Lithy, can you make decent beer at home?

[StevenK]

I remember my dad always had a home brew kit on the go, but that was back when beer cost something. For the last 20 years beers has been virtually free from the supermarket so nobody bothered, but it's on the rise again.

Will home brew make a reappearance?

Is it always destined to be cloudy, undrinkable piss? Or can it be done right, at home, on the cheap?

 

[madmanjock]

Lithy will give a proper response but even I’ve made my own beer and cider, it isn’t difficult and it didn’t taste like piss. Just avoid getting anything contaminated and follow the recipe. Find your nearest brewing shop and talk to some nerds.

Top tip, start keeping your old beer bottles, clean them, and then reuse them for your home brew.

 

[JoeAwesome]

Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. If you think you have, you haven't done enough.

 

[roker]

I tried to make beer at home one time, then I realized it's a waste and bought a 6 pack instead.

true story.

 

[lithy]

You can definitely make decent stuff at home.

You definitely won't save any money.

 

[dspoonrt]

I've homebrewed on and off for 15 years. As with anything, you catch the bug and it's fun for a while until you find a new use for that time and money. Like Lithy says, it's not cost-effective compared to buying beer at the grocery store. Time is the big factor for me, though. It's hard to juggle work, family, and a hobby that solely amounts to having some extra beer around the house.

 

[madmanjock]

You definitely won't save any money.

Nah once you’ve got your setup paid for you can make beer for say 50p a pint here which tastes like a £2 can from the supermarket with those beer kits in a can with yeast, and probably less if you select your own yeasts and hops.

The setup costs can be heavy though, you need to go in with some commitment to make the economics worthwhile.

 

[dspoonrt]

Cost varies by location/distributor, beer style, and level of commitment to the process. All grain and partial mash ingredients are going to cost a lot more than your standard beer in a can kit or even brew kits put together by a local homebrew shop, but you get what you pay for -- just like at the grocery store where you can buy a $4 six pack or a $24 six pack.

 

[fake]

I just squirt some Pantene right into my 40oz. Saves time and hassle.

 

[Heinz]

Six packs here even at the cheap end are like $15 and you probably wouldn't want to drink it. Homebrewing probably makes more sense here as a result but still convenience is a killer.

 

[HornheaDD]

No home brew can match the perfect smoothness of natural light. Or miller lite.

LITE wtf

 

[madmanjock]

https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/woodfordes-wherry-real-ale-making-kit-3kg/p/0207610

56p per pint, takes 28 days to be ready, probably tastes as salty as a sailor’s nut sack.

Yeah maybe just buy your beer from Aldi or Lidl at £1 a can.

 

[Lagduf]

No home brew can match the perfect smoothness of natural light. Or miller lite.

LITE wtf

Say what you will about swill from beer conglomerates but the consistency between brews is extremely admirable.

 

[wyo]

Six packs here even at the cheap end are like $15 and you probably wouldn't want to drink it. Homebrewing probably makes more sense here as a result but still convenience is a killer.

$15 for a six pack is crazy unless it's something fancy. The most expensive 6 pack here is like $12.

 

[Lagduf]

I assume $15 AUD?

 

[theMot]

I assume $15 AUD?

Standard Bogan drop here, around $15 USD for 6x

Liquorland | Buy Beer, Wine, Spirits & Ciders at Great Prices

www.liquorland.com.au

”For a hard earned thirst” is the slogan. You’ll be fucking working hard for that alright

Packet of smokes is $30-$40. They tax the fuck out of this stuff here.

 

[Heinz]

Thankfully wine is like $1.5-2.50 usd a bottle.

 

[wyo]

You beauty

 

[Heinz]

You beauty

 

[Lagduf]

$15 USD for a six pack is bonkers. It’s like $8.99 or $9.99 for some independent brewery shit.

 

[lithy]

$15 USD for a six pack is bonkers. It’s like $8.99 or $9.99 for some independent brewery shit.

You bought any beer lately? $12-15 is a pretty typical grocery store price.

 

[Heinz]

$15 USD for a six pack is bonkers. It’s like $8.99 or $9.99 for some independent brewery shit.

Yeah it literally makes no sense with slab/case prices being around $38 usd.

 

[Neo Alec]

Will home brew make a reappearance?

Reappearance? It has been big for a long time. I know multiple beer nerds who homebrew. There are at least two local stores devoted to it. My brother can make some damn fine craft beer at home.

But yeah, the equipment is a bit of an investment, some don't have the space, I definitely don't have the time or need more of a beer gut.

 

[Lagduf]

You bought any beer lately? $12-15 is a pretty typical grocery store price.

I’m going to have to check. Last I remember was paying $8.99 or $9.99 for a 6 pack of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

I guess inflation has hit beer too?

 

[Neo Alec]

I’m going to have to check. Last I remember was paying $8.99 or $9.99 for a 6 pack of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

I guess inflation has hit beer too?

7.99 here.