Northern Brewer

Been Brewing my own beer for 15 years. I normaly order my supplies and a brew kit or two on line or out of thier catalogs. But I was in town, So stopped in to pick up my winter brewing stuff. Man do they have everything for brewing, wine making, and now Cheese making. Was looking for a favorite of mine to brew Northern Brewers own Dead Ringer IPA kit could not find one. Wife asked one of the sales folks. She yes I said she was so helpful and found my beloved Dead Ring. She really understood the love for home brewing. Everyone I came in contact went out of thier esy to help me. Thank you all at Northern Brewing.

Northern Brewer is outstanding they have everything in stock you could imagine for brewing plus they give you discount if you attend one of their free classes it’s unreal and they teach you everything in the classes from brewing to bottling kegging From extract two full grain since I found them I go in there quite often and buy items others must find it the same as I do because the store is always busy no matter when I go in there’s always three four five customers in their and everybody is buying

I love Northern Brewer. My husband is an avid home brewer (as is my Father in law) and they both swear by NB. I work just a bit away, and I often stop by with a list from my husband to pick up what he needs. If I have issues finding things, a worker generally sees my «damsel in distress» moment and offers help. Even if the grain list I’m sent to pick up doesn’t fully make sense, they know enough about brewing to know exactly what my husband meant to tell me. They do offer a bunch of classes and sessions for free. The one we went to was Homerpalooza (Homer Simpson) where they paired beers with donuts. It was a delicious, unhealthy afternoon!

I don’t drink beer and I don’t drink wine. So why am I here? Because I like the idea of a batch of alcohol brewing in my kitchen like a mad scientists lab. My husband enjoys beer and has been home brewing the stuff for a couple of years now. I’ve accompanied him many times on product runs and I can give a totally unbiased opinion of this place — it’s pretty nifty!
If you’re coming from the South on HWY100 then accessing the private lot is easy peasy. If coming from the North, do so at non peak hours to avoid waiting forever to cross traffic. The same goes for leaving the lot. Heading back north is easy, but if you need to go South during heavy traffic, you’re better off taking the side street East two blocks and then hanging a right to get to Greenfield Ave. From here you can make a right and take advantage of the traffic lights to head back South on HWY100.
The private lot is small and shared with a resale shop. Sometimes there just aren’t any spots left so you’ll have to park on the side street. If you plan to buy a lot of heavy equipment, let the guys up front know that you’ll need a cart or hand truck.
The staff at Northern Brewer are really helpful and eager to advise. The store routinely moves stock around so don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have a lot to buy they will offer to start a pile up at the counter instead of having you wander around with your arms full.
For a new brewer this place can’t be beat. They offer different levels of starter kits for beer, wine and cheese making. The wealth of knowledge from the staff and passing hobbyists is a plus. They even have classes available and special events. I’ve never been to another home brewing supplier, but I think their grain room would be comparable or maybe better. It’s not too cramped and there are 30 or so different buckets of grain in there. I like using the grinders to mash it up. And as expected, any employee will be happy to help figure out what is best for your brew.
I would imagine that many of their supplies and tools could be found online for less, but if you buy the items here there is the plus of no shipping costs and instant gratification. Also, you are buying local. Yay! In an age where it’s become the norm to buy everything online, I am happy to see this shop not only survive, but thrive.

This is my happy place.
As a reasonably experienced home brewer my set up is right where I need it. Does that mean I don’t walk into NB and see a dozen things I want? Fuck no. I saw a thing today and I don’t even know what it is. Still want it. I even bought american flag bottle crowns, because I’M A FUCKING AMERICAN AND SO IS MY BEER!
The guys here are also American as fuck in that they keep their beer game tight and would be happy to help you tighten up and lock down your game as well. If you know what you’re there for you can be in and out in a minute (YO LEMME GET THAT 1056 ALE YEAST DOE!), but if you’ve got any brain busters these guys will help you out. They also offer classes in case you’re a little sketched out by the idea of starting on your own.
You guys really need to make your own beer. The founding fathers made their own beer and you think you’re too good to make your own? You’re not. Get over yourself.

Everything you need to make your own beer, wine and even cheese! Northern Brewer rocks my socks off. The employees are always friendly and super helpful without being phony. I assume it’s because they love their jobs and don’t have to be phony, but it makes a big difference because I think there’s always room for advice when it comes to homebrewing. Tons of supplies in store and if there’s ever something needed that’s not in house, they’re happy to help you find it. There aren’t a lot of choices when purchasing brewing supplies, but I suppose they must compete pretty intensely with the interwebs, and I gotta say they’re killing it.

Great service. Everyone that works here is helpful and has a good attitude — difficult to find in today’s retail environment. I spend a lot here — I have literally spent thousands here in just the last year, so I should know.
Good selection of grains and ingredients. Prices are just OK, but they run a lot of specials so watch for discounts. They also give a 10% AHA discount too. With the discounts the prices are attractive, at least for a retail brewing store. The place is always clean and organized but they don’t stock a lot of the small bits and pieces you might need.

The staff here makes this place amazing. I have never had a question for the staff members that couldn’t be answered immediately. I am always blown away by the number of kits and recipes they have for brewing. I have not ventured out of kit brewing yet. That being said, this location offers classes to help venture into the unknown! This ranges from learning to brew, all the way up to all grain brewing.
Their customer service has been top notch when an item of mine breaks. I have never been charged for a replacement piece. They apologize for the quality on the piece, and replace it with an equal or higher quality piece immediately.

What can you say about the best brew shop in the city?
You need yeast, hops, grain, or a kit? Got it.
Looking for an obscure keg part? Check.
Wine supplies. All day.
If you are trying to get into the home brew game, look no further. They can answer just about any question and get you pretty much anything you need.

Great prices + one of the only places that sells 1 gallon extract kits for beginners
However, the reason for 5 stars is their customer service. I made an order from them a few weeks ago. They accidentally sent me part of someone else’s huge order without an invoice. So they told me to just keep what I want and dispose of the rest.
My actual order was also lost by ups. So they sent a new one free of charge that day. I can’t stress how excellent their customer service is. The only place that has handled problems like this is
, and they got #2 in the country.
Good job northern brewer, you got yourself a permanent customer + references now.
Btw to new brewers. Get their 1 gallong glass carbon with air lock bundle for $ 7.99. That’s a steal for a good fermenter and will be used forever whether it’s for small apartment brews, or experimental brews when you become more experienced

All the things my BF needs to make tasty brews and just a few blocks from the house — I’m in!
I’ve always found the staff helpful, things well marked and generally considering I don’t have a durned clue what I’m doing, it’s a pretty painless experience.
I had a long list for Christmas and was even given a tip for an upcoming sale to allow me to save some serious moola, which I really appreciated.
There’s so much more here than just beer brewing stuff, as well. Brew cider, root beer or make wine — they’ve got it all here. Considering I’m a total newb, I still find myself wandering around and checking it all out.
Easy parking, efficient staff, good prices and in the end I get beer.

This is my go-​to place for beer brewing supplies. Northern Brewer offers a lot of different things for the novice and the more advanced home brewer. They’ve got classes, starter brewing kits, a grain room, refrigerators full of yeast, and tons of supplies that’ll ramp up your brewing system.
Customer service at NB is uniquely defined — I find myself getting the help I need, but some of the folks running the cashier haven’t been the most friendly. One more specifically than others never engages in conversation which can be tough if you are asking advice about products or techniques. He threw me a curve ball last holiday season when I was purchasing some yeast and a pint-​glass for my dad, he gave me the glass for free! In general, if you catch someone on the sales floor, they’ll be more than willing to help and point you in the right direction. I imagine this is a place where hobbyist go to simply look around and it can be difficult for the staff to engage everyone at risk of getting their ear talked off.
Over time, the store has changed and become less of a bare bones supply store. They’ve done a lot with the layout of the store and even added décor. One thing I’ve noticed is that the store is carrying less and less pre-​made kits. If there is a specific kit you see on their website but not in the store, don’t hesitate to ask if they can help throw it together for you. I’ve done that several times and they’re great about pulling ingredients from the floor.
If you’re interested in homebrewing, check out NB first!

I am not a brewing expert, I do not work for Miller or even a micro brew. I am just a regular guy who wants to make a killer IPA on my stove. I have read a bit on brewing, I have talked to friends, I have toured breweries…
When I visited NB, their offering was certainly overwhelming for a true amateur like me– but they made it all bearable and make sense. I took an into to brewing class (which I would frankly rate a 3) and then ventured into the store to purchase my kit, supplies, and go on my way.
The sales guy behind the desk (not sure of his name, but looks like he lives in the beanie he was wearing) was so overly helpful that it made the place perfect. I asked hundreds of (what probably seemed like silly) questions… and went on my way.
I have and will probably call again– I will order from their catalog. Recommend.
*** For the cast of the new brew class. Don’t just fly through the steps and wait for questions. People wont ask their 100 idiotic inquiries in a group setting. Think simple, and explain why you are doing what you are doing… it will help the brew-​newb at home.

I’ve frequented this fine establishment numerous times now. My wife and I picked up home brewing as a hobby. We started at purple foot, but transitioned over the Northern Brewer after finding the knowledge base for beer, wine and mead was above and beyond. The workers are pretty relaxed about everything, and have a helpful recommendation for how to tweak your beer, or suggest a yeast strain that would most compliment your concoction. I’ve attended their kegging class, which was free, and they gave a nice demonstration on how to clean, sanitize and utilize your keg system. I can’t say enough good things about this place.
On the shelves you’ll find everything from bottle caps to 15 gallon brew kettles, beer kits to wine kits, and everything else you need to start brewing as a beginner or seasoned veteran. The back room is filled with the grains you need to start veering from kits and make your own recipe. The pricing is very reasonable, and I have yet to complain about their quality.

Hey, you brew beer? Yeah. Me too. Cool, man. Cool. Have you tried the new ElfBat FengShui hops? Yeah, nice balance. Yeah, I double fermented a batch of ale with it and kegged it last week, should be ready by the weekend.
I picture this conversation happening over and over in this store. In this store, you’ll have the most intelligent conversations you’ve ever had about beer. Everyone in this shop is friendly, super chill, and very knowledgeable about beer. You have to ask if you need help though, they aren’t pushy folks, and they assume you know what you’re doing there unless you tell them otherwise.
They have gadgets and gizmos a-​plenty. They’ve got whozits and whatzits galore. They have all kinds of equipment, kits, and the supplies to make your own blend for all-​grain brewing (more highbrow than the kit training wheels). They have little stick on thermometers. They have wort chillers. They have a little carboy handle (why didn’t I think of that!!!). Who knew that brewing beer was somewhere between science class, shop class, and home ec? They also carry stuff for making your own wine or soda, because guess what? It’s the same equipment!
Anyway, if you’re compelled to brew, cool wort, pitch yeast, ferment, keg or bottle anything… stop on in. They’ll have something you obviously need.

I have been here dozens of times and is always amazing.
I was introduced to homebrewing a couple years ago by a co-​worker and found out Northern Brewer offers weekly classes. I signed up for the Intro to Brewing class that cost (I believe) $ 30 that lasted 3 hours with one instructor and around 12 students. The class was extremely thorough as you make beer and learn how to make it good at the same time.
Since then I have made 18 different beers. I enjoy talking to all the staff getting recommendations on changing up a process or to learn more. They have prepackaged extract kit (easiest and introductory level that they teach you in the Intro to Brewing class) and partial mash (intermediate).
They have a huge grain room for All Grain brewing where you weigh and decide on all the items to put into the beer. They always have multiple staff members there to help you get the right items for what you are looking for.
They offer a 5% (I believe) discount if you are a member of the American Homebrewers Association.
Highly recommend going and checking it out even if you don’t brew but if you do this place has everything you can imagine!

I am a homebrewer, not an expert homebrewer with amazing and extravagant gadgets in my basement that brews strictly all-​grain, but I’m also past the novice level.
My brewing buddy and I have brewed at least 10 batches, most;y extract but also some partial mash.
When we buy brewing kits or equipment, Northern Brewer is where we shop. The store has improved over time by creating more space while adding inventory.
The staff there is incredibly knowledgeable and the store offers brewing classes.
If you’re thinking about dabbling in homebrewing, this should be your first stop.

I don’t always make it out to West Allis, but when I do I hit up the local home brew shop.
Just kidding, I’ve only been here once. I was impressed with the knowledge and experience of their employees. I am going to start home brewing and they have a good starter kit for $ 80.
I bought two tulip-​shaped beer glasses for my brother and some hop candy. Yes, you heard that right. HOP CANDY. I’ll have to see if my brother likes it.

Excellent customer service!
Went in on 10÷25÷12 to pick up a kit I saw on their website (happened to be in town and wanted to save on shipping). Well it turns out that the kit I said I wanted was not the one I intended to buy (my fault, I mixed up the names). After double checking in my car after I bought it I went back inside to do a return. It turns out that the kit I was looking for is being discontinued, so it’s no longer available in stores (maybe only an online thing?).
No problem for these guys! They printed out the ingredient list and instructions and assembled the kit themselves for the original selling price! And they volunteered to do this without me asking AND it was 5 minutes past closing time when all was said and done. They couldn’t be happier to make me a satisfied brewer!

I am assisting in my first home brew this weekend thanks to my Milwaukee based host and brewer. We are about to spathe the mash from the malt we bought yesterday at Nothern Brewer. Last night we scaled up the yeast we also purchased and later today we’ll be hopping are wort with the hops we bought there.
I expected a grungy shop, but as I should have expected Northern Brewers are well organized. Whether you’re shopping as a brewer or a wine maker it’s a pleasant experience — easy to find everything you need.
The aromatic malt room with about 30 different malts, mostly barley, neatly labeled. My brew master pointed out how nice it is to use their electric grain mill to process the malt at the shop.
Excellent destination for brewers.