Smokin Beaver Brew Shop

First off, the selection of hops/​grains/​yeasts here is outstanding. The durable goods are a bit pricey but I think pretty much everybody including me buys that stuff online. Second, the level of support for tips, tricks and techniques is equally outstanding. Brad (the owner) is very engaging and helpful and it seems like he’s made every kind of beer and cider you could make. I went in the other day looking for a recipe or ideas for my very first hard cider (I’ve bought stuff to make numerous beers here). I described what I was looking for in the end product and he talked to me about what process I should following, what yeast I should select and why and then shared a trick to back-​sweeten the batch using frozen apple juice concentrate instead of priming sugar for that extra apply burst. Delightful!
As far as administrative items, it’s off the beaten path in Escondido and that place can be challenging as heck to drive around the first few times. Parking is always ample and right in front and hours are convenient. From novice to seasoned brewer, you will feel welcome at Smokin Beaver.

Great experience, very knowledgeable and eager to help.

Second visit into this place. Central convenient location with fair prices. The owner is great and very knowledgeable. Always willing to help with any questions or point you in the right direction.

As a new home brewer, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Brad was incredibly helpful. You can tell that they Smoking Beaver truly cares about the craft of home brewing. Brad answered all of my questions and offered some great advice for my first brew.
The prices are very reasonable and the knowledge is priceless. Thank you Smoking Beaver!

Under new ownership as of late 2014…
New owners are friendly people and knowledgeable about brewing. I’d say friendlier than the last group for sure. The store setup in the Escondido location is a bit wonky, with the grain in two very small rooms. Wish it was out in the open.
Pretty good selection, good service, and good hours.
The new owners are not hip to technology though, as their website is down at the time of this writing and they’re not keeping up with their social media. This is a HUGE mistake and costing them business, for sure.
Overall, an easy in, easy out, well-​stocked home brew shop. My go-​to place in North County.

5 star service and the prices are very reasonable. Especially when I found out they have Co2 for $ 13 less then west air. The man behind the counter was very friendly and seemed pretty knowledgeable. Looked like they were a little light on supplies but they did have what I needed. Also sounds like they can get something they don’t have in stock relatively quickly. I will get my next ingredient kit here when I am ready.
Support the local stores.

A friend of mine who brews beer recommended this place to me. He loves it & gets all his brewing supplies here.
I want to brew homemade grapefruit soda so I needed Champagne yeast & bottles with pressure caps.
Easy to find, on the S/​E corner of W. Valley Parkway & Kalmia. Good parking out front. Dave was very nice & helpful with the selection of yeast.
It was a hot 100‘ outside & he let me bring my big German Shepherd in to lay down
& wait while we talked & I purchased my items.
This is SBBS new location & there are about 18 other great reviews under their old address.

The layout is a bit sparse and garage-​like, but as for the level of brewing knowledge, I’d put the staff here up there around the top. Unlike Homebrew Mart, there are unfortunately no tastings here. If you’re a home brewer in North County and in need of equipment fast, this is your place. A staggeringly worthy selection of Hops, Grains, Yeasts and brew equipment.
Alexis has some serious beer knowledge and may know more about beer than Sam Adams. I have to say she was so smart that I felt like she was facepalming or rolling her eyes inside every time I asked a newbie question. This is probably my only gripe about this place. Homebrew Mart is welcoming to a fault. Other that I would definitely say check this place out.