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Just wondering how much grain and hops everybody keeps on hand. So far I haven't bought in bulk and when I'm going to make a batch I go and get the grain, hops and yeast I need. Probably not the cheapest way to do it. I'm thinking about starting to buy bulk but not sure how to start. I don't have a mill either. Say I bought a big bag of 2 row and had it crushed, how long does that stay fresh when crushed?

Buying hops online by the pound = huge savings...sometimes they cost around $10 -$11 per lb.

I usually have a 55lb bag of the three base grains (Mariss Otter, 2 row, and Pilsner) I use most on hand, I get them crushed and just store them in somewhat airtight bins in a cool dry area in my basement. If they are stored properly they last for at least 6 months or so, some say 12.

Speciality grains stay fresh even longer, so usually when I need a small amount for a recipe I order 5 lbs of it, so now I have around 15 speciality grains in stock.

Same thing for hops, usually buy them by the pound on sale from hops direct, everwood ave brew shop or OBK, they store fine in the freezer in decent containers, vacuum packed is preferable, but I've been using plastic containers for a while with decent results. Last time I checked I had around 15 lbs of hops in my freezer (I was forced to find a free chest freezer on kijiji just for my hops )

Damn, that's a lot of hops.

I have been considering the same thing lately. I usually just figure out what I need then head to Noble Grape, measure and crush there, then brew a few days later.

Been considering buying grains in bulk, but I keep thinking it will take up too much space and maybe not be as fresh. However, last time I was at NG on Quinpool I noticed their mill was not working right and the space seemed large on one end. That batch is the only one where I missed my OG, which kind of pisses me off and makes me want to buy my own mill.

For those that buy in bulk, how often do you brew? I'm averaging around once a month.

HoweFox wrote:I have been considering the same thing lately. I usually just figure out what I need then head to Noble Grape, measure and crush there, then brew a few days later.

Been considering buying grains in bulk, but I keep thinking it will take up too much space and maybe not be as fresh. However, last time I was at NG on Quinpool I noticed their mill was not working right and the space seemed large on one end. That batch is the only one where I missed my OG, which kind of pisses me off and makes me want to buy my own mill.

For those that buy in bulk, how often do you brew? I'm averaging around once a month.

You may want to consider Everwood Ave Brewshop for grains as well. Check the vendor section.

Just to lend my two cents, buying in bulk can definitely save you money, for both grains and hops. As Jon said, crushed grains will keep for months, especially when stored in a low humidity environment, and well sealed, and hops keep for months in the freezer, too.

Everwood will sell to you in bulk for both products, and if you ask nice, might even be able to crush them for you. (Sorry for making you work even more, Dave!)

If you are are storing base grains in a relatively cool and dry place with not a lot of humidity, milled grains will last you several months without losing any efficiency. Storage conditions is key, and air tight containers are a must for prolonged grain life. Specialty grains will last even longer.

Here's a great little audio blurb about it from Bob Hanson from Briess Malt. Skip to the 5:20 mark. He mentions that milled grains will last 6-9 months under just normal conditions.

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