Brew It Yourself

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

pibbxtrasucks

Texas

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

I think customer service is one of the most important aspects of a good homebrew shop. This store does not disappoint. The owner was one one of the nicest and most help full people I have ever encountered. He explained everything I asked in detail and helped me (pressure free) get everything i needed.(and told me what I didn't... how often do you see a salesman do that) He explained the brewing process to me in great detail and gave me his email address in case I had any more questions.

The selection was great (granted I've only been in two HB stores) and he seemed to have everything one could need. The prices were reasonable, and he now even has an online store with which you can purchase anything you need from his store. if you live in the are and are interested in starting or are already a homebrewer, I recommend checking out this store.

As a side note, he also has a HB club with many activities going on in his store, including demonstrations, competitions, and special events.

07-09-2006 21:22:21 | More by pibbxtrasucks

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

barefootbrewer

Mississippi

4.45/5  rDev +8.3%
quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I visited this shop about a month ago. I got a partial mash kit from there and wanted to see if it turned out well before I wrote a review....

Well, my Ordinary Bitter is awesome, and I feel justified in writing a review now.

This place is what a homebrew shop should be. It was stocked with everything I could think of. The staff was extremely friendly and fun to talk to. The guy working was knowledgeable and helpful in decision making without being pushy.

Granted, I've only been in about 6 brew shops, but in comparison, I'd say this is definitely worth the trip.

09-06-2006 14:04:07 | More by barefootbrewer

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

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

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

cheers2beers

Texas

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

I first noticed this place coming from Spec's in the Woodlands. It is kind of hidden if your not looking for it. Just a meduim sized shop in the corner of a small shopping strip.
When you first walk in you notice racks of extracts,of all styles.To the right you see a brew kit totally setup on display.(This is my first brew kit setup). Up ahead,on your left is a couple of shelves with many how to brew books,recipe books and books to do with wines as well.
You will find many corks,cleaning utenciles, bottles for sale, caps,bottle crippers, hoses,tubes and other goodies in center of the store.Further to the right,There are many plastic tube containers of all types of sugars,grains,honey, and more. Also, you will find a cooler in the back containing yeasts from all over and many brands to choose from.
The costumer service was great.Very polite, knowledgeable, and doesnot seem to push you to one way or another like alot of salesman do.Overall, this is a great place to stock up on your homebrew needs.

-Cheers2Beers

12-02-2005 14:44:17 | More by cheers2beers

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