Buying malt, hops etc

[grim reality]

Hi guys. In my previous life as a homebrewer in England I used to go into my local HB shop, hand over a grain bill for a beer I was about to brew and 5 mins later I would get it back all crushed and in one bag ready to go straight into the mash. I've never milled or bought more grain than I needed for a particular beer. What way do people do it in this country as it looks like it is mostly online shopping to me? Do you guys order grain in bulk a few times a year and then weigh it and mill it yourselves at home for whatever beer you might be making? If so how long does grain keep or will it go 'off' at all?? thanks

[Pheeel]

Online is the way to do it unless you happen to live near one of the stores

I ordered WAY too much when I first did an order. I'd recommend planning at least your next 3-4 beers, order a 25kg bag of pale, the yeast, hops, speciality grains and a mill

[Parky]

An alternative approach, if you're concerned about storing too many ingredients for too long, is to source an all grain mash kit from one of the online HB shops. I know The Homebrew Company and Get 'er Brewed's kits have received some good reviews here, and they come with grains crushed, hops and appropriate yeast for each style. Not too expensive either, and saves having to source and store ingredients separately.

If you're in Dublin, Motley Brew (Glasnevin) will crush grains in store for you, although I think there's a minimum quantity, but they will match any recipe close enough.

[Simon_]

You order as little as 250g of a grain and 50g of hops and request it crushed

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

Expect to consume crushed grains within 3 months. Order specialty grains whole at least. They will be hanging around for longer. You could reasonably get through 25 kg of crushed base malt in 3 months,

[Greg2013]

You could reasonably get through 25 kg of crushed base malt in 3 months,

I fecking hope so because i have 25kg each of pilsner and pale malt here itching to be used.

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

Make hoppy beers then, when the malt starts to lose its edge.

[shweeney]

Mottly Brew in Dublin will make up a recipe for you - http://themottlybrew.ie/

surprised the other online shops don't offer the same service, seems to be common enough in other countries.

[Simon_]

All the shops will supply and crush the grain you order.