Northern Brewer

Overview

Northern Brewer is a supplier of homebrewing and winemaking equipment, ingredients, and kits, operating online and through retail stores. It holds a leading position as the top homebrewing supplier in America, serving enthusiasts since its start as a small storefront. The company expanded from retail to mail order and multiple locations amid rising interest in craft beer and homebrewing.¹²³

History

Northern Brewer was founded in October 1993 by Chris Farley in a small St. Paul storefront. It relocated to larger spaces on Grand Avenue in 1994 and 1999, expanded staff, started mail order, and organized competitions during the 1990s microbrew boom. In 2004, it leased warehouse space in Roseville for headquarters, converting the Grand Avenue site to retail; a Milwaukee store opened in 2009, with further warehouse expansion in 2010.³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Northern Brewer sources ingredients and equipment from various suppliers rather than manufacturing in-house. Operations include a dedicated grain milling room and brewing lab at its facilities. Products are assembled or packaged at its Roseville warehouse.³

Notable Products

• Monster Mill Grain Mill - Grain mill for custom milling in all-grain brewing.
• Spike Brewing Conical Fermenter - Professional-grade stainless fermenter for advanced homebrewers.
• Brewing Starter Kits - Complete kits for beginners including equipment and ingredients.
• Kegging Systems - Keg, CO2, and regulator setups for serving homebrew.
• Recipe Kits - Pre-formulated kits for specific beer styles.

Reputation

Northern Brewer is regarded by homebrewing enthusiasts as a reliable primary supplier with extensive inventory and quality ingredients. Professionals note its role in supporting the homebrewing community through retail, online sales, and events. Some users mention occasional stock issues during high demand, but overall perception remains positive based on longevity and expansion.¹²