Maryland Homebrew / MDHB Distributing

rallyinthevalley

Maryland

2.38/5  rDev -46.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 2 | service: 2 | selection: 2 | $$

Have to make this comment. MDHB is wonderful, but I won't be buying my grains there again until I get a mill. My efficiency on my last 3 batches from MDHB: 65%, 57%, 52%. Efficiency from Austinhomebrew.com crushed grains: 79%, 78%, 78%.

I don't like to ship yeast, so I'll still go for that, but the 60 mile round trip isn't worth it if I have no chance of getting a consistently good crush.

Staff couldn't be more helpful, so the next time I'm in I'll ask how often they check the mill. I mean, I have never crushed my own so I don't know enough to just look and see. I'm sure they'll help, I'm just not going to risk it. I was 8 pts off my OG yesterday.

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UPDATE
Just drove 60 miles for a yeast that was reported as IN STOCK online to find out it wasn't there yet, but it would be in the afternoon.
Should I have called first? Yes. But why have in stock/out of stock on your website if it doesn't mean anything.
Wasted 12 bucks of gas and 90 minutes.
That was my last trip.

07-21-2012 17:52:16 | More by rallyinthevalley

farHillsBrewer

Maryland

4.56/5  rDev +3.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

If you haven't been to the new store, why wait. Go next Thursday(hint :) ). You might get to sample the wort as it goes into the fermenter. And these guys, and especially Chris will gladly answer all your questions about how to brew beer.
The knowledgable and friendly staff will cater to your every brewing need. Besides malt, yeast and hops, it's a toystore for brewing gadgets and necessary upgrades. Conical fermenters, siphon gadgets, wort chillers, kettles, etc...
The new layout has brigher cleaner appearance, and the wine section is expanded, and also separated, rightly.
Once you get to a certain dollar total, you become preferred customer (Brew Buddy) and get a 10% discount.
Perfect for beginners and brewing veterans.

12-23-2011 00:30:38 | More by farHillsBrewer

eypmcfg

Maryland

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

I have been using Maryland Homebrew since I started brewing 15 years ago. They are by far the best, most inclusive homebrew store that I have ever seen. I have tried to help friends and family memebers brew beer, and trying to find the ingredients is sometimes difficult, but not here.

The staff is very knowledgeable, and are only too happy to answer questions when you call.

I have made many complicated beers with odd ingredients, and they have it all. Plus, you can measire out your own grains, so you only pay for what you need.

This place rocks.

12-21-2011 20:32:23 | More by eypmcfg

macpapi

Maryland

4.58/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This my one and only homebrew shop. A very dependable place.

The interior is a cross between a large garage and a warehouse. Concrete floors, unfinished ceiling, lots of storage space in the back. Beer paraphanalia lines the walls by the cash registers up front. Boxes of empty bottles in the entry room and towards the front of the main room.

Stepping further back, there are loads of extract brew kits and cans. Several different brewing kits and systems. Fermenters run the gamut from 6 gallon buckets, to higher tech, conical units. Several brew kettles--more cheaply bought elsewhere, but there nonetheless--also make themselves known. All kinds of accessories from clamps, clips, hoses, spigots, hop bags, airlocks, hydrometers, thermometers, and many, many other items are easily accessed as well.

In the back section of the store is a wide range of different types of grains and hops (refrigerated to the side). I would estimate there are 50 different grain varieties on display. Scales to weigh your amounts and an electricly operated mill are also here. I have yet to encounter a situation where a grain necessary to my recipe was not present. In the storage area you can buy larger bags of more commonly used grains (two-row, wheat, pilsner, etc) for a bulk rate. Hop and yeast options are extensive. Again, I've never left sans proper ingredients there.

The best part of MDHB is the staff. I can not overemphasize what a fantastic job they do. Every single member I have encountered has been extremely knowledgeable, helpful, cordial, outgoing, and just downright awesome. There have been several occasions where they have offered suggestions on ingredients for specific recipes, replacements for items previously sold out, or just encouragement for what I was going to brew. They have always remembered me as well. Just a really nice, great group of people.

On the whole, whether you are already an experienced homebrewer or an area resident just thinking about picking this up as a hobby, you need to visit this place. Those already hooked will remain so, beginners will be encouraged to continue their learning process and will most likely become more interested in this fulfilling hobby. I heartily recommend this place.

03-10-2011 00:36:20 | More by macpapi

BmoreBeerGuy

Maryland

4.65/5  rDev +5.2%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This is the first homebrew store I ever went to and it spoiled me. There are 2 homebrew stores closer to my house but MD Homebrew is the only one I'll ever go to anymore.

It's a small shop and is far from glamorous, but they have a great selection of everything from equipment to cleaning supplies to the all-important ingredients. They carry mainly top-tier brands and despite the relatively close-quarters they pack a ton of inventory and options in there. If they don't have something you need, they'll order for you and have it in a few days. They also have supplies for wine- and soda-making.

The most impressive thing about MD Homebrew is the staff. They have a handful of "regulars" all of whom can answer any question you have and they do it in a helpful and friendly way. I always bounce ideas and recipe concepts off them and they've always been easy to talk to and incredibly insightful.

Whether you're just getting started or have made every beer known to man, this place is perfect for you.

12-27-2010 20:02:20 | More by BmoreBeerGuy

jgasparine

Maryland

4.65/5  rDev +5.2%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Quality, Service and Selection- this place has it all. An array of malt, hops, yeast, adjuncts, equipment, books and all-around know-how. Really though, it's the staff that makes this place worth the trip. They are friendly, but not pushy... extremely knowledgable... and seemingly excited to help the uninitiated and the pros alike.

I can't believe it took me this long to visit Maryland Homebrew, but I'm glad I did- and I'm definitely going back! Highly recommended to anyone in the Maryland area...

12-14-2010 00:36:35 | More by jgasparine

ArrogantBastage

Maryland

4.65/5  rDev +5.2%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This is my go to for all things home brewing. The staff is great and more than willing to assist with getting ingredients for your next brew. They are also more than happy to help with giving assistance with a particular problem you may be having with your brewing process.

Pretty good selection of equipment and they tend to carry some of the best in the business. They can also get pretty much anything you are looking to get. Very good selection of ingredients available for everyone from the all extract brewer up to all grain.

Classes are given from time to time so get on their email list if your are interested in learning how to brew or want to get a refresher course.

Overall I highly recommend those looking at getting into brewing or currently brewing to go there.

12-11-2010 21:47:15 | More by ArrogantBastage

Waltwvu

Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +0.7%
quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

One of my favorite places to go. Ive shopped af ew other homebrew stores in DC metro area but always come back to Maryland Home Brew . Might be the friendliest and most knowlegable staff out there. No matter how inexpierenced you are they are more than willing to answer any and all your questions. They always have good amount of stock and maintain quality products. Thier own in house formulated recipes are great ways to start out. I would recomend anyone interested in starting to homebrew to take a ride up there and talk to these guys, they would glad to help.

10-04-2010 22:27:18 | More by Waltwvu

mjw2808

Maryland

4.3/5  rDev -2.7%
quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

Went here my first time home brewing and have been back ever since. No matter when I go whoever is working there is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Its a pretty small place but still has a good selection for brewing either wine or beer. If you need kits with directions and ingredients for your beer, or if you make your own recipes with your own ingredients this would be a good place to shop. If you ever get stuck brewing they know enough to help you out with the proper instructions to get out. When I first started they even encouraged me to call them if I needed help with what exactly to do. Great place, it will have all your home brewing needs.

05-18-2010 00:05:11 | More by mjw2808

drabmuh

Maryland

4.5/5  rDev +1.8%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

This place is a little hard to find but once you do, the inside is really big and there is a ton of selection. The place is mostly self service but for the short time I was inside several people asked me if I needed help. I did not as I just wanted to browse. There are shelves of extract and an entire refrigerator devoted to yeast and a freezer for hops. There were about 20 specialty grains and lots of base malts. I showed up on a day that they were conducting a demo for all grain brewing. Unfortunately I did not get to attend the demo but it is a testament to the shop that they hold classes in AG brewing. It is the closest HB shop to my present location and I will definitely be using them from now on. Hopefully I can get a spot in the next AG course.

09-24-2009 19:32:18 | More by drabmuh