Alternative Beverage

SaCkErZ9

Florida

3.6/5  rDev -11.5%
quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | $$$$

It is impossible to get a change in the system here. I have tried to submit a change to no avail. I visited the South Blvd location (4550 I think).

They have an awesome selection of homebrew materials. My only gripe, and it is a big gripe, is that there are no prices on ANYTHING in the store. It is so annoying to try to price shop and compare this place to another when there are no prices on anything. I had to walk up to the counter, where the guy working seemed busy on the computer, and ask how much everything is. I eventually just gave up and didnt worry about buying anything. I just window shopped.

The guy working asked if I needed anything when I walked in but I seemed to be putting him out when I asked for a price of an item.

The selection and variety of stuff here is enormous but the hassle of asking for prices is a huge turnoff. I doubt I will revisit.

06-07-2009 13:33:49 | More by SaCkErZ9

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

4.3/5  rDev +5.7%
quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I happened to find Alternative Beverage (e-brew and Homebrew Adventures) today in Charlotte. It was quite a well kept and large store with a place for everything and everything in it's place. The service was attentive and helpful, but the really odd thing was there were no prices on any items. The staff attributed it to shipping (to them) costs, but I'm not buying that argument. The cost of the products on the shelves will not change if shipping costs increase.

Anyway, a great homebrewing selection for anyone and the prices are on the two websites. I'd return to browse merchandise, but would probably continue to purchase online since I can see the price front and center.

12-20-2006 23:37:05 | More by GCBrewingCo

rodrot

North Carolina

3.8/5  rDev -6.6%
quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

This used to be one of my favorite haunts years ago when I was a homebrewer. The store has been in business for close to 15 years and their impeccable service and selection of supples is the main reason. I stopped by the other day to pick up some yeast for a friend of mine who makes wine and decided to browse the store a bit. I was greeted by a gentleman as soon as I walked in the door. Basically, anything you need for homebrewing or winemaking, they've got it or can order it for you. Recipes are available for any style of beer you want to make. There is also a good selection of homebrewing books and manuals. The staff are very knowledgable and can help you with any problems or questions you might have. An added bonus is that they usually have a batch or two of homebrew available for sampling. Whenever I decide to get back into the world of homebrewing, this will be my first stop.

08-22-2006 12:00:19 | More by rodrot

Backer2004

North Carolina

4.3/5  rDev +5.7%
quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

How many other places on BeerFly send a birthday card with $100 gift card in it? Okay, even if the gift card was purchased by someone else, they were nice enough to take the credit card order over the phone and have it mailed the next day.

This will be the place frequented by me at least once every month to six weeks and so far the service and quality have been great. I purchased a two stage system and Hefe recipe and in no time I was loaded up and ready to go. The value seems fair enough (though I haven't compared to any other alternatives in the area, what little there are). Lots of selections will not make this place go out of style any time soon.

11-03-2005 23:44:17 | More by Backer2004

CBlack85

South Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +10.6%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

They have a really good selection of homebrew supplies that they seem to keep well stocked. Employees are friendly and seem to know their stuff. It is a little frustrating that most items are not priced, so you have to keep asking, or looking at their website on your phone while you shop.

I have been to this location as well as the wharehouse in Belmont, and have found the employees to be very helpful and knowledgable at both locations. Overall a very good place to get your brewing supplies...

03-24-2010 18:09:32 | More by CBlack85

gabe

Florida

4.2/5  rDev +3.2%
quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I've been to Alternative Beverage twice now and both times have been enjoyable. The layout of the store is pleasing and it is very easy to do some browsing. They carry pretty much anything you would need for your homebrewing requirements. I personally purchased a Corny Keg system from here and am very pleased. Alternative also has a wide variety of pre made 'beer kits' with rotating monthly specials on them. They carry supplies for beer & wine making. I would definately recommend this store. I would say that its neither better nor worse than the other homebrew store in town. They both have their perks.

08-07-2005 20:23:30 | More by gabe

finepaws

North Carolina

4.15/5  rDev +2%
quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

This a nice store. Beer brewing on one side, and wine making on the other. Lots of beer kits, and they make delicious beer. My questions were answered easily, and if one person didn't know, they'd go in the back and find someone who did. Usually Jess, (owner?) who is more than happy to help you. I had questions about the yeast to use, and they broke out the chart to help me figure out which one I'd like. Prices are decent, and the have monthly specials. Very comfortable atmosphere. Very easy to work with.

07-12-2005 03:38:59 | More by finepaws

jpro

South Carolina

3.9/5  rDev -4.2%
quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$

I've been here a few times to pick up equipment and/or ingredients over the last year. Since there's no homebrew shop in Charleston, it seems I end up getting a fair amount of stuff here, when I'm visiting Charlotte. It's a bit of an overwhelming layout - made more perplexing by the pricing issue (or lack thereof). The staff is helpful, but only when their assistance is requested - I get the feeling that they aren't really going out of their way to help you sometimes. All of this being said, their inventory is huge and I've had zero problems with their ingredients, most notably, yeast (which is always very fresh). Prices are about average. If you need something, they likely have it (or, at least, can order it).

08-17-2010 18:14:08 | More by jpro

SSGPat

North Carolina

4.8/5  rDev +17.9%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

Jess (owner) is a beer god. What he has forgotten about making beer is more than most have ever learned (except for some monks in Belgium).

Best home brew store in town. Best selection, service, recipes and knowledge. I've been to the other one, and compared to Alternative, it feels small.

Jess has every gadget known to man. We (my beer partner and I) have purchased corny keg system, upgraded our brew pot to a 10 gallon, and almost enough beer recipes for 200 gallons of brew (it's needed in our family... my wife is one of 6 kids and I have a brother in town).

If you want to make beer, this is the place to go... in person or on the internet.

08-19-2005 03:08:33 | More by SSGPat

oldhippie247

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +10.6%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

Months before I brewed my first batch of beer I went in to inquire about the cost of taking up homebrewing as a hobby. I unfortunately forgot the gentleman's name who assisted me (he's still there, though), but he was very knowledgeable and helpful. After a full year of homebrewing, I still get 100% of my ingredients from Alternative Beverage. Any day now they will be back on South Boulevard, which makes everything that much better. A definite destination for those interested in homebrewing, in need of equipment upgrades, or feedback on your latest efforts.

02-02-2009 20:39:12 | More by oldhippie247