Ordering & Shipping

What are your delivery options?

We offer UK mainland delivery from £3.95, with free shipping on orders over £85. We also ship to EU and international destinations. For full details, see our Delivery Information page.

Can I collect my order from your Plymouth shop?

Yes! Local pickup is available during our shop opening times. Select "Store Collection" at checkout and we'll email you once your order ready.

Do you offer same-day delivery?

We don't offer same-day delivery, but orders placed before 12pm are typically dispatched the same working day for next-day delivery to most UK mainland addresses. We work in order placement time and will try our best to get your order out quickly.

Can I change or cancel my order?

If you need to change or cancel your order, contact us as soon as possible. If we haven't dispatched it yet, we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship to EU and international destinations. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location. Please note that customs duties and taxes may apply for orders outside the UK.

Returns & Refunds

What is your returns policy?

We accept returns within 14 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging. For full details, see our Returns & Refunds Policy.

Can I return ingredients or liquids?

Due to food safety regulations, we cannot accept returns on opened ingredients, yeasts, or liquids. Unopened items in original packaging can be returned within 14 days.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Please contact us immediately with photos of the damage. We'll arrange a replacement or refund as quickly as possible.

Getting Started

I'm new to homebrewing—where do I start?

We recommend starting with a beer kit, wine kit, or cider kit depending on what you'd like to make. Our shop staff can guide you through equipment essentials and ingredient selection. Visit us in Plymouth or give us a call for personalized advice.

What's the difference between kits, extract, and all-grain brewing?

Kits are the simplest—just sterilize, add the concentrate, sugar if needed, and water. Extract brewing (beer) uses pre-made malt extract and gives you more control over hops and flavour. All-grain brewing uses raw malted grains for maximum control but requires more equipment and time.

How long does it take to make beer, wine, or cider at home?

Preparation time varies: kits take under an hour, extract brews 3-5 hours, all-grain 5-7 hours. Fermentation and conditioning times depend on what you're making—beer typically takes 4-6 weeks start to finish, wine 2-6 months, and cider 4-8 weeks.

Do I need special equipment to start?

For kits, you'll need a fermenter, airlock, siphon, and bottles with caps or corks. For extract or all-grain brewing, you'll also need a large pot, thermometer, and hydrometer. We stock starter kits and individual equipment for beer, wine, and cider making.

What's the ideal fermentation temperature?

Most ale yeasts ferment best between 18-22°C, lager yeasts 10-15°C, wine yeasts 18-24°C, and cider yeasts 15-20°C. Consistent temperature is more important than hitting an exact number.

Ingredients

How should I store hops, yeast, and other ingredients?

Store hops in the freezer in airtight packaging. Liquid yeast should be refrigerated and used before the best-before date. Dry yeast can be stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated. Keep grains and malt extract in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can I substitute one ingredient for another?

Yes, but it will affect the flavour and character of your brew. Our staff can suggest suitable substitutes for hops, malts, grape varieties, or apple juice concentrates based on your recipe and desired outcome.

Do you sell organic or gluten-free ingredients?

We stock a range of organic malts, hops, and other ingredients. For gluten-free brewing, we offer sorghum extract and gluten-free grains. Contact us for current availability.

How much yeast do I need?

For a standard 5-gallon (23-litre) batch, one packet of dry yeast or one vial/smack-pack of liquid yeast is usually sufficient for most ales, wines, and ciders. Lagers and high-gravity beers may require a larger pitch or a yeast starter.

What's the difference between wine yeast and beer yeast?

Wine yeast is bred to tolerate higher alcohol levels and ferment fruit sugars cleanly. Beer yeast produces flavour compounds that complement malt and hops. Cider yeast is similar to wine yeast but selected for apple and pear flavours. Always use the yeast type suited to what you're making.

Equipment

What size fermenter do I need?

For a standard 5-gallon (23-litre) batch, use a 6-7 gallon (25-30 litre) fermenter to allow headspace for foam during active fermentation.

Can I use the same equipment for beer, wine, and cider?

Yes, most fermentation equipment works for all three. Just make sure to clean and sanitise thoroughly between batches to avoid cross-contamination of flavours.

Do I need a wort chiller or other specialised equipment?

A wort chiller speeds up cooling after the boil for beer, reducing infection risk and improving clarity. It's not essential for beginners, but it's a worthwhile upgrade. Wine and cider making generally require less specialised equipment than all-grain brewing.

Can I use my kitchen equipment?

Yes, you can use large pots, spoons, and thermometers from your kitchen. Just make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before use.

What's the difference between bottles and kegs?

Bottles are cheaper to start with and easier to share or store long-term. Kegs are more convenient for serving, eliminate bottling labour, and allow for force carbonation. We stock both systems and can advise on what suits your setup.

Account & Payment

Do I need an account to place an order?

No, you can check out as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track orders, save addresses, and view your order history.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Shop Pay for secure online payments.

Is my payment information secure?

Yes. All payments are processed securely through Shopify's encrypted payment gateway. We do not store your card details.

Still have questions?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us or visit our shop in Plymouth. We're here to help!