The Homebrewer going pro

Home Brewing Co. might grow to be San Diego beer fans’ favorite oxymoron. It would make sense, since the business that’s delving into this side interest, The Homebrewer (2911 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park), is already one of the most well-liked home-brewing supply stores in the county.

Owners George and Molly Thornton never considered brewing in any professional style when they opened the business in early 2012. Their thought was that there was plenty of incredible beer being produced throughout the county already. However, about a year into The Homebrewer’s life, they observed a demand for incorporation of a brewing operation built around furthering the education of recreational brewers.

Scheduled to soft open in late summer or early fall, Home Brewing Co. is planned to help demonstrate the impact of the products and ingredients sold at The Homebrewer. A tasting room will be located just right of the entrance. Flights, pints (full and half), and growler fills will be offered, with food pairing suggestions accompanying all beer sold to-go.

Home Brewing Co.’s beers will be produced using refurbished dairy equipment. The boil kettle has a 12-barrel capacity, but the capacity of the fermenters (Uni Tanks from Premier Stainless Systems) will be seven-barrels each. The Thorntons plan on splitting batches to showcase different ingredients and processes. The spirit of experimentation will be very much alive at Home Brewing Co., but only in a logical way that serves a purpose: a teaching lab versus the playground of a mad scientist.

Additionally, the Thorntons will use a pilot system to conduct all-grain brewing educational demos. Homebrewing competitions will also be held, with the grand prize being the chance to brew on Home Brewing Co.’s system. Ultimately, the Thorntons hope the beers from their upcoming venture will spark even more excitement and thirst for experimentation for their hobbyist clientele.