By Mark Wood - Malt extracts have improved greatly as time has passed, and as a result there are a number of homebrewers crafting terrific brew from extract. Many people ask whether switching to all-grain in reality is worth the trouble.
That really will depend on just what you like most on the subject of homebrewing. For a lot of homebrewers, extract brewing is gratifying because they make awesome beer, consequently they may not want to exceed that. Mind you, these are what I think are the added benefits of all-grain brewing over malt extract brewing.
* Even more control - I've listed this first since for me it is the primary grounds to take the plunge. You will have complete control over that which goes into your own brew.
* Variety - Whenever you would want to attempt incorporating unusual grains, e.g. millet or spelt, or any other starches such as butternut squash, you will need to mash. Sure enough, you can use a partial mash, but if you're going to do that, the time commitment is no less than when you don't use extract at all, so you may as well give it a shot.
* More cost-effective - Especially if you buy materials in bulk, you save a lot as a result of going all-grain (even while there's likely to be an equipment investment required).
* Perhaps you'll aspire to brew a very pale home brewed beer - Malt extract beers by default are for sure darker-colored compared to all-grain homebrews as a result of the procedure of producing the malt extract. It does not make a big difference for a lot of homebrews; nevertheless, if you plan to concoct something nearing the shade of a Miller Lite (I won't think less of you), you're likely to do a lot better going all-grain.
* Entertainment - It's really 100% subjective, naturally. If it turns out you're the kind of person who really enjoys playing with recipes, or you have science-geek tendencies, in that case you will doubtless enjoy all-grain brewing.
* Gratification - This is a bit subjective too, but there is a little something really gratifying when it comes to recognizing that you've made a delightful ale or lager beginning with just malted barley, water, hops, and of course yeast, and that you decided every part during this process (besides the malting, but you could take that on too, if you like).
* Taste - I included this last, since believe it or not, in my personal opinion it's the lowest point of concern. There are several people involved in this hobby concocting some darn excellent extract ale or lager. Still, if you've tried everything to get the best tasting beer you can, this is basically the subsequent logical undertaking and you'll experience an impact.
Thus these would be the reasons many homebrewers like me have made the switch. I most certainly will continue to brew a batch from extract once in a while, if I'm in a hurry or possibly I really am not inspired as much as necessary to be able to make any kind of all-grain beer. That is the fantastic thing about home brewing, it's entirely my decision not just what to brew, but how much effort I want to put in.
There are some downsides too, obviously. The main ones will be more time required plus equipment cost. Some chose to cobble together lots of the essential paraphernalia thereby reducing cost, but there will be a cost. More time may be required, but it's leisure time spent doing something I enjoy, and so generally it's not an issue, but if time does matter I can't see any reason I should not make an extract brew.
In the end, you get to make the choice of how involved in this hobby you want to be. To me, it's been worth the extra time and effort. Maybe it will be for you, too? Cheers!
About the Author:
If you're an extract brewer who'd like to find out more about all-grain brewing, Mark Wood's website has some great information about what's needed to get started. Have a look.
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