Bencomo’s Home Brew Supply

The owner was very patient with me in setting me up with my first brew kit and explaining how to make my wart. He listened to the brands of beer we enjoy and put together a recipe that he thought I would like.
He was not rushing me out of the store and took his time in explaining this greek like language in this new world of beer brewing that I thought would be «fun».
In a few weeks, I will find out if all worked out.

So this is the only brew supply store here in Fresno, CA. Beggars can’t be choosers. From some of the other stores I’ve been too, this shop isn’t as bad as other Unilocalers described.
The shop is small and cramped converted from a house. From the looks in the shop, «they» seem to want to sell some high dollar brewing equipment. Big brewing pots, fermentators, conicals, etc.
They did have a small amount of grains (probably more base malts, less speciality grains). Had a lot of DME/​LME. Seemed to be several types. They have a standard fridge of liquid yeasts and hops. I didn’t look at them specifically since I didn’t buy either.
They carried all the normal extras like salts, 5.2 PH, lactose, Irish moss, yeast nutrients, on and on.
Prices for most items seem to be the standard if not a little lower from the prices I’m used to paying in the Phoenix area.
The person who was working the counter was in a conversation with another patron or co-​worker (I’m not sure) and I had no need to bother them. They were polite and did answer the questions I asked. I did purchase a few items.
I needed a new co2 stem $ 4.99 (with a bonus o-​ring) for my keg and when I asked for one, the person behind the counter didn’t understand what I was asking for. Also bought a couple pop top 12oz bottles $ 1.79/ea and a pack of o2 barrier bottle caps $ 4.99÷144 pack.
This place is fine to get the basics of what it need to make beer or wine. Not sure on the neighborhood only because I’m not a local and don’t know if this is a «sketchy» area. I would come back to get items I need for a brew.

Unbelievably worst ever brew supply. Figures this is what the Tower has to offer.
Dirty, unfriendly, no actual knowledge owner.
Came from Bay where we know what is up. This ain’t it man.

I’m not sure why there were some negative reviews other then the chance someone was having an off day. The guy working was super nice and informative. Wasn’t pushy and was more then willing to answer my questions. Everything was priced and was on the med-​higher side (compared to online) but completely understandable for a local shop. If you live in the Fresno area I’d shop here atleast for your hops, grains and yeist.

I’m new to the beer brewing world and didn’t really have a clue what I was getting into. Julian knows what he is talking about. He is patient and very helpful! The showroom is small, but I feel they have everything the beginner to expert would need.
I did a lot of searching online for the best price for kits and supplies and I would still buy locally.

The guys working here are good at homebrewing and give sound advice BUT, the place looks liked crap. They have a space issue and need to find a bigger store front. Location is crappy too since it’s out in tower district. They do basically carry all the homebrewing good you would expect, which is good.
But they can definitely do more to expand their business.

I went in for a vinegar mother and they were out of stock. Since I live out of town they offered to ship it to me. Very friendly and will shop here again.

I read these reviews and thought it would be a terrible experience at this shop. I was extremely wrong. I have gone three times now and on my most recent visit I purchased grain, which he milled for me, yeast, DME and some other supplies. I had bought a case of bottles there and one of them was cracked, he took my word that I didn’t break it and swapped it out for me. We also chatted for awhile and he gave me some tips because I am just a beginner. There is a cat, but I don’t understand why everyone said this was so negative. It is very friendly and cats are very clean. It’s not like the cat is using the grain for a litter box. The only reason i almost have it 4 stars is that it is a little pricey, but it makes sense because he is a small business owner and not a corporation, naturally it’s going to be more pricey, and I am totally ok with that because I enjoy supporting small businesses. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to chatting with the gentlemen who helped me get what I needed and shared some recipes and tips with me. So check it out!

While I normally buy online, every once in a while my work sends me to Fresno so I stopped in here to check it out. I was not impressed at all. The ‘help’ was no help, the place was terribly cluttered, and most of the stuff wasn’t priced. I probably won’t go by here even when I am in town again. Online or Whole Hog in Bakersfield are much better choices.

The guy was super cool, and was very helpful as well as knowledgeable of his business. I will definitely be visiting the place again.

Being the only shop in town, Bencomo’s certainly suffices, as they carry most of the ingredients home beer and wine makers really need. That said, I think there are a number of things working against this place, the primary one being location. While the Tower District is a fun, hip place to hang out, it seems rather out of the way for me and the many homebrewers I hang out with; a more centrally located shop would be ideal. Another issue I have with Bencomo’s is their seemingly flippant customer service policy– «the customer is always right» concept certainly does not apply here, and when the customer is wrong, or at least presumed to be wrong, the customer will be told so. Some of my favorite shops are those that offer yeast from both White Labs and Wyeast, have a clean and spacious shopping area, offer computers with brewing software for customers to mess around with recipe design, and have a few taps flowing with locally homemade beer (for free). Not only are these relatively inexpensive changes, but I would put money on the fact it would increase both customer satisfaction and overall sales. I like the guys who run this shop, but most of the brewers I know who live in town hate the place, generally purchasing from online shops or even waiting for out-​of-​town trips to purchase their ingredients and equipment. The opportunity for a great shop is certainly there, Bencomo’s just has to run with it.

This place is sadly the only game in town when it comes to homebrew supplies, and I always hate coming in here to buy anything. The prices aren’t that great, the customer service leaves a lot to be desired, and the place is dirty inside. On the few times I have actually come in here there has been a cat wondering around inside the store, you know in the store that has grains and other items that at some point you will be consuming.
The owner is kind of rude, the last time I was in there he was on the phone shooting the breeze with a friend the entire time he rang me up, which makes it kind of hard to ask questions. One time I went in to buy some supplies for a batch of beer and after telling him what I wanted to make, he picked out the stuff and wrote a «recipe» on a scrap of paper and handed it to me. And by recipe I mean the barest amount of information you could possibly have to make a batch of beer with.
I certainly don’t feel very welcome when I come in here, and in all reality I doubt I will be coming back. There is better selection and pricing available on the internet. I have even had nicer conversations with customer service reps via email than I have had with the owner of this place, its just kind of sad. I hear this guy really likes beer and is active in the homebrew scene, but he just seems like he couldn’t possibly care less when it comes to customers.

Not too sure about the guys review that uses the word price «gouging». So far (2 times) all three gentlemen have been helpful with tips/​recommendations. They even went so far as to write down the basic process for Ale in recipe form. You can tell them what sort of flavor you want (ie: «I want to make a „Blue Moon“ sort of honey orange hefeweizen») & they know which malts to use in which proportions in general. Prices are equal to that of online without the shipping costs & as the 1 guy said «Plus we’re cute & you can’t get that online”— LADIES DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY MAKING YOUR OWN BATCH, HELPFUL GUYS HERE AT THIS PLACE! Only drawback is the hours of operation are slightly limiting. TRY THEM OUT!
P. S. After picking up your brewers yeast here, if it is going to be in the car for a while (like if you are doing other things or live a ways out) bring an ice pack!

Sometimes friendly, sometimes not.
One day the price is $ 10.00 (reasonable price for the item), they discourage me from making the purchase. I go back to buy it a few days later, and now the price is $ 15.99 (absolutely unreasonable and stinks of gouging).
I’m done with this place.