This is the second or third home brew store I’ve visited and found it by far the most helpful and knowledgeable. The gentleman behind the counter even wrote out a quick how-to for me so I didn’t screw it up. The prices are reasonable, and they have a pretty good selection of equipment.

Now I don’t know much about home few stores but I figure in a place like Asheville if you aren’t good, you won’t stay in business long. I was there for 20 minutes and they did more sales than most restaurants would do. The two guys in there were incredibly helpful and went out of there way to give you the benefit of their knowledge and experience which is a big reason to go to a homebrew store. As they admit it ain’t much to look at but it’s the first place to go if you’re brewing your own.

Pretty cool little spot, found a couple of hop varietals I wasn’t expecting. Otherwise the layout is pretty simple and straightforward with an "old hardware store" feel to it. Knowledgeable staff and very accommodating.

Since the most recent review post, ABS has moved to roomier digs on North Merrimon, near Asheville Pizza & Brewing. Much more space (giving it something more of a warehouse look), and dedicated (free) parking, besides. I think this place is great the 5.0 for service is because I’ve had something of a grab-bag experience depending on who’s working on any given day. It seems that almost every time I go in there, there’s somebody different on shift. Some of the staffers are excellent knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, professional. Some, on the other hand, seem to be slightly stoned jokesters. They’ll special-order ingredients for you, and have incredible in-house recipe kits that are very reasonably priced.

Small place in downtown. Ok in-house selection, but it seems they work mostly through orders. Staff seemed helpful, but was helping someone else the whole time I was there. Only really useful to locals, but good place for them.

A little hole-in-the-wall LHBS. You can walk in, but I think most of their business is through catalog and phone orders. Decent selection for such a small operation. Staff very helpful. If they can’t answer a question, they’ll find someone who can and get back to you. I really wish they’d get their website running again.***UPDATE*** The website is back in business, saving me some gas money.