Best Grain Sources For Brewing Beer

There are many options available for those looking to buy grain for beer. Some people prefer to buy grain in-store at their local homebrew store, while others opt for online retailers such as Amazon, Midwest Supplies, Homebrew, and Northern Brewer. When buying online, it is worth shopping around to compare prices, as some websites offer better deals than others. For example, Amazon offers a 10-pound bag of Rahr Standard 2-Row Crushed Malt for $29.99, whereas Homebrew offers a range of grains from $2.69 to $4.79 per pound. Buying in bulk can also help to reduce costs, with some websites offering discounts on larger orders.

Online retailers

There are several online retailers that sell grain for beer. Here is a list of some popular options:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of beer-brewing grains, including organic dehydrated water kefir grains, various types of malted barley, and crushed grains from different brands. Amazon provides a convenient platform for comparing prices, reading customer reviews, and finding a variety of grain options.

Homebrew

Homebrew is an online store dedicated to home brewing supplies, including grains. They offer a variety of grains by the pound, such as crystal malted grains, flaked oats, barley, rice, rye, and pale ale malt. Homebrew also provides free shipping on most orders over $99.

Brewmaster Wholesale

Brewmaster Wholesale offers a comprehensive selection of brewing grains, including adjuncts/flakes, caramel/crystal malts, distillers grains, specialty malts, and toasted/light roasted options. They carry products from various malting companies, such as Briess Malting, Great Western Malting, Simpsons Malting, and Thomas Fawcett Malting.

Midwest Supplies

Midwest Supplies provides a range of premium-quality brewing grains at affordable prices. They offer a variety of domestic and imported grains, including base malts and specialty options. Midwest Supplies has a user-friendly website that allows customers to easily browse and purchase their desired grains.

Northern Brewer

Northern Brewer is a trusted online retailer for malted beer grains, offering both domestic and imported options. They maintain high standards for their grain quality and have invested in advanced grain mills to ensure efficient and uniform crushing. Northern Brewer also provides informative resources, such as a video course on malt, to assist customers in their brewing journey.

These online retailers offer a convenient way to purchase grains for beer brewing, providing a wide range of options, competitive prices, and informative resources to help you make the best choice for your brewing needs.

Local homebrew stores

One advantage of buying from a local homebrew store is that you can ask if they can order specific items for you if they don't have what you're looking for in stock. This can be a convenient way to get the grains you need without having to search multiple stores or order online. Some stores may even offer a discount on bulk orders or have a loyalty program that rewards frequent customers.

Another benefit of shopping at a local homebrew store is that you can often buy grains in bulk, which can save you money in the long run. Many stores sell grains by the pound or in larger 50- or 55-pound bags, which is ideal if you plan to brew a large batch of beer or want to stock up on your favourite grains.

When buying from a local homebrew store, you may also have the opportunity to connect with other homebrewers in your area. Some stores host events or workshops where you can learn new techniques, share recipes, and taste different beers. This can be a great way to expand your brewing knowledge and become part of a community of like-minded people.

Finally, buying from a local homebrew store can offer a more personalised shopping experience. The staff at these stores are often knowledgeable and passionate about brewing, so they can provide guidance and recommendations based on your specific needs and brewing style. They may also be able to offer advice on the best ways to use the grains you purchase, helping you improve your brewing skills and create delicious beers.

Local breweries

• Ask about bulk discounts: Many breweries are happy to offer a discount if you purchase a large quantity of grain. This can be a great way to stock up on base malts or specialty grains that you use frequently.
• Get to know the brewers: Building a relationship with the brewers at your local brewery can be beneficial. They may be willing to give you a deal on grain prices or even let you tag along on their next grain order.
• Join a local homebrew club: Homebrew clubs often have group buys, which can help you get a better price on grain. It's also a great way to connect with other homebrewers in your area and learn from each other.
• Be flexible with your grain choices: While you may have a preferred type of grain, being flexible can help you get a better deal. For example, if you're brewing a pale ale, you could use either 2-row or Maris Otter as your base malt. Keeping an open mind can help you take advantage of sales or discounts.
• Ask about grain mills: If you don't have your own grain mill, ask the brewery if they can mill the grain for you. This can save you the cost of purchasing your own mill.
• Support your local homebrew store (LHBS): If you're lucky enough to have a local homebrew store in your area, consider supporting them by purchasing your grain there. They often have a great selection of grains and can special order items for you.

Amazon

Grains

• 2-Row Brewers Malt
• Briess Red Wheat Malt
• Weyermann Roasted Barley
• Rahr 6-Row Malted Barley
• Dingemans Grain Belgian Brewers Malt
• My Brew Supply Flaked Rye
• Barley Seeds

Weights

Grains are available in a range of weights, including:

• 1lb
• 2lb
• 5lb
• 10lb
• 50lb

Delivery

Local feed stores

When considering purchasing grain from a feed store, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, you may need to malt the grain yourself, which requires time and space. Second, the quality of the grain may vary, and it might not always be suitable for brewing. However, if you're looking for a challenge or want to experiment with different grains, a feed store can be a good option.

Some people have reported finding barley at their local feed stores, which can be used for malting. If you're interested in trying this approach, it's worth checking with your local feed store to see what grains they carry. You may also be able to find other grains, such as Quaker Oats, that can be used in the brewing process.

It's always a good idea to do your research and ask for advice from experienced brewers before attempting to use grain from a feed store. There are also online resources, such as podcasts and forums, where you can learn more about the process and connect with other homebrewers who have tried this unconventional method.

Frequently asked questions