Maryland Homebrew / MDHB Distributing

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

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

lackenhauser

Maryland

3.95/5  rDev -10.6%
quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

I have used MDHB many times over the past several years and was there in person as recently as today. The quality of anything I have ever gotten here has been pretty good though over the years they seemed to have scaled down the variety of products they carry-which in turn looks like a lot less stuff is moving and more dust on the inventory.

That being said the service has always been very good and no matter who is working very,very knowledgeable. I have to say the selection overall is good and the choices of some of the more non-readily available grains is great. They have a self service grain area that is a breeze to use if you know what you want and how to go about it (could use bigger bags for full batches of grains).

There is a fair amount of wine making equipment as well. Not my thing but I would assume the knowledge and help is there as well.

My one gripe would be that even though they say "we ship UPS daily" if you place an order on say a Sunday the thing doesnt even get processed and shipped until they open the following Wednesday. I dont figure that as daily.

I usually stop here when I'm up that way from the Eastern Shore.

10-02-2005 01:39:19 | More by lackenhauser

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

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

joeysmokedporter

Maryland

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

Good availability of ingredients and supplies. I have brewed a variety of styles and have always been able to find all the ingredients from grains to hops to yeast that I needed for the batch. All the essential supplies are stocked; while not everything is available, the store will do special ordering. I have also seen them set aside items for people who request it when they do come in stock. The service here is top-notch with a very knowledgeable staff that can answer a lot of questions; I have even seen them guide beginners through the process of selecting their startup equipment and ingredient kits.

04-14-2007 11:26:11 | More by joeysmokedporter

alejandro

Maryland

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

Having spent most my brewing days in the northeast, I assumed I would have to sacrifice a bit when I moved south (I guess I am a Northeast snob). Fortunately I now live a short drive from the MDHB. The employees there are helpful courteous and best of all, knowledgeable. I have been there and asked many questions, from the asinine to the thought provoking and each time they have been able to satisfactorily answer me. The store carries a wide variety of grains, kits, malts and equipment. If they don't carry it or they are out, they will offer a suggestion of where you can find it. If you bring recipes they will help you gather your ingredients, if you bring ideas they will help you think them through logically. This store and the employees have garnered my full respect and I am proud to count my self as one of their customers.

05-05-2008 02:30:15 | More by alejandro

StrangeBrewer76

Massachusetts

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

It's a little cramped in there but an excellent use of space. More warehouse than retail store. You could get 1/4oz crushed grains just as easily as 50lbs.

The staff there is great. Very helpful, almost too helpful for the way I shop (wander around and wait for inspiration) but given the space there is always at least two employees within earshot waiting to help you.

Spectacular grain selection. I did not count but I'd guess 20+ in bulk. Now that I think of it they have an excellent selection of all of the ingredients (they even sell water at $8 for 5gal). Three refrigerators hold any kind of yeast or hops you could need or an adequate substitute.

All kinds of wine stuff there too but I haven't gotten into that yet.

They also have equipment for upgrades that one can lust over like a five gallon brew pot, 10gal fermenters, enough for a microbrewery, and all the mechanics for any elaborate keg system.

The only drawback is that if you are not from Columbia or familiar with the town you could easily get lost. Once you've been there though, you will find it easy to return to.

09-20-2008 17:47:54 | More by StrangeBrewer76

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

BeerisfoodLLC

Maryland

4.7/5  rDev +6.3%
quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

This is my go to spot for ingredients and basic supplies. They always have fresh ingredients and a wide selection of hops, grains, yeast etc. They will mill the grains on site and answer any questions you have. Prices are reasonable. Great staff and very knowledgable.

Its a little hard to find especially if you are not used to that area. Smaller space so it is a little cramped but they manage pretty well with what they have. They do not carry some of the more advanced equipment but they have every ingredient and piece of basic equipment you could ask for.

Worth the trip!

05-22-2009 18:13:12 | More by BeerisfoodLLC