Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Questions for a class at Indiana University  (Read 6625 times)

Offline a10t2

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 4696
  • Ask me why I don't like Chico!
    • SeanTerrill.com
Re: Questions for a class at Indiana University
« Reply #15 on: November 11, 2009, 12:02:18 pm »
I'm averaging 10 batches a year, almost all 5 gallon. Ingredients are probably $8-40 per batch. I buy base malts and a few varieties of hops in bulk, hence the large range. Plus maybe $3-7 for propane.

Most likely I would not "distribute". Every state I've looked into has a brewpub license that allows you to sell on premises only. The margins going through a distributor are tiny and based on the analysis I've done, not worth it unless you can move 2000+ barrels a year. I have actually written a business plan for a small brewpub, and would like to follow through on it, but I've been forced to hold off until small business lending picks back up.  :-\

If you want to ace the class, have a Purdue student write your paper   ;)

BTFU!  ;D
Sent from my Microsoft Bob

Beer is like porn. You can buy it, but it's more fun to make your own.
Refractometer Calculator | Batch Sparging Calculator | Two Mile Brewing Co.

Offline wormser

  • 1st Kit
  • *
  • Posts: 6
Re: Questions for a class at Indiana University
« Reply #16 on: November 11, 2009, 06:24:08 pm »
Just started all-grain in March 2009, up to 16 five gallons batches and 2 10 gallon batches.

Average about $20-30 per batch.

Not sure on distribution, but would love to be able to open brewpub someday.  Hopefully will have the resources once I get some more experience.



BTFU!  ;D


As an 2006 IU grad, I hope the Hoosiers beat the crap out Purdue November 21st!  If Phish wasn't playing in Cincinnati, I'd be in Bloomington cheering on the Hoosiers!

Offline wilypig

  • Cellarman
  • **
  • Posts: 94
Re: Questions for a class at Indiana University
« Reply #17 on: November 16, 2009, 08:34:52 am »
How much home brewing do you do in an average year?
10 ten gallon batches at a cost of between 20 and 50 dollars a batch for beer
5 five gallon batches of cider at a cost of between 15 and 35 dollars a batch
3-5  five gallon batches of mead at a cost of between 45 and 85 dollars a batch

-What is your current cost to make a batch, and how much does that make?
See above

-If properly licensed, how would you go about distributing your beer?
Only if the cost/benefit ratio was more favorable

-If you could, would you be willing to take your hobby to the next level and try to start a business?
Simple answer - Yes

-If yes, what is holding you back?
money, red tape
If you can make mac and cheese from a box, you can make great beer.
Weiz Guys Homebrew club Loveland CO
Wilypig Fermentation Specialties

Offline darkerpower

  • Cellarman
  • **
  • Posts: 30
Re: Questions for a class at Indiana University
« Reply #18 on: November 18, 2009, 08:24:19 pm »
how often do i brew? hard to say, it depends on how much free time i have and how many open carboys are available.  I'd guess 2 5 gallon batches a month.

My current cost?  As above it varies a lot per batch, but I try pretty hard not to look at how much it costs.  I would say from 20-50 bucks a batch, but i tend to lean towards the more expensive end of the spectrum. 

If a miracle happens and i get to brew professionally my choice would be to go the route of a brewpub.  I reason that gives you more variety in what you brew, and more room to experiment than a commercial brewery.

Hell yes I would take my hobby to the next level if i could. 

Money is the factor holding me back as others have stated. 
"yesterday I was so desperate for a beer that I snuck into the football stadium and ate the dirt under the bleachers"- Homer Simpson.