Here in Minneapolis, we like to do things ourselves. DIY is all the rage. At A&E, we also do all the writing ourselves.
That’s why we decided to bring you a guide to the best homebrew shops in the area. Whether you’re looking to brew a heavy stout, a rich wine, or just a soda, these stores have all the equipment and materials you need.
Homebrewing can also get around liquor laws, since you don’t have to be 21 to purchase ingredients. Fermentation typically takes a month or more, so minors should not plan parties yet.
Northern Brewer Home Brewery Supply
1150 Grand Avenue
A less thrilling brick building, Northern Brewer is focused on one thing: providing avid homebrewers with quality ingredients, recipes, and equipment. Amateur homebrewers can pick and choose from a wide variety of ingredients: spices, oats, barley, and other ingredients needed to create a decent drink.
Ready-made all-in-one packs are also available, allowing you to brew something that tastes similar to your favorite commercially available beers.
“If you just want to drink Miller Highlife Light, homebrew is not for you,” says Northern Brewer Manager Hayward Guarandi. “Economies of scale are hard to match at that level. What we’re encouraging people to brew here is higher quality craft beer.”
You’ll know that the vibrant staff at Northern Brewer really wants your work to be successful. The funky crowd represents the counterculture. It wouldn’t be out of place for Northern Brewer to be helped by a punk with a mohawk.
One of the nation’s largest online distributors, Northern Brewer has earned a reputation as a source of high-quality, helpful homebrew beer.
“We attract frugal, do-it-yourself people who enjoy homebrewing as a hobby. Like any hobby, they do it because it’s fun. We do this hobby professionally. It’s just that,” Garandi said.
Midwest Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies
5825 Excelsior Boulevard
Lindsey LaGrange, who works at Midwest Homebrewing, likes to wax philosophical about the joys of home-fermenting.
“I get to be creative in the kitchen and share it with people,” she said. “It takes away the stigma around drinking. It’s like, ‘I made this, I know what’s in it, and now I want to share it with you.’ ”
Mr. LaGrange’s attitude is typical of Midwest Homebrewing workers. A quaint building in a charming location in St. Louis Park, Midwest Homebrewing is also one of the largest online sellers of home fermentation supplies and Northern Brewer’s main competitor. The staff here are older and more experienced. While Northern Brewers focuses on experimenting by combining ingredients in hopes of creating magical new formulations, Midwest Homebrewing focuses on mastering the classics. .
