Homebrewing Supply Vendors

Just wanted to draw your attention to two of my favorite homebrew supply shops in the East Bay. The first for convenience, Oak Barrel Winecraft in Berkeley has just about everything you need for Beermaking and Winemaking including equipment, supplies and expertise. In particular, I think the choice of several dozen grains and malts will appeal to homebrewers from novice to expert. Personally, I’ve only had a lukewarm relationship with the staff. When they’re busy, they can be understandably curt, but when they have time on their hands, they are only too willing to chat. Oak Barrel is located at 1443 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, or online at http://www.oakbarrel.com.

My preference, however, is for Hoptech Homebrewing Supplies in Dublin, CA, and not just because they are less expensive. For beginners, it’s been several years since I bought their Homebrewing Kit which makes the process absurdly easy. In particular, there is no siphoning involved, which can be a trial for even the most expert of homebrewers. They also have more than four dozen prepared ingredient kits for any type of beer with step-by-step instructions on how to make them. For the more advanced, they too present you with several dozen choices of malts, grains, hops and additives (although they are only available for perusal by request). My preference for these guys comes from the accessibility of their staff. They are always there, and always willing to help with whatever question you might have. I recommend asking about how to make a good homebrewed stout. Mine have always come off a little too sour, but they have recommendations on how to get rid of that yeasty taste. As I mentioned, they’re in Dublin, CA at 6398 Dougherty Road #7, or online at www.hoptech.com. You can also order ingredients online and have them shipped direct to your door.

Best Beer Ever?

Well, each beer has a time and a place, but for the best anytime beer, can you say "Lah-Goo-Knee-Tuss?" That's right, Lagunitas' IPA is the current incumbent, and it will take quite a strong campaign to dethrone the reigning favorite. Why Lagunitas? It's extraordinary hoppiness certainly doesn't hurt, but compared to the other IPAs in contention, Lagunitas has this sweet quality about it to complement the heavy-hitting acidity of the 43 different hop varieties infused into this sweet, malty nectar-of-the-gods. Think about it like a good Hawaiian pizza, only drinkable. My suggestion, buy a 24 oz Lagunitas IPA at the Stinson Beach Station, Stinson Beach, CA and take it to the picnic area by the beach. You can also go to Petaluma and visit their brewery.