Keegan Ales opens new homebrew supply store

Keegan’s homebrew store stocks a wide array of supplies, from $75 starter kits to 20 different varieties of grain and Keegan Ales’ own brewing yeast. According to Sylvester, the shop is able to offer brewing supplies at much lower prices than other brew stores or online retailers since they can piggyback on the bulk purchases of the brewery next door. The close proximity to the brewery also offers a ready source of expert advice on brewing techniques.

“We have actual brewers right next door,” said Sylvester, who has been home brewing for about a year and half. “If there’s something we don’t know, we can walk across the parking lot and find out. What we do as a hobby, they do professionally.”

And while one of the joys of home brewing is experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations, those looking for a tried and true recipe will soon be able to brew Keegan Ales’ favorite products at home. Sylvester said the store’s staff was working on “clone kits” which include the recipe and all the ingredients necessary to brew Keegan Ales favorites, like Hurricane Kitty or Old Capital, at home.

“It’s really a glorious thing when you can brew your own craft beer, give it to your friends and tell them, ‘I made this,’” said Sylvester. “You’ll make a lot of friends.”