Is homebrew expensive to make?
After the initial investment for the necessary equipment and bottles, brewing at home is relatively inexpensive. In fact, if you prefer imported or micro-brewed beer you’ll be surprised to learn that you will save a lump of dough. An average 6-pack of micro-brew can cost up to $10, even more; Whereas the average cost of a 5 gallon recipe kit at Midwest sells for about $25-$30.
After capping 54 twelve-ounce bottles you are looking at a cost of about 55 cents a bottle, about 66% cheaper!
- All-grain brewing is considerably cheaper than extract brewing due to the simple fact that grain is much cheaper than extract.
- All-grain brewing requires more of an initial investment in extra equipment but this is rapidly offset by the low production cost.
- All-grain brewed beer also takes a good deal more of time to produce. The average infusion mashed batch takes roughly 4 hours to complete.
- The all-grain brewer has the added advantage of greater control over the subtle nuances of his/her beer. As an example of the difference in cost, consider that an average pale ale might cost $25.00 for an extract kit where as the ingredients for a pale ale for an all-grain brewer will cost roughly $15.00, for 2 cases of beer! Either way it is inexpensive in comparison to shelling out full retail for quality imported or micro-brewed beer.
Is homebrew expensive to make?" PDF
is_homebrew_expensive_to_make.pdf
