Saving You Money: Home Brewed Beer
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Updated: 7:27 AM Sep 30, 2009
Saving You Money: Home Brewed Beer
Throughout the recession, most of us have been cutting back. That often means slashing spending on alcohol.
Posted: 9:55 PM Sep 29, 2009
Reporter: Meredith Stancik
Email Address: stancik@kbtx.com
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Throughout the recession, most of us have been cutting back. That often means slashing spending on alcohol.

However, there is a way to enjoy a cold one at a fraction of the cost. If you are devoted enough, do-it-yourself alcohol won't break the bank.

Dean Brundage is at home in his kitchen. But, you won't find him whipping up his grandmother's recipe. He's perfecting the craft of home brewing.

"I'm not exactly sure how I got into it," Brundage said. "I think my folks bought me a kit. My cousin is also a home brewer and he probably was instrumental in getting me to start."

Dean has been making his own beer for years. He makes ten gallons at a time, every other month.

The process is time consuming. It takes him about four hours in the kitchen and then about a month of waiting. However, for Dean it's worth it.

"It's definitely cheaper and you get good beer."

Equipment will set you back about $80, and most home brew shops sell a kit with everything you need, including ingredients.

"You can start off at 50 cents a bottle, making beer," Brundage said. "I buy ingredients in bulk and they come out 25 to 30 cents a beer."

Plus, Dean isn't making budget beers.

"I make beers I like usually, I like English style ales and Belgium style beers."

Comparable to beers like Guinness.

A six pack at Albertson's will cost you $8.99. That's about $1.50 a bottle.

Dean's homemade brew is even cheaper than an 18 pack of Miller Light at HEB, which will set you back about 72 cents a can.

You do have to factor in the cost of supplies and the time commitment, but depending on how much beer you drink. Do-it-yourself alcohol can save you money. That's why Dean spends countless hours getting the flavor just right

If you would like to learn more about home brewing, Dean started the Texas Aggieland Brew Club about a year ago so other home brewers can share the tricks of the trade. You can find out more on the club's Facebook page.

Dean also has a blog called Midnight Hour Brewery. For more information, click on the link below.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Rob Location: CS on Apr 2, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Thanks for posting some fun stories. If it was ALL bad news, I wouldn't bother reading it.
Posted by: Sister of a Brewer Location: College Station on Sep 30, 2009 at 09:42 AM

My brother got addicted to many different types of beer when he went to A&M. Now his kitchen is filled with kegerators and hundreds of empty beer bottles waiting to be filled. His wife doesn't mind and netiher does my dad. He makes his beer how he likes it and saves a lot of money at the same time. His co-workers come over for parties and they usually only bring food because his beer will last all night and into the morning.
Posted by: Wow Location: Cs on Sep 30, 2009 at 07:55 AM

How news breaking. It's so nice to know with the economy being down, the wars, and the health care issues that this is considered such ground breaking news for our area.
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