FAQ
Many beginner home brewers have a lot of anxiety leading up to their first batch. The following frequently asked questions should help you build confidence that your first batch, and many more that will soon follow, will result in delicious and satisfying beers.
How much will it cost me to get into home brewing?Most new home brewers will need a starter equipment kit that runs about $75.00 and includes everything they will need to make delicious home brew. You will also need to buy the ingredients for your beer. Most extract kits fall between $30-50 and will make enough for 5 gallons of beer.
Will I save money by brewing my own beer or making my own wine?Many home brewers and wine makers not only enjoy the hobby, but also enjoy the savings compared to buying similar products at a retail liquor store. For example, a single 5 gallon batch of beer that costs $35.00 to make at home could cost you up to $60-70 if you bought it at the store.
Do you sell beginner equipment kits?Yes, we have beginner equipment kits as well as advanced brewing equipment. Our beginner kits come with everything you need to make great beer at home. If you are looking for something in particular and you do not see it in our store or on our site, please
contact us and we will be happy to order it for you.
Do you sell extract kits for beer and wine?Yes, we have a full variety of easy extract beer and wine kits. Stop by and check out our huge selection or visit our
beer and wine kit section of our website.
Do you have a grain mill for customers that want to buy whole grains?Yes, we have a grain mill set up in the shop and would be happy to mill your grain. Our rollers are set to give you the precise mixture of flour, husk and grain.
How much does it cost to have my grain milled?It's free. We never charge to mill your grain.
Will you mill my grain even if I bought it somewhere else?You bet. We would be happy to mill your grain that you bought somewhere else.
What are your hours?Thursday - 10 AM - 9 PM
Friday - 10 AM - 9 PM
Saturday - 10 AM - 9 PM
Sunday - 10 AM - 5 PM
Where is your shop located?We are located inside the Berlin Farmer's Market at 41 Clementon Road in Berlin, New Jersey 08009.
Click here to view an interactive map.
What is wort?Wort is the name of the sweet liquid that will eventually become beer. It is comprised of water, hops and sugars from malted barley. Once you add yeast and your wort begins to ferment, it then becomes beer.
What is a wort chiller?A wort chiller is used in brewing to rapidly cool your wort down from boiling temperatures to 70-80 degrees so you can pitch your yeast. Typically, they are made from soft copper or stainless steel tubing. There are two main varieties or chillers, immersion and counter flow. An immersion chiller simply sits in your hot wort while cold water from your garden hose or sink faucet runs through the tubing. A counter flow chiller requires a pump and pumps hot worth through the tubing while cold water is pumped in the opposite direction, cooling your wort much faster.
Is sanitation important when making beer or wine?Sanitation is probably the most important aspect of brewing beer or making wine. Constant cleaning and sanitizing is necessary in home brewing, especially after your wort has cooled (cold-side). Any bacteria or microorganisms that get into your beer or wine could cause off flavors or ruin your entire batch.
Do you sell books or instructional videos on home brewing?Yes, we have a large selection of beer and wine books as well as instructional DVD's available for all skill levels from beginners to veterans. You can check out our selection by clicking
here for books and
here for DVD's.
How long does it take before I can enjoy my home brewed beer?Most beers require at least 1 or 2 weeks of fermentation time and an additional 3 or 4 weeks to carbonate after bottling.
What method of brewing do you suggest for beginners?We suggest that beginners start with an
extract kit. We sell many different styles of beer in our kits and the process is much easier than all grain brewing.
Is any additional equipment needed to brew all grain beers?Yes, you will need a mash tun and a hot liquor tank in addition to your brew kettle. Many home brewers purchase converted commercial kegs for their vessels but you can also use coolers or plastic buckets.
Where should I go to ask specific questions about home brewing?Come in to our shop. Our staff is very knowledgeable and can help with you specific questions.
Is it legal to brew beer in wine in my state?Most states have legalized home brewing but you should check with your local state and county officials.
Click here to visit the Home Brewer's Association web site to check if it is legal in your state.
How much beer am I allowed to make per year?Any person that is 21 years of age or older can legally brew 100 gallons of beer per year, as long as it is legal in their state. If there are two or more legal adults 21 years or older, you can brew 200 gallons per year.
Can I sell the beer that I make at home?No way. Well, not without a valid license to sell beer in your state. Please visit
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms website for more information on applying for a license.