Brew It Yourself

Robbass

Texas

4.51/5  rDev +9.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | $$

Yesterday was my first visit to Brew It Yourself. I found the prices reasonable. Once you pay for shipping, you will not do much better online.

The store was clean. Not spotless. But as an active shop, it was in good shape. This place definitely has a warehouse feel to it. There was bit of a cloud of grain dust in the air towards the rear. (Ray was actively processing a ton of grains for a couple of large orders.)

Ray told me that he was extremetly busy and would not be availble to help me for about 30 minutes. I decided to browse around to see what I could find. Despite that this was my first time to ever be a homebrew supply shop, I started looking for all the items on my list. The shop is fairly logically organized. I managed to find practically all the items on my list by myself. Ray did help me with the last two things I couldn't find. He then quickly took care of me and got me on my way.

I expect to be back next time I am ready to start another batch.

01-24-2013 15:12:26 | More by Robbass

TexasTransplant

1/5  rDev -75.7%
vibe: 1 | quality: 1 | service: 1 | selection: 1 | $$

The obviously hired sales person was friendly and helpful, but inexperienced. The obviously more-experienced, gray-haired owner, however, seemed out of it. From personal experience with my father, I suspect this is due to hearing loss.

I have been in the craft brew world since 1996 and know a quality supply shop when I enter one. This place does not have a well-rounded selection, is barely organized, and is absolutely filthy. It probably only escapes its well-deserved attention from the county health department because it does not offer any finished product. Unfortunately, I am now concerned about the integrity of the ingredients I bought. As we all know, sanitary tools and pure ingredients is absolutely key to brewing success.

10-06-2012 16:54:32 | More by TexasTransplant

MBixby

2.45/5  rDev -40.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 3 | $$

One of the worst experiences I've ever had in retail. I assume the person was the owner but I'm not certain. He couldn't care less what I wanted. He walked away several times as I tried to engage him in conversation. He basically did not have time to discuss anything. He stared at me as if to say what do you, want I'm busy. I have brewed in the past and am in need of not only recipe ingredients but some brewing equipment I’ve discarded. I guess I'll have to shop somewhere else. I'm really disappointed that I took the time to find this establishment and that there are so few alternatives in a city and suburban area this large.

08-20-2012 20:23:11 | More by MBixby

valkyre65

Texas

4.66/5  rDev +13.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

I have been buying most of my homebrewing supplies and ingredients from Ray ever since I moved just north of Houston, about 5 years back. Funny thing is, when I lived in south Houston back in 95-99 Ray was also the one selling me supplies when he worked at that "other" brewing supply shop on Morningside ;) Point being Ray has been doing this a long time and he really knows his suff!

The shop is a little hard to spot from the freeway if your not looking real close but a lot of times if you just watch for the lot full of pre-fabbed in-ground pools, you know your turn is comming up quick. He has anything you could need for basic brewing all the way through full grain. Anything he lacks in specialty items can be ordered for you and picked up from the shop when they arrive.

So if your just interested in homebrewing, comtemplating your first brewing session or tired of dealing with the nameless/faceless Internet brewing supply shops for supplies...go see Ray. He's your one stop shop for everyting you could need from advice to full grain setups :)

12-08-2011 20:27:45 | More by valkyre65

armock

New York

4.65/5  rDev +13.1%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

The store is on the feeder of 45 north in a small plaza so be on the look out because the next u turn is a bit up the road. They have everything you need to get started in home brewing with a couple of different kits to get you started. They have a good bit of ingredients in stock sometimes not in great quantity but that just helps with knowing that everything is fresh. The owner Ray is a supper guy that can and will answer any question you have about brewing. Hes very helpful and even takes care of you after you buy a recipe telling you to call if you have any questions during the process. Sure enough I had some questions during my first boil and he happily gave me the answers I needed. I went to his store on a Saturday looking for a temp controller and he just sold out so he told me to give him a call during the week to make sure he was able to order some more in and I get mine the next weekend when I went back up there. This is a great shop that will take care of you.

09-08-2008 19:17:34 | More by armock

stumac

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +9.5%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This homebrew store is located in kind of a hiding spot right off I-45 North passed Rayford/Sawdust. Great selection for all your basics. The guy, Ray, that owns the joint is a cool, experienced guy. I believe he used to play in a band too. If he doesn't have it on hand, he can definately order the part for you. That only takes up to a week. Very fast in my opinion. He has all sorts of homebrewing books if you need and he also will explain everything that he knows about homebrewing in all of years of experience. Great place. Highly recommended.

05-15-2008 02:25:06 | More by stumac

Squelch

United Kingdom (England)

4.3/5  rDev +4.6%
quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $

Pluses:

Good selection of grains. I've bought all the base grains and they have a good selection of belgium, german, american, and british malts. I wish that they would have the Lavibond ratings of their crystal malts instead of saying light, medium crystal, but that's ok. Hops are good but you can't tell how old they are. At least they are green. Yeast selection is good. Prices are GREAT.

Minuses:

Website isn't updated to what is in stock. Location is way out of the way for me living in Katy. Is not as pretty as some other homebrew shops I have seen but that's not why you patron an establishment is it?

Overall:

I will be buying my homebrew supplies from here over the other place in Houston...

02-10-2008 05:33:44 | More by Squelch

BgThang

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +9.5%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $

This was the only brew shop close to me. I have since moved to austin. Ray is a great guy. He is always helpful and always goes that extra mile to help you out. Every now and then he may be out of something due to a large influx in buying that week. I understand its a smaller shop compared to some others and I am not knocking him for that. The price is ridiculously low for great quality ingredients and equipment. There is always a brew or twon on tap for you to taste while you are waiting or browsing for things.

Thank you RAY for all the help and customer service.

02-09-2008 03:36:03 | More by BgThang

SkeeterHawk

Texas

4.85/5  rDev +18%
quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

OK, I am finally getting to review this place. I am a very frequent patron of Brew It Yourself, and I originally submitted this shop into BA when it opened. I was one of the original "Brew Stop" gang that was KGB and a frequent patron of the original shop when this one opened. Soon after opening, Ray initiated a Beer and a Wine club to meet at his shop, and he took on all of the burden of organizing this whole thing. Since then the Barley Coherent have gone on to be a medaling club in the Lone Star circuit and a true force from the Houston area brewing community. Ray always has his shelves stocked with fresh ingredients and as everybody stated previously, he will guide you through the process...not push you through it. Brewing is an art form, and Ray realizes that. I would definitly recommend stopping by Brew It Yourself for a recent sample of homebrew on tap while you shop one of the best inventories in the great city of Houston.

11-12-2007 00:40:23 | More by SkeeterHawk

sarahthevillain

Texas

4.65/5  rDev +13.1%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I have been in this shop maybe five times and should have reviewed sooner. The shop owner, Ray, is just as nice as the other reviewers have said. He's extremely helpful and knowledgeable. If you're new to brewing (or not) don't be afraid to ask him questions, he knows his stuff and he wont make you feel stupid.
This is the only brew store I've ever been in so my review of selection isn't compared to any other shop, but I've never seen him not have something a recipe called for. (Or at least a good substitute.)
If you need equipment, ingredients and/or some help I really recommend this place.

11-29-2006 20:12:00 | More by sarahthevillain