Adventures in Homebrewing (aka Homebrewing.org)

[Alex4mula]

I've been to Cadillac Straights once. It was a pretty decent store. Smaller than AIHB was though. I'll be making them my new place. There is also Cap N Cork in Macomb. Kuhnhenn Brewing has a store in Warren too, but I think they don't take walk-ins. Need to order in advance.

AIHB Taylor was really close to me. The Ann Arbor store was only 20 minutes too so it wasn't too bad. I'll miss just going in and walking around looking at all the stuff they had in store. At least I was able to use my rewards before this all happened.

I'll need to check Cadillac Straights. It may be my new local option. And having tap beer and food would make it a very easy choice to make me go there from Canton. I see they have competitive prices too. All good

 

[kylewag]

I hope this continues on but with NB at the reins now I don't see this continuing you may soon lose that option.

AIH has already discontinued selling grains in anything less than one pound. I just checked their website today. I just bought a half pound each of two types of grains just 3 weeks ago. My batch is still in the fermenter (packaging tomorrow).

 

[Dancy]

AIH has already discontinued selling grains in anything less than one pound. I just checked their website today.

Two night ago I placed an order with Atlantic Brew Suppy for a 5 G batch I’m brewing soon and they’re still allowing fractions of a lb.

 

[TenaCJed]

I've been to Cadillac Straights once. It was a pretty decent store. Smaller than AIHB was though. I'll be making them my new place. There is also Cap N Cork in Macomb. Kuhnhenn Brewing has a store in Warren too, but I think they don't take walk-ins. Need to order in advance.

AIHB Taylor was really close to me. The Ann Arbor store was only 20 minutes too so it wasn't too bad. I'll miss just going in and walking around looking at all the stuff they had in store. At least I was able to use my rewards before this all happened.

Cap N Cork is also a brew pub as well!!! They also have an online page that is pretty accurate for inventory. They allow pickup and they ship as well. I always use the pickup option as they are close to me.


I thought Kuhnhenn had closed down the home brew shop, but I could be wrong.

 

[Bassman2003]

I do not get this move to no fractions on grain orders. The same time is taken to weigh and pour out a pound compared to a 1/2 pound... My LHBS has moved to the same thing and it sucks! You can't lose sight of why your customers use your services in the first place. Grain is a loser when it comes to shipping outside of pallets, so having a local shop is important to keep this hobby economical. But if you can't make your recipe or need to buy a lb of roasted malt to use .25lb it gets kind of stupid imho.

 

[TenaCJed]

Check out Cap n Cork as they let you do grain by the pound and by the ounce . I have no idea if the shipping cost is good or bad as i pick up locally.

https://capncorkbrewing.com/

 

[Nextech]

I really wish I saw this thread before I placed my order a couple weeks ago. I've been a long-time supporter of AIH. Over the years, I have found them to have great products, reasonable pricing, and most importantly - exceptional customer service. I thought it was bizarre when I attempted to place my order that I needed to re-register a new account on their website, but didn't think too much about it as communication from the company hadn't changed. I am now regretting the decision not to look into it further.

After not receiving my order for nearly 2 weeks (usually their orders shipped same day or next day), I checked the website to see if the order status had been updated. Nothing, it just states "unfulfilled." I never received any email or anything indicating a problem with the order, so I decided to call. Instead of being greeted by the friendly and familiar voices at AIH, the phone was answered by a guy who clearly doesn't like his job and responds to customers as if they are a nuisance. Before I could even explain the situation he abruptly told me that "online orders can take up to 5 days to arrive once shipped so you'll just need to wait." Every time I attempted to talk, he would quickly interrupt me with some canned response about order shipping times, etc. I kept trying to explain to him that I don't believe the order had even shipped yet, until he finally acknowledged me and rudely stated "Well you need to give me the order number before I can do anything about that." Yeah guy, if you didn't interrupt me ever time I tried to explain to you and give you the order number, you'd have that information.

Long story short, he basically told me that it is not unusual for orders to take 10 business days to process and that I should receive an email when the order ships (it has already been more than 10 business days). I asked if there was a change to their business practices or if they were bought, because at this point I was becoming very suspicious. Also keep in mind that they still advertise Fast & Free Shipping for all orders over $59 on their website. I have NEVER had this experience with AIH staff nor any delayed shipping without proper communication. I always received all my orders within 3-4 days from the time the order was placed, they were extremely fast. He responded and told me that they were recently acquired by another corporation but that online sales remain the same. He wouldn't elaborate on who bought them or when, but did confirm all retail sales were no longer available and it was now an online only operation. Had he told me who they had been acquired by, I would have immediately cancelled my order.

A quick search online revealed that AIH and AHS were bought out by Blackstreet Capital (Northern Brewer) which is extremely sad but now explains why they have such terrible business practices and poor customer service. I rechecked their website and sure enough, they have updated the address to the MN location. Then I found the threads that outline how this all went down. So yeah, they bought AIH, flipped it upside down, fired all their employees without adequate notice, robbed the customers of their rewards points, changed their order processing and shipping practices without updating their shipping policy on the website, ran a bunch of sales to generate orders that would be immediately billed but unable to be fulfilled, and never once sent an email to loyal AIH customers to let them know anything was changing. Is all of this perfectly acceptable from a business standpoint in the realm of capitalism? I guess. But this is not the type of business I will ever spend money at ever again. RIP Adventures in Homebrewing

 

[Bassman2003]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry it took place for you. Posting is the best way to let others' know to avoid business practices like this. Capitalism is not the problem, losers are the problem!

 

[MaxStout]

MW is local to me, but it's about a 45 minute drive across town, so I usually order online. I had an order last month that didn't ship for quite a while. About 2 weeks after ordering, the status still said "unfulfilled." I sent an email (they don't answer phones), and to their credit, they replied later that day. They said they were "short-staffed," which may very well be the case, given their recent acquisition of AIH. However, my order shipped the next day and it arrived a couple days after that.

 

[kartracer2]

I posted this in another thread, trying to share it here.
Thread

 

[Jacob_Marley]

Adventures In Homebrewing had been my supplier for many years but mostly in person at the Taylor store. I've ordered from them only occasionally.
They are now based out of Minnesota according to their customer service.
It's a shame that they closed their brick-and-mortar locations ... going there always had that "kid in a candy store" effect. It was a great place to visit ... great staff and advice and a sort-of barber shop effect of a gathering of customers, business supporters and store employees ... all they were missing was a pot belly stove, a few casks as seating, and an active tap.

I'm not familiar with any other bricks-and-mortar home brew supply in the Detroit metro area that still exists,
I would think that with the potential for continued increase in the cost of beer & wine in general, a homebrew shop ... combined with, say, a Microbrewer or Small Winemaker business, would be an opportunity for a viable business that is also a destination.

There is always opportunity in change.
With the developments in the worldwide agricultural commodities markets, I wonder whether there is a sharp edge to be found somewhere on better priced regional brewing ingredients, as well.

I miss their store.

 

[matt_m]

I'm not familiar with any other bricks-and-mortar home brew supply in the Detroit metro area that still exists,
I would think that with the potential for continued increase in the cost of beer & wine in general, a homebrew shop ... combined with, say, a Microbrewer or Small Winemaker business, would be an opportunity for a viable business that is also a destination.

Cadillac Straights in Madison Heights is exactly that--brewery and supply shop. They are actually expanding the supply shop, a decision made before AIH closed.

 

[grzrk]

I'm not familiar with any other bricks-and-mortar home brew supply in the Detroit metro area that still exists,
I would think that with the potential for continued increase in the cost of beer & wine in general, a homebrew shop ... combined with, say, a Microbrewer or Small Winemaker business, would be an opportunity for a viable business that is also a destination.

Try Cap and Cork in Macomb if it's not too far north for ya

 

[Ron O]

I really wish I saw this thread before I placed my order a couple weeks ago. I've been a long-time supporter of AIH. Over the years, I have found them to have great products, reasonable pricing, and most importantly - exceptional customer service. I thought it was bizarre when I attempted to place my order that I needed to re-register a new account on their website, but didn't think too much about it as communication from the company hadn't changed. I am now regretting the decision not to look into it further.

After not receiving my order for nearly 2 weeks (usually their orders shipped same day or next day), I checked the website to see if the order status had been updated. Nothing, it just states "unfulfilled." I never received any email or anything indicating a problem with the order, so I decided to call. Instead of being greeted by the friendly and familiar voices at AIH, the phone was answered by a guy who clearly doesn't like his job and responds to customers as if they are a nuisance. Before I could even explain the situation he abruptly told me that "online orders can take up to 5 days to arrive once shipped so you'll just need to wait." Every time I attempted to talk, he would quickly interrupt me with some canned response about order shipping times, etc. I kept trying to explain to him that I don't believe the order had even shipped yet, until he finally acknowledged me and rudely stated "Well you need to give me the order number before I can do anything about that." Yeah guy, if you didn't interrupt me ever time I tried to explain to you and give you the order number, you'd have that information.

Long story short, he basically told me that it is not unusual for orders to take 10 business days to process and that I should receive an email when the order ships (it has already been more than 10 business days). I asked if there was a change to their business practices or if they were bought, because at this point I was becoming very suspicious. Also keep in mind that they still advertise Fast & Free Shipping for all orders over $59 on their website. I have NEVER had this experience with AIH staff nor any delayed shipping without proper communication. I always received all my orders within 3-4 days from the time the order was placed, they were extremely fast. He responded and told me that they were recently acquired by another corporation but that online sales remain the same. He wouldn't elaborate on who bought them or when, but did confirm all retail sales were no longer available and it was now an online only operation. Had he told me who they had been acquired by, I would have immediately cancelled my order.

A quick search online revealed that AIH and AHS were bought out by Blackstreet Capital (Northern Brewer) which is extremely sad but now explains why they have such terrible business practices and poor customer service. I rechecked their website and sure enough, they have updated the address to the MN location. Then I found the threads that outline how this all went down. So yeah, they bought AIH, flipped it upside down, fired all their employees without adequate notice, robbed the customers of their rewards points, changed their order processing and shipping practices without updating their shipping policy on the website, ran a bunch of sales to generate orders that would be immediately billed but unable to be fulfilled, and never once sent an email to loyal AIH customers to let them know anything was changing. Is all of this perfectly acceptable from a business standpoint in the realm of capitalism? I guess. But this is not the type of business I will ever spend money at ever again. RIP Adventures in Homebrewing

My local homebrew supply store just closed down, so I was looking for an online source for extract recipe kits. I ordered one from Adventures in Homebrewing and one from Atlantic Brewing company. My order from AB came in one business day and my order from AiH came much later. I also had problems with the AiH website. I had to redo my account information and for about a week everything was "out of stock" on their website. I am not going back to AiH, even though they have more products than other places.

 

[Ron O]

expand...

My local homebrew supply store just closed down, so I was looking for an online source for extract recipe kits. I ordered one from Adventures in Homebrewing and one from Atlantic Brewing company. My order from AB came in one business day and my order from AiH came much later. I also had problems with the AiH website. I had to redo my account information and for about a week everything was "out of stock" on their website. I am not going back to AiH, even though they have more products than some other places.

 

[Nextech]

My local homebrew supply store just closed down, so I was looking for an online source for extract recipe kits. I ordered one from Adventures in Homebrewing and one from Atlantic Brewing company. My order from AB came in one business day and my order from AiH came much later. I also had problems with the AiH website. I had to redo my account information and for about a week everything was "out of stock" on their website. I am not going back to AiH, even though they have more products than other places.

Agreed. It's not so much the delay that bothers me, I could deal with that if they communicated and showed an ounce of care for their customers. But they purposefully promoted sales to charge for orders they knew they wouldn't be able to fulfill, never communicated to their customers, and then acted like complete turds when people call in to ask what's going on. The old AIH crew would have NEVER done that. This represents a massive decrease in the level of customer service I've been receiving for years and I will not be giving AIH, NB, or MW any of my future business.

 

[SpudsBrew]

Have to report the same lower support with the "new: AIH and AHB.

I have an order in with both of them 10 (business) days now and both show the same "unfulfilled" status (and yes they have the money), guess its going to be net 21 from now on.

I've been using them both for many years. Lived in the Austin area for a long time and used AHB frequently (also St. Pats way back in the day). I continued to support them when I moved as there is no local HBS for me.

Don't know if this is just a bump in the road due to the transition, but honestly as its not the same folks I had known and supported, I don't feel the same loyalty, and given this level of service will look elsewhere for supplies. I've placed a couple of orders with Atlantic and have been pleased.

In the past what I had ordered from them would be in the fermenter and well on its way to being keg or bottle conditioned, now I'm still waiting for it to ship! This has caused my Krausen to drop quickly.

YMMV

 

[Nextech]

Have to report the same lower support with the "new: AIH and AHB.

I have an order in with both of them 10 (business) days now and both show the same "unfulfilled" status (and yes they have the money), guess its going to be net 21 from now on.

I've been using them both for many years. Lived in the Austin area for a long time and used AHB frequently (also St. Pats way back in the day). I continued to support them when I moved as there is no local HBS for me.

Don't know if this is just a bump in the road due to the transition, but honestly as its not the same folks I had known and supported, I don't feel the same loyalty, and given this level of service will look elsewhere for supplies. I've placed a couple of orders with Atlantic and have been pleased.

In the past what I had ordered from them would be in the fermenter and well on its way to being keg or bottle conditioned, now I'm still waiting for it to ship! This has caused my Krausen to drop quickly.

YMMV

The AIH/AHS customer service was second to none. I am beyond sad to see them go. The new team isn't even making an attempt at keeping up. Bump in the road or not, they're clearly putting the old AIH/AHS customers last.

 

[cajunrph]

I tried to get some supplies for National Homebrew day from the LHBS I used in the Houston area Saturday. They were closed, I thought for the day, but turns out they are shuttering for good. Hoppin Grapes in Webster, Texas. Their FB post indicates they are negotiating with someone who will open a store soon in the area. I'll have to give them some business when they open. Houston, the 4th largest city in the country, now only has 2 Homebrew stores. Both are far away from me. I placed an order with Morebeer and Austin Homebrew Supply, MoreBeer has already shipped. The only reason I used AHS was that they were in the state and I wanted to see how fast they'd ship. Today my order still shows unfulfilled with AHS and an arrival date of Friday for the Morebeer order. Northern Brewer had the slowest estimated ship time so I didn't order from them. I'll check out the others mentioned in this thread. Houston lost Defalco's during the pandemic. St Arnolds, 8th Wonder, and Bayou City brewing founders all started homebrewing with supplies from Defalco's.

 

[kartracer2]

To the AIH customers that might have missed this, I just got an email from them bout their reward points program. looks like they got it back up running again.

Blimey we are excited to tell you that the rewards program is back at Adventures in Homebrewing! After a brief hiatus, our rewards program is back online, and your points are waiting for you. If you had an existing points balance, but have not logged in since April 1st, you need to re-register your account with the email you previously used. By re-registering, you will also be able to access your previous order history. To Activate Your Rewards Account: Log into your customer account Important, if you haven't logged in since 4/1/2022 you'll need to re-register your account. Open our new rewards dashboard. Start earning new points and/or redeem existing points.

Cheers,
Joel B.

 

[Alex4mula]

They didn’t honor any points for me. Personally I will never order from them again. Same name but not same values. Sorry.

 

[kartracer2]

@Alex4mula If I may ask, How come they didn't honor your points and how many did you have?
Cheers,
Joel B.

 

[Nextech]

They didn’t honor any points for me. Personally I will never order from them again. Same name but not same values. Sorry.

Same here, Alex. Didn't honor my points even after sending out the email saying we should now see them. Sorry you're dealing with the same. Fortunately there are still a few great options out there to support now (RiteBrew, Atlantic, GF, LP, etc).

 

[Chorgey]

I just checked my account at AHB and my points carried over. Not sure why some are having issues with the rewards. There's even an expiration date on the page.

 

[Alex4mula]

I don’t remember them expiring before. They lost a big customer. I probably spent over $3k over last 3yrs.

 

[mashpaddled]

I do not get this move to no fractions on grain orders. The same time is taken to weigh and pour out a pound compared to a 1/2 pound... My LHBS has moved to the same thing and it sucks! You can't lose sight of why your customers use your services in the first place. Grain is a loser when it comes to shipping outside of pallets, so having a local shop is important to keep this hobby economical. But if you can't make your recipe or need to buy a lb of roasted malt to use .25lb it gets kind of stupid imho.

The revenue isn't the same but the labor cost is the same. Having an employee weighing out $0.15 of grain at a time isn't making the business money. There was a time when selling in small increments than a pound wasn't much of an option. Shops started selling in smaller increments to draw customers but as the market shrinks and consolidates the competition isn't there to make the labor cost valuable.

I don’t remember them expiring before. They lost a big customer. I probably spent over $3k over last 3yrs.

They've been expiring points for several years now.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Those who have worked in corporate information technology know that data migration to a new system is essential but often thankless.

 

[Yesfan]

FWIW, I ordered from them this past Tuesday. I ordered their "Mashing Made Cooler" plumbing hardware to replace the ancient brass one I bought from them when I first started AG brewing. I got my order in this past Friday, a day earlier than expected.

I currently have 67pts. I don't know if my points were also erased or if I even had any as I hadn't bought from them in a very long time. They're not the same store they used to be, but this last experience was a good one. Same with NB when I bought my scales just recently. I'm very happy with that purchase as well.

 

[Bassman2003]

The revenue isn't the same but the labor cost is the same. Having an employee weighing out $0.15 of grain at a time isn't making the business money. There was a time when selling in small increments than a pound wasn't much of an option. Shops started selling in smaller increments to draw customers but as the market shrinks and consolidates the competition isn't there to make the labor cost valuable.



They've been expiring points for several years now.

I can't disagree with the reality you are speaking of but I have chosen to go to a different LHBS that I never used in the past to fill my grain orders which also includes buying incidentals. Not only is the previous shop not going under 1LB increments, they are not combining it all into one bag. So I have to go through each ingredient, measure out the correct amount and combine them to mill before I brew. No thanks.

They might as well stop offering all grain because that is not serving the need. Strange that Covid seems to be killing homebrew shops. I wouldn't think the hobby would be affected, especially when folks had more spare time on their hands.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

FWIW, there are couple (maybe more) on-line home brew stores that quietly offer services like

1) grains by the ounce (or pound)

2) milling grains (or not)

3) separate bags for each grain (or not)

4) ingredient "quick select page" - order a bunch of ingredients on a single page

They charge extra (per oz or lb) for some of those services to cover their expenses - so check pricing carefully before ordering.