Where can I get supplies in Ontario?

[ulyssessundance]

I'm looking for decent suppliers of hardware and supplies in the Toronto area.

As far as supplies are concerned, like turbo yeast (I get it from my local wine supplier), sugar (I get from Costco in 22kg bags). What I'm looking for is a decent, local spot to get essences and charcoal and stuff like that (I have used web shops before and the service is great but I have to pay for shipping if I'm not in Ottawa)

As far as hardware is concerned, I'm hoping some of you would have suggestions on where I can get 2" copper, copper plating and Kegs. I can get pipe from Lowes but I have to buy a 16' length minimum. Does anyone know where I can just get smaller lengths? Plus, the likes of Lowes and HD don't have a great selection of the fittings I'm after.

AND

Where can I get kegs in Ontario?

[Barney Fife]

Son, doesn't matter where you're from; read, read, and read some more of this forum.

There's no need for turbos and/or essences; they're expensive and they suck, and they're unnecessary. Try the search button.

There are a lot of ideas and tips on finding kegs on this forum. Try the search button.

Likewise, there are a ton of tips on where to find shorter lengths of larger copper(hint: it won't be at a big box store). Try the search button.

[ulyssessundance]

Son, doesn't matter where you're from; read, read, and read some more of this forum.

There's no need for turbos and/or essences; they're expensive and they suck, and they're unnecessary. Try the search button.

There are a lot of ideas and tips on finding kegs on this forum. Try the search button.

Likewise, there are a ton of tips on where to find shorter lengths of larger copper(hint: it won't be at a big box store). Try the search button.

Seems the question's been asked a few times. But the search seems to be coming up with outdated information. Was hoping for some sort of update. Especially on the copper question. It's a shame to have to pay $103 for something when you only need $50 worth. I'll have to see if I have any plumbers in my social circles that would sell me smaller lengths of copper. I have this feeling, I'll end up buying the full length, anyway. I'll check the beer distribution centers around me and see if they have any bad kegs.

As far as Turbos are concerned. I like them. They are great to learn on and it doesn't take a lot to make a ton of hootch. So far, my cost is at 3.50 per bottle of neutral, using Turbos. When I cost out the other recipes, it's about the same. The advantage of Turbos for me is that I can produce more in smaller vessels. I'm just getting to the point where I'm getting fermenters that can handle the volumes I would like to produce different recipes with. It will help, too, when I have a larger boiler and higher producing still.

Not all essences work out, that's for sure. But they are fun to play with. I'm looking for a passable whiskey essence I can use to make Drambuie with. Just for now. Soon, I'll be making my own whiskey and I'm sure that will be much better. Thanks for the reply, Barney.

[Barney Fife]

Skip the plumbers, and find a plumbing supplier, or the companies the plumbers work for. The smaller the shop, the more helpful they'll be and the more likely they are to be saving their short "scraps". Remember, these guys hate cutting a 12' length just to get a 3' section, so they DO save up their shorter pieces. If you can't be bothered with that, go to ebay; the place is loaded with large bore copper...

As for the turbos, they're well known for causing off-flavors, and if nothing else, you're having to buy them and are thus flagging yourself as a home distiller. Best to just use regular yeast and make up your own nutrients, most of which will already be in the grains anyhow. As you progress, you'll find yourself using fewer added nutrients, and at most times, none at all.

For kegs, dude, try ebay and craig's lists and the like. They're all over the place. Join one of the Ontario based home brewer's sites/forums(a quick google search found many) and ask them for a keg.

Be resourceful, Son.

[ulyssessundance]

Funny you should mention plumbing supply. Turns out there is a custom copper shop around the corner from me (literally) that I never knew about. Thing is, they only sell 3 1/2 inch round for things like downspouts for eaves and the likes. Found another place that will sell a 6 foot length for 63 dollars, as I write this. I was just thinking that a plumber might have the scrap, too. Or know someone who does. I guess the answer I was looking for from the readers was recommendations on suppliers that a) have the products I'm looking for and b) are discreet.

I've been thinking about switching to grains. I just need a little more equipment, like a grinder and such. I'll have to adjust my process, too. I've been making beer and wine for years. My dad and uncle have been making it for decades before me. Once nugget of advice that was passed to me that I live by is to live by my process. Your process is the foundation and structure of your ability to successfully and efficiently brew whatever you're making. Your process keeps you organised and is different for everyone. Not everyone brews in the basement, like I do. So your process is gonna be different than mine. I'm building my process right now, so I'm using Turbos 'cause they're easy. I gotta say, I don't really get any off flavours. I mean, I do, but after a double distillation and filtering the heck out of it, all I get is a little bit of sweet. Even my stilling partner has noticed a significant difference in flavour now from the first time I made hootch.

In my research, I found that most turbos are pretty much 5 packs of saccharomyces bayanus yeast and a poop load of nutrients. Where I buy my yeast and turbos charges me 1.65 for a package of bayanus and 6 bucks for a package of turbo. I suppose I could go with just a pack or two of the bayanus and spoon feed it up to 18% but that takes a while and I can't tell the difference in flavour in the final product. I'm sure there will be a difference, once I start playing with grains and stuff. I'm looking forward to a little variety on the shelf.

The homebrew clubs are an idea that I'll revisit. They seem to all just carry the small 1/2 kegs, not the big suckers that are all metal that they deliver beer to pubs in. I was also hoping for something local that I could just pick up, one day. I like the anonymity of cash on the barrel.

[Barney Fife]

You don't --buy-- a keg from a home brewer, but rather, ask them where to find one. The kegs you're thinking of are the small Sanke kegs, which many homebrewers "bottle" their beer in. This is not the one you want, but these guys also use real kegs as mash tuns, and they will know where to find them.

$63 for a 6' length of 3-1/2"??? Buy it, Son!

[ulyssessundance]

That's a great idea. I'll talk to some of my other brewing friends and see if they know where I can get a proper keg. I appreciate the advice, Barney.

I wasn't very clear. It's a 6' length of 2" pipe that I can get for $63. It works out to be about the same price per foot as the longer ones I have to buy at the big box stores, which is nice. At least I don't have to buy so much more than I need.

[faro]

When I bought my keg I had a friend that wrked at a restarant I paid for the deposit and that was it. If that does not work for you go to the beer store and but a keg have a party and then keep the keg 50 dollar deposit that is all it will cost you. Just go in with a few friends so the beer does not cost you that much.