Whidbey Island Homebrew Supply — Attraction in Oak Harbor

This store has great prices. They also sell in smaller sizes so it is great for a home brewer that wants to try a variety of recipes and styles without breaking the bank.

They have a decent selection, but there are a lot of things an intermediate brewer might want and they do not have. For example, they have DAP but not goferm, fermaid O or K. They have hand corkers but not floor corkers. They do have everything a new brewer would need (including kits). There is a freezer with packets of yeast. They have staples like safal US-4, 5, WB-6 and the red star wine yeasts (various types). It's definitely enough to find a yeast for the style of brew, but it didn't look like they were trying to stock exotic yeast.

This store seems like almost an after thought. It is in the back of the bar in a quiet, segregated area. I appreciate the owners helping local brewers get started at fair prices. It is a great hobby. I will definitely visit this store BEFORE trying to order anything on Amazon again.

The bar staff was reading a book and seemed to resent the interruption when I paid. ...

I really like these guys (and girl). They are what I expect from my LHBS (Local HomeBrew Store), unlike my experience with Jim's Homebrew in Spokane.

My first time going in I just looked around and they were really friendly.

My second time I showed up with no recipe 20 minutes before closing and said I wanted to make something really bitter and hoppy but was tired of IPAs. We banged out a recipe for a Cascadian Dark right there, even encompassing the hops I already had at home. The beer came out fantastic.

The third time they moved from downtown to their new location by the base. They were busier out there, but still really nice. I brought in my CO2 bottle to exchange. They didn't have that size, but they upgraded my bottle for cheap.

I have been more pleased with this homebrew shop than any of the other 5 I have used, especially when you consider the size of Oak Harbor and their acceptable prices (plus a loyalty program).

My only recommendation, if they read this is to spend the $$ and become a...

This place is never stocked with even basic supplies. Stopped by to pick up an 8 gallon brew bucket and was told they are out and that they've been concentrating on the tap room and not on the store. The employee then suggested I just get supplies online because it's easier! Tried again and stopped by for bottles and they're out! Heard the owner tell the employee they weren't ordering any glassware until the store is rearranged. Always an excuse for why they don't have supplies! Was actually surprised to see they had yeast because they are...