Kennebec Home Brew Supplies

Homebrew

662 Maine Ave
Farmingdale, Maine, 04344-1539
United States

(207) 623-3368 | map
kennebechomebrew.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.32
Reviews:
3
Ratings:
3
pDev:
3.24%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by charlesw:
Photo of charlesw
Reviewed by charlesw from New York

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%
The store is, uh, hard to find! The mapquest or yahoo map/directions given on the web site do NOT lead you to the store. The sign is a bit small as well (likely a zoning regulation). So, watch the house numbers closely and look for it on the left side of the road as you drive north!

There's a small parking lot and a door that leads down into the shop (basement floor of a house). You first notice that it is clean and friendly/homey looking - as in, it's carpeted, the walls aren't white and the lighting isn't harsh.

I went in looking for some White Labs yeast (yet again - don't ask!) and a siphon. I walked out with those and a carboy and a new hop bag and some caps and ...

The shop appears pretty small at first glance (3 little rooms) but there is a large selection of items shown and there must be storage elsewhere (as in, he left the shop for 30s to fetch my carboy) in the house.

One wall is covered with bins of grains and adjuncts - enough to keep almost anyone happy! There are plenty of ingredients for extract brewers as well.

Oh, there's plenty of stuff for making wine as well but I didn't check that out!

The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable.

The prices are maybe a touch higher than I see on the 'net but there are no shipping fees involved so it works out cheaper and, more importantly, it supports a local business!

A HUGE benefit to local homebrewers is that they live in the building. I have called up in emergency situations and they have been able to help me out even though they weren't technically 'open' at the time. Still, try to make regular business hours or call ahead to make sure that you won't be bugging them!

They say that they get a good crowd of locals chatting about beermaking and they also have a beer club-type thing set up.
Sep 28, 2003
More User Ratings:
Photo of cookin420
Reviewed by cookin420 from Maine

4.3/5  rDev -0.5%
I buy all my brew stuff here except for certain hops.
There are actually two locations but they can efficiently be reviewed as one. Staff is very knowledgeable. Gabe has been teaching and brewing for many years and with a bit of prodding he'll open right up and answer any questions you've got.
The store is quite limited by space but they do a really nice job of stocking the most they can and if they don't have it, of course they will order it for you. They have kits and Gabe will put together a custom kit for you using his own recipes if you like.
In a back room he has enough bulk base grains to do, for the most part, any style all grain brew you want. Very well stocked on White Labs yeast, ( no Wyeast) and stacks of dry yeast, too. He's got as many hops as anyone right now, but the varieties that can't be had right now, well, they won't be here either. Hop shortages suck.
The prices here are competitive with any of the big online warehouses. Checks and debit accepted.
Go see Gabe or Jon and they'll take care of you. Also inquire about classes. Usually it's a two week class(two Sundays) I did one and learned a ton and drank pretty heavily. A lot of fun and Gabe is a natural teacher.
Feb 11, 2008
Photo of drotski
Reviewed by drotski from Maine

4.15/5  rDev -3.9%
I have only been there once, but this was the most impressive homebrew shop I've been to. Great selection of yeasts and specialty grains, loads of bottles to choose from. All very fresh. As with most places like this, its sort of unorganized, so allow time to look around. There is a lot of stuff there, you just need to poke around to find what you need. Very friendly service. You feel like they're actually there to help, and aren't trying to make money off you.

I can't wait to get back there. Look out for the tiny sign, it sneaks up on you. Parking is also tight.
Oct 20, 2006
Kennebec Home Brew Supplies in Farmingdale, ME
Place rating: 4.32 out of 5 with 3 ratings