Brew Your Own Beer & Winemaking Too!

Brew Your Own Beer & Winemaking Too!Brew Your Own Beer & Winemaking Too!
Brew Your Own Beer & Winemaking Too!Brew Your Own Beer & Winemaking Too!
Homebrew

2026 Darby Rd
Havertown, Pennsylvania, 19083-2305
United States

(610) 449-5496 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.43
Reviews:
14
Ratings:
16
pDev:
6.09%
View: Place Reviews
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Rated: 5 by pejohnson46 from Pennsylvania

Oct 26, 2023
Photo of beerded_drunk
Reviewed by beerded_drunk from Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev -4.1%
Its my home field and I started home brewing because of this place and have turned into quite a brewer because of this place. very good shop, def cheaper online but you gotta give back and these guys are pretty cool! Brew on!
Sep 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by RPH2327 from Pennsylvania

Aug 17, 2014
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Reviewed by Rifugium from North Dakota

4/5  rDev -9.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3
My shop of choice so far in my homebrewing ventures, is Keystone in Montgomeryville (see related review). The key advantage of this place in Havertown, is that it's much closer to me, so in a pinch, when I need some bottles or whatnot, this is a valuable resource.

Everyone seems to have said something to this effect, but I'll say it again. John, the owner, seems like the nicest guy in the world, and he'll help you out with anything, whether it's giving you brewing advice, or helping you take gear to your car. This guy is like someone straight out of the pre-prohibition era. If he had a top hat on, I'm sure he'd doff it to you. And he owns and runs the shop himself, and has been doing so for 18 years at the time of this review.

The place itself is quite tiny, filling a space the size of the lower floor of a tiny row home. But there is quite a nice selection of kits for beer and wine, as well as some fresh ingredients. However, compared to say, Keystone, the selection is markedly limited, and BYOB doesn't have nearly as much equipment readily available in the shop. This is definitely a good place for beginners though.

Again, my loyalty is definitely to Keystone, but it's good to know that BYOB is there when I need it, and John is such a great shopkeep, that you can't help but keep going back.
Aug 27, 2011
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Reviewed by maddogruss from New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev -6.3%
I dropped in here as I was preparing to introduce my friend into homebrewing. I probably made the mistake of reading the reviews, because I felt like I was going into a magical land of Brewtopia, guided by a wise man with all of the knowledge in the world. I'm not saying I was disappointed, but, needless to say, stepping in was a bit of a let down, but, I must admit, a harsh dose of reality.

Not sure if I caught him in between shipments, but I was expecting to be able to fine and crack some of my own grain, but, I could not locate any grain! The place is fairly small, so that's understandable. They had a decent amount of extract syrups available, although it was mostly liquid with not much dry available.

There were a good amount of kits on the shelf. As for equipment, they were limited to the smaller stuff that moves: caps, cappers, some auto-syphons and some (limited) tubing. I have been looking for a graduated cylinder to assist me in gravity readings, and I was happy to say I found one - so, now all I need is a little more than half a bottle of beer to determine the FG as opposed to hoping it didn't change that much during carbonation or possible cellaring since I last took the reading right before bottling. John did have some Better Bottle equipment and some starter kits, but I did not see any glass carboys.

His selection of hop pellets was pretty good as well as decent yeasts that were available.

I would say, if you're looking to get into the hobby or still rocking extract, this place is definitely the way to go. I'm sure if I talked to John more, he would have helped me acquire some of the items and ingredients I was searching for, but I was able to get what I needed in the pinch I was in.

I would also hesitate at making BYOB (and any homebrew shop) my main supplier as they are usually limited and more expensive than the online alternatives, I still believe it's important to support the local homebrew shop, especially one that is of nice quality, such as John's. being from north jersey, I am pretty limited to Corado's, who's beer supplies have become slightly limited if not "rotating" ever since I started going there a few years ago - I have since refocused my efforts to the online suppliers.

BYOB is a nice place to go to - if you're in a pinch for supplies or just starting out, as I mentioned earlier. But, for the main supplier of a slightly more advanced homebrewer, I'm not sure if the cost of it all makes it worth it. If In a bind, I'll definitely head over there again, but, I will do all I can to avoid any binds.
Dec 27, 2010
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Reviewed by ajr24 from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +1.6%
As far as LHBS' go, this place is legit. A respectable selection that will, more times than not, satisfy your needs. John Reynolds, the owner is an extraordinary guy. He enriches your visit there each time. He's more than willing to go out of his way to ensure that you're walking out the door with all you need (supplies and know-how). Don't be surprised if you stay in the store for upwards of an hour- I make sure to feed the meter outside!

The selection is decent. Most hops are pellets, some plugs with a very nice selection. Columbus hop pellets! Those are hard to find. Also Northern Brewer pellets. All the liquid yeasts are from White Labs, and an additional dry yeast selection. For all you AG brewers most malts are on hand. The kicker is that you get to mill your own malts! I enjoy that each time. If there is not a specific malt in stock, then John will always offer to order it for you. Selection and service combined is outstanding.

Prices are decent.
Jul 21, 2009
Photo of drcarver
Reviewed by drcarver from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +5%
The place itself is not much to look at, but it that is not why you brew beer. It has a great selection of yeast, hops, and malts (I don't think we need to talk about the wine stuff right?) John is awesome. Loves to chat and share ideas and experiences. I once spent 45 minutes there talking about beer. Was a nice break away from the house. You can pick up kits and individual items. You can go whole malt with 50 lb bags, bulk syrups, or 8.8lb cans too. If you catch it on a good day you may even be able to sample other local brewers stuff.
May 07, 2009
Photo of Splunny
Reviewed by Splunny from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +1.6%
John Reynolds is a great guy. He is genuinely interested in your experimentations and helps you cut corners to save a buck. There aren't many brew shops in the area that encourage strange attempts, nor save you money.
I live in Philly and now go out of my way, simply because John's store is clean and he is willing to help you out with your recipes. The grain selection can be a bit limited, and since the hop shortage, so can the hops But, if you tell him in advance, he will order anything he doesn't have for you.
Jan 21, 2009
Photo of gdfan47
Reviewed by gdfan47 from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -2.9%
im pretty new to homebrewing, im off a long hiatus as well

but this place is pretty great
like most homebrew stores they are very good for helping people get started in brewing , ie if you have never brewed before.. go to a store dont buy stuff online, most of them seem to want to help you and will be more inclined to help you if you are / have been a customer

the owner is SUPER friendly and is very helpful and if there is a product which you want he will try his best to get it for you

his prices seem pretty cheap , Im not overly familar with market value for supplies but I think hes pretty fair

its a great place to get supplies, parking is easy as well... just feed the meters
Dec 07, 2008
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Reviewed by victory4me from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +5%
Just like everyone else says, John Reynolds is as great a guy you can have to sell your beer supplies. Every time I have been in there he gives great suggestions and is extremely helpful. He always takes the time to chat with you and has never pressured a sale on anyone.

The selection more than suffices and there is a great variety of supplies to choose from as well. It also doesn't hurt that the shop is less than a mile away from my house.

Only thing I would change is maybe one day a week having extended hours for those of us who would like to stop in after work.

Other than that, it's a great shop run by a great guy.
May 14, 2008
Photo of djeffbee
Reviewed by djeffbee from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +1.6%
Being only a few minutes from my house, you can't beat the convenience. I recently switched jobs (once in NJ, now in PA) which enables me to visit this store much more often during the work week if necessary.

John (as stated multiple times below) is one of the nicest, most helpful people you'll ever meet. An honest businessman.

Because the store is very meticulous and organized, it may seem like there is a lack of ingredients - there is no lack - just ask John. Plenty of base and specialty malts, a nice selection of hop varieties were available last time I visited, more than two of the other 3 shops considered in the area.

A great local shop with an excellent owner, good quality, decent prices. Can't beat it...
Feb 28, 2008
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Reviewed by deluded1 from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +1.6%
I just stopped in for the first time today, and it's a quaint little place on the main street in Havertown.

When I walked in, I was immediately greeted by Jon, who was extremely helpful and knowledgable. Every question I had he had an answer and an anectdote for.

The place, despite being small, was well stocked with basic ingredients and adjuncts, as well as equipment and supplies. Everything was organized and clearly labeled.

The prices seemed to be a bit steep, but from what Jon tells me, this is due to the various shortages and pressures he's getting from his distributors. From the 18 varieties of hops he has now, he will be down to 6 or 7 shortly, until at least Dec08. Also, his DME prices are rising. Despite that, he charged me the old prices, not the sticker prices.

All in all, a small shop with all the basics, excellent owner, good quality, good prices.
Jan 10, 2008
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Reviewed by MmmIPA from Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -13.1%
Stopped in here to pick up a couple kits but decided to get them elseware.I did however pick up a auto siphon,bottle caps,couple grain socks and the BYO clone mag.

Clean store,very organized.You walk in and there are buckets to your right and beer making kits.There are also carboys,tons of malt packaged in 1lb. bags and various other gadgets hanging on the wall.To the right is the fridge with the hops,whole and pellet.Yeast,dry and liquid also.Not much to thisshop but it does have everything you would need to get started.If your in the area I would stop but other then that I wouldnt go out of my way to go here.
Nov 25, 2007
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Reviewed by monkeybutler from Vermont

4.5/5  rDev +1.6%
John is the friendliest homebrew merchant you will ever find. He has a very relaxed attitude about brewing, and life in general.

He seems to have a little bit of everything, and he is very conscientious about not selling you stuff you don't need, or more than you might need. I've had him offer to sell me 1/4 lb bags of specialty malt.

Whenever he rings up my ingredients, it always seems like he charges me less than the sticker price. He's a great guy, and even though he doesn't have the inventory of some of the bigger stores, he makes up for it with his good nature.
May 10, 2007
Photo of Riggsy
Reviewed by Riggsy from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +1.6%
As previously stated John Reynolds is the reason I always make my homebrew purchases from this store.

Any ingredients I have purchased have always been fresh and good quality.

Service is top notch whether you need advice on a brew or a special ingredient ordered, John is always helpful.

The selection, while not huge, contains all the basics plus some. Call in advance if using an odd specialty grain or specific yeast strain to make sure it's in stock. Most times when I think he won't have something I'm ususally pleasantly surprised.

Kudos to a good store and great guy.
Mar 08, 2007
Photo of jmc44
Reviewed by jmc44 from Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev -1.8%
This store's best asset is owner John Reynolds. He is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about brewing and wine making. He offers great advice and offered to lend me a bottle capper since mine got lost in shipping. Also won't hesitate to break larger bags of grain for specialty bits. Selection is small but good, and the shelves are always stocked. Is also willing to order in special items as necessary. John is actively brewing as well, and is interested to taste client's beers. Truly cares about your final product and will tell you why he does not stock an item (usually of inferior quality). Prices are good, particularly on equipment.
Nov 19, 2005
Brew Your Own Beer & Winemaking Too! in Havertown, PA
Place rating: 4.43 out of 5 with 16 ratings