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NEWS

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

13

Fun is brewing at North Shore firm

As craft breweries appear in the city and
suburbs alike, some may be surprised that
many of these businessmen started out in
kitchens as home brewers.
This whole movement thats happening -its this beer culture thats kind of just sweeping the nation, said North Shore Brewing
Supply Owner and long-time home brewer
Michael Buss. You kind of develop an appreciation for the beer that youre tasting at a
craft brewery and start thinking, Could I
do this?
Tucked away between the business suites of
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Shore Brewing Supply offers brewing ingredients, equipment and cleaning supplies; customers may also opt to take one of Busss
home-brewing classes which range from the
basics of home brewing to more complicated
techniques of using all-grains.
I think the best part is that it caters to
anyone from the beginner who just drinks
beer on occasion and is interested in it to
people who are experts, employee Alex Hirsh
said. Its just a really good opportunity for
anybody who enjoys beer or who maybe
wants to learn about wine-making or cider.
Buss himself is partial to Scotch Ale, often
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Supplys induction system was aptly named Wee
Open. Buss also brews recipes that include dandelions greens, pumpkin, and peppers.
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Buss also hopes to remove any elements of
intimidation for those new to home brewing.

Were going to try to take anybody by the

hand and lead them through this process,
because its really just a fun hobby and what
you make of it, Buss said.
At $50 per class (except for the Cider0DNLQJ&ODVVDWWKHFODVVHVFDQODVW
from two to four hours. Included in the cost
of the initial class is the option of coming
back after one to two weeks for racking
moving the beer from its primary to secondary fermenter. Finally, after another two
weeks, customers have the option to learn the
bottling process or simply pick up their own
homemade six-pack of craft beer, including a
personalized label.
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17 years ago. After a few batches, Buss
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efforts at a local homebrew supply store were
not exactly fruitful.
I was walking around, struggling with my
list, and I just felt overwhelmed and a little
bit embarrassed. I didnt really get any kind
of attention or people saying Let me help
you or What do you need? Buss recalled. I
ended up leaving, and I didnt buy anything,
and I didnt make that batch of beer thats
exactly the kind of thing that I want to make
sure never ever happens here.
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September, North Shore Brewing Supplys
grand opening took place to coincide with
the American Homebrewers Associations
National Learn to Homebrew Day on Nov. 2.
More information about North Shore
Brewing Supply can be found at northshorebrewingsupply.com or at facebook.com/
NorthShoreBrewingSupply.

Michael Buss