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.
sure, there are smaller HBS places ;D
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.