Fermentation Frenzy
10 reviews
San Carlos, CA
"Scrapbooking is still so fascinating to me in that the possibilities in creating a project are endless. There is no limit to the…" read more »
9 Reviews for Fermentation Frenzy
Hubster and Hot Rob have recently discovered the joy of home brewing, and now my house smells like yeast and hops all the time. Blech.
I tagged along with them in a recent trek to More Beer (the sign outside says More Beer, the signs inside say More Flavor and this yelp entry it's called Fermentation Frenzy, what the heck is this place called?!) just to see what the fuss was all about. This places has everything any home brewer (of wine, beer and even soda) could ever need or want.
I was particularly excited about the section of root beer brewing stuff, have to convince the guys to brew something that I'll actually drink :)
For someone new to the home brew game (like I am) this place is a godsend. Staff was friendly, giving me pointers that helped make my lager pretty damn good.
Lots of sanitizer, lots of bottles, lots of grain. This place is awesome!
This is what home-brewing is all about!
The store is set-up to be self serve, or you can e-mail ahead and they will have your order ready for pickup. Phil is extremely nice, and the place is very chill. I would caution, however, to not go during busy times as the computer is legendarily slow and customers can get backed up quick. Go at some off-time and you will have your run of the place (recommended). They have plenty of grains in the back, and the quality is generally better than what I can get online or from other suppliers. Lots of hop and yeast varieties as well.
Sometimes, however, they can have pretty serious stocking problems. They are often out of or critically low on many key ingredients, including malt extract and some standard yeasts. Also, the quality of the components can be hit/miss. I've gotten a leaky corny, grain bags that are suddenly suspiciously small (then are larger the next time), cracked bubblers, and poorly drilled fermenters.
I love the place. The atmosphere is great, the guys are generally helpful and very nice, and they generally have plenty of great ingredients, when they have them. Suggestions: 1) faster checkout (come on barcodes!) because we can't all pre-order all the time. I secretly think that all of the checkout problems are based on the fact that the computer is a mac. 2) It would be awesome if they just doubled their stock of critical ingredients.
I feel extremely lucky to have a place like Fermentation Frenzy, staffed with guys like Phil, nearby.
I've been going to Phil's shop for a long time. The shop is under new management, and its working out well for everyone involved. The place is smaller in size, stuffed with all sorts of grains, extracts, hops, yeasties and all kinds of goodies.
Btw, I have no clue what Jennifer G is talking about... the place is good for vino & brew gear. I'm not a wine snob, but i do buy mead supplies (corks/etc) here.
I look forward to seeing how the "more Flavor" ownership takes care of the place & expands on making an excellent brew shop even better!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
These guys are great. Friendly, helpful and always good for tips on substitutions and creative twists to a recipe.
Your time would be better spent driving over to Fermentation Settlement in Campbell or to San Francisco Brewing.
Fermentation Frenzy is dirty, dark, and disorderly. They are often out of materials for wine makers. The times I've been there Phil has been condescending, rude, and obnoxious. I get the impression from him that he really doesn't care if I shop there or not. I used to go here only in a pinch (Fermentation Settlement is closed Mondays) but now - forget it. I will not be going back to this store. Since Andy has "no idea" what I'm talking about, perhaps it's that this establishment doesn't think women folk should be making wine or beer.
To clarify:
The store was completely out of ALL sterilizing equipment. I asked if they were discontinuing the product. Phil said, "Oh, yeah, that's it. Of course. We're discontinuing wine products. It couldn't be possible that we ran out." A simple "no, we are out of stock" would have been fine.
I've waited at the register for up to 20 minutes while Phil would chat with someone in the back with no acknowledgment, hello, etc. I don't expect him to ignore customers in favor of me, but at least recognize that another customer is waiting.
In general, I've found that my questions about differences in materials have been met with an unnecessary amount of arrogance. If I'm asking about the differences between cork grades, why not either say you don't know or answer my questions without the arrogant attitude? It doesn't hurt to take a second to help someone.
-----------------------
I've heard that Fermentation Frenzy is under new ownership. Phil responded to the review I left here, which I appreciate. It takes something special to say "sorry" and I appreciate that.
A smaller selection of home brewing and wine craft supplies on the peninsula. It is the only brew-store on the peninsula that I know of, so it is handy if you are nearby, and need a bung for your barrel, or sulfite for your sanitation, or corks for your, um, bottles.
For the larger stuff like presses, we have used Oak Barrel in Berkeley, with satisfaction!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Part of this place is that you shouldn't expect an errand to be accomplished in 5 minutes. Rather, expect to chat with whoever is working that day. The last two times I was in I spent about half an hour talking about beers, brewing techniques, and additives. They've had almost everything I've wanted/needed, and the new (as of this past July) ownership translates to wider product range and longer hours.
Yeah, sometimes the one person working is wrapt in conversation with a customer and not at the register. But sometimes that customer is me. Definitely stop in if you're curious about homemade beer/wine/coffee or even if you just like to drink the stuff. Ask questions, look around, see if you can't get a taste of some grain.
Oh, and... Thanks, Phil. You convinced me to start brewing and I love it.
This is under new ownership, now called "More Coffee!" or something like that - anyway, it is the most comprehensive source of wine, beer, cider and other making supplies. I used to like it all dark and funky like a workshop but now it is bright and carpeted.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Great Brew Review
Anything brew related... from homebrew shops to…
Hot and New
- Crawdaddy
139 reviews
San Jose, CA
- Texas Smokehouse BBQ
94 reviews
San Jose, CA
- Paris Baguette
32 reviews
Santa Clara, CA
- Dittmer's Gourmet Meats &…
154 reviews
Mountain View, CA
- QQ Noodle
90 reviews
Fremont, CA