[flbrewer]

Are there online vendors outside of the big HB online stores where I can purchase LME/DME/speciality grains/hops in bulk?
Would like to have some stuff laying around for when I want to cook.

[morticaixavier]

sure, there are smaller HBS places 


My club has started working on group bulk buys with local breweries. that's a great way to go as well given that the brewery get's about as good a price as the HBS if not better and, if they are really cool, won't mark it up much.

[flbrewer]

I have seen a lot of hop retailers online, direct from farm. Do hops stay for long periods of time in the freezer?

[morticaixavier]

I have seen a lot of hop retailers online, direct from farm. Do hops stay for long periods of time in the freezer?

Yeah they will last a year if well sealed and frozen. Most folks use a vacuum sealer to seal portions so the bulk of the hops can stay frozen and away from air

[erockrph]

I have seen a lot of hop retailers online, direct from farm. Do hops stay for long periods of time in the freezer?

Yeah they will last a year if well sealed and frozen. Most folks use a vacuum sealer to seal portions so the bulk of the hops can stay frozen and away from air

Whole hops might last a bit longer than a year. Pellets will go at least two if well stored. AA% may drop a bit, but the oils should be ok.

[erockrph]

For bulk hops I recommend Yakima Valley Hops, Freshops, Hops Direct and Farmhouse Brewing Supply.

For grains and DME (LME is rather perishable, so I don't recommend stockpiling it) shipping is a major part of the cost. I just tack on a few pounds of this or that when I'm ordering from one of the online HBS that has flat rate shipping.

[mugwort]

If you're really nutty (like me) you can order a few ice packs to accompany your hops -- ice packs that online retailers use for yeast shipments.  In my mind, takes the edge off.

Don't know if any hop suppliers give that option.

[reverseapachemaster]

50poundsack.com also sells bulk but I don't think their prices are quite as low as they used to be.

Many local shops will sell in bulk quantity for cheaper than their pound or ounce prices. Is there a local brewery or brewpub? They may be willing to sell you supplies cheap.