Some Great Ways To Stay Fruggle While You BREW

As I was reading Chris Colby's latest article in BYO(Brew Your Own) magazine, I thought to myself, this is a great way to get others interested in home brewing and it won't break your bank. He starts off by saying that if you brew more you will save more, oh how true. I always look at it if you can save a few bucks in shipping costs, that is if you purchase your kits online, why not right? His second point was Buying in Bulk, and I believe this is directed at those all grain brewers out there. Buying in bulk will always save yourself more instead of buying smaller amounts of grain. Just remember to use them before they go bad. Third point was Brew appropriately-smaller batches if you want that is. If you aren't looking at brewing a five gallon batch save yourself the hassle. His next point is in regards to substituting malt for malt extract. I think this is a great idea, but take into consideration that if you are pursuing bulking up on kits, your LME or liquid malt extract will not last as long as straight malt will. Point five, HOPS, HOPS, HOPS....I always say grow your own, that is if you have a green thumb like I do, yet for some reason I have started growing my own, hmmmmm? Yeast. Now this is an interesting topic, I have always used a dry packaged yeast for my brewing, but I have heard that by using a liquid yeast for your brew is a much better alternative because you can distinguish the different characters that are in each strand of the yeast...oh yea, they say you can reuse the yeast strand as well, if you are brewing the same or similar batch. His next point is BREW WITH A FRIEND...it doesn't get any simpler than that. One it saves you money, wait a tick isn't that what this article is all about? Two you can share a hobby with your friend(s), three you make beer, duh!!! Chris' next point is about growing your own, now for all of you that listen to Basic Brewing Radio and Video pod casts, you will catch Chris and James and Steve talking about all different aspects of homebrewing. Chris is an expect hop and grain grower in his backyard and driveway, check them out for sure...Tip number 9...Use Energy Wisely...if you are brewing a larger batch do it, don't waste the same amount of propane if that's what you do on one 5 gallon batch, brew a 10 gallon and you will only use a tad bit more of energy brewing more...His next point is about purchasing the right equipment at the right time...he suggests that if you are planning on purchasing equipment for your current brewing circumstance buy it, but remember that brewing larger and more efficiently is always good too. So be prepared that if you want to brew more efficiently start saving or find something that might be second hand or sell some of your current equipment to upgrade to the next level of brewing. Chris' last and final point is think green. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...it goes just like anything else in life. Did you know you can reuse cleaning solution? Star San can be reused only if its pH level doesn't reach 3. If you know you are going to be brewing again in the next few days, save your cleaning solution it will save you quite a bundle.
Well I hope you can all read his article for brewing on a budget, I loved reading it...

!!!NEWS FLASH!!! I just received a message from my wife, my equipment has arrived...

HAPPY BREWING Y'ALL,

Jon A.