity 2
Spraymalt (Medium)
Quantity 1
Beer Yeast. (Coopers Ale Yeast)
Unit Price £ 0.65
Goods Total £ 65.55
Delivery Total £0.00
Total Payable £ 65.55

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk
Giving you 2.5kg of DME + 15kg LME (how does this equate to 11kg of DME? (I think the liquid option is always going to be the most economic, is 1kg of LME the same as 800g of DME or something?)

Quantity 1
Muntons 500g Extra Light Spraymalt
Quantity 2
1kg Extra Light Dried Malt Extract
Quantity 1
Brupaks 15kg Pale Malt Extract syrup
Subtotal £58.79
VAT £8.83
Total £67.62

Both taking advantage of Free delivery over £65

[KevP]

Trying to stay away from LME though, having drunk my AG beers I dont want any 'old' tasting LME twang, its a conundrum alright, taste over price, but I think I know what's winning, if I can keep my beers under 75p a pint (which I am) then alls good.

[sparky Paul]

And where might I get DSM for £3?

Also just under £3 at Brewmart.

Bulk liquid malt extract can work out a little cheaper, but it's not as cheap as it was. You could buy a 15Kg pail for under £30 when Diamalt was producing it, but the cheapest now is Brupaks at around £50 if you shop around - however, it will still give you 5 good brews.

[KevP]

And where might I get DSM for £3?

Also just under £3 at Brewmart.

Bulk liquid malt extract can work out a little cheaper, but it's not as cheap as it was. You could buy a 15Kg pail for under £30 when Diamalt was producing it, but the cheapest now is Brupaks at around £50 if you shop around - however, it will still give you 5 good brews.

Cant wait for them to get back from stocktaking! its killing me! Used them forever and such a great service.

[WishboneBrewery]

I've not used them yet, and they are almost local!!

[OldSpeckledBadger]

but I think I know what's winning, if I can keep my beers under 75p a pint (which I am) then alls good.

Extract brewing is costing me about £16 per 40-pint batch, which is competitive with the 2-can kits and hopefully much better quality. I'm going to plant a hop plant or two this autumn so that should bring the cost down further in the long term.