A question regarding grenadier alchemists and brew potion.

[Kelsey MacAilbert]

The grenadier archetype replaces the brew potion ability. I happen to want this ability, but I also want the archetype. That said, what the brew potion ability does is give me a bonus feat. I could buy that same feat out of my normal allotment, no? That brings up a question. Part of the Brew Potion ability text for the alchemist states that:

An alchemist can brew potions of any formulae he knows (up to 3rd level), using his alchemist level as his caster level. The spell must be one that can be made into a potion.

Is this ability imparted by the class feature or by the alchemist possessing the Brew Potion feat? The brew potion feat gives you the ability to create potions from spells, but it says nothing of formulae. The ability to do it with formulae may be imparted by the feat, or it could be imparted by the ability that grants the feat. In a nutshell, would an alchemist who did not have the brew potion ability but did have the feat be able to brew any formulae she knows up to third level using her alchemist level as her character level?

[bigkilla]

Yes you can pick up the feat with your regular feats, although you would have to wait until you have 3 levels of alchemist or 3 caster levels.

I would assume that the Alchemist would be able to make them with his formula even though the feat doesn't specifically call that out.

[Diego Rossi]

Actually, all spellcasting character can make a potion of every spell they know up to third level if they have Brew potion (an so a Summoner can make some really witched potion).
I think that that part of the ability text is there to point out that the Alchemist count as a spellcaster for the Brew potion feat.

It is a good idea to clear it with your GM, but I see no problem at all with gaining the Brew potion ability using a feat. The main difference is that you will have to wait till 3rd level to get it instead of getting it at level 1.

[blackbloodtroll]

Actually, the alchemist counts as a spellcaster of his level for prerequisites for all item creation feats. There was even a recent example in an official AP.

[Diego Rossi]

blackbloodtroll, the problem is that it is not stated officially anywhere. I am sure that it is the RAI, but there are GM that argue that RAW the alchemist isn't a spellcaster (and people that argue one way or the other as it best suit the current argument), so it is always useful to check with your GM.