The first time I walked into Windsor Homebrew Supply Co., I didn’t know the difference between a hop and a hopper. I mean, I love a tasty craft beer as much as the next Costa Mesan, but I had no idea how it was made.
My husband, however, had recently taken an interest in brewing at home. He had been talking about it forever, and I wanted to give him a gift that showed I’d been listening.
A friend told me about the greatest little homebrew shop right here in Costa Mesa, just off Randolph Street. “The owner is so friendly,” she said.
Sure enough, I stepped into Windsor and my lack of hoppy knowledge was all but forgotten.
Among the aisles filled with carboys and glass jugs, copper tubing, and the cooler full of hops and yeast, I felt a little lost at first. But then I met Scott Windsor, the owner.
Scott Windsor, Owner of Windsor Homebrew Supply Co. in Costa Mesa, California
Photos: Samantha Chagollan
Windsor wants you to feel at home in his store, even if you don’t know a thing about beer. His whole business philosophy revolves around making everyone feel welcome.
In fact, he kind of prides himself on it. “I just enjoy helping people make better beer,” he says. He loves to answer questions about best practices, ingredient dilemmas, and even just how to get started.
That’s why Windsor offers a Basic Beginner Beer Class, where students can actually see the process of how beer is made in person—what ingredients and equipment are involved—and how much time it takes to brew your own beer.
Even if you don’t necessarily want to home-brew, but are curious about the history of beer and how it’s made, you’ll enjoy the class. Scott says a lot of couples attend, just for a fun activity to do together.
Windsor also holds wine-making classes, and carries supplies for wine makers. Each kit makes about 30 bottles of homemade wine—perfect for gifts and your own personal wine cellar.
Everything a Homebrewer Needs at Windsor Homebrew Supply Co. in Costa Mesa, California.
Photos: Samantha Chagollan
Scott’s been brewing beer for more than 10 years. “I still enjoy it,” he says with a grin. “I can’t say that about too many things in life.” Before he fell in love with brewing, Scott was a touring musician and studied music business in Nashville, Tennessee.
He co-owned a home brew shop in the Midwest, where he’s from. But then about four years ago, he and his wife Megan decided to move back to southern California and wanted to open a shop here in Costa Mesa.
“Costa Mesa is this great little pocket in Orange County with a young, independent spirit I enjoy.” He’s thankful that Costa Mesans have supported his small business from the start, and he loves his location.
“Barley Forge was just opening up when I was looking here. I saw their vision and thought it was great,” says Scott. “I could just see it going in the right direction where I would want to be.”
That is more true now than ever, as this SoBeCa area becomes a sort of Craft Beer Row, with Barley Forge, Gunwhale Ales and two new breweries on the way: Bootlegger’s Brewery connected to The LAB and Salty Bear Brewing connected to The CAMP.
And those local hop spots aren’t the only ones collaborating with Windsor; he’s also tight with Thunderking Brewing. Thunderking uses Windsor’s draught equipment for their cold brews at their coffee bar pop-up at SOCIAL and Windsor carries some of their coffee on tap in the store too.
Brick & Mortar Homebrew: It’s People First (No Online Shop) for Windsor Homebrew Supply Co.
Photos: Samantha Chagollan
Nowadays, a home brew shop like Windsor is rare indeed. True, many home brewers just buy their stuff online. But Windsor has made it a point not to add online sales onto his plate. “I don’t sell anything online. So I can focus on real people that walk in the door.”
And it’s working. Home brewers from all around come to Windsor to get their grain and other supplies, and to pick Scott’s brain and just talk beer.
He’s also a part of the OC Mashups group, which meets every first Monday just across the street at Barley Forge. Members bring the beers they’ve brewed for feedback and tips, and share war stories about brewing. New members are welcome, and it’s all about sharing information and supporting each other.
“Most people who brew beer are pretty passionate about it. They get excited and want to share what they’ve made with other people and talk about it with other people who care about brewing.”
At the front of the shop, the Bottle Emporium is Scott’s newest addition to the space. Featuring an impressive selection of beer he has personally chosen to carry, it’s a bit of the best of the best.
Locally brewed varieties that catch Scott’s eye and special imports from European distributors are featured side by side, with everything from pilsners and lagers to IPAs and märzens ready to grab and go.
Photo: Samantha Chagollan
So what if you’ve caught the brewing bug and want to try making up your own batch of IPA or lager? Easy. Beginner classes happen about once a month, and you can sign up online ahead of time to secure your spot. When you decide you’re ready to brew your first batch at home, it’s about $150-200 investment for the supplies and equipment you need to get going.
And if you’re not sure what to get for that IPA-lover in your life, you can’t go wrong with a Windsor gift certificate. (I can tell you from personal experience, their eyes LIGHT up when that envelope gets opened.) Plus they’ve got great looking Windsor shirts and beer glasses for sale too.
After our chat, I grab a 4-pack of Fun Fact IPA brewed by Chapman Crafted Beer in Orange, at Scott’s suggestion. “This one is super fresh,” he almost whispers to me conspiratorially at the cooler door.
Cheers to that. It’s coming home with me. And I’m coming back later for that wine making kit too. ♥
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You can find Windsor Home Brewing Supply at 743 Baker Street, Suite D in Costa Mesa. Events and classes are listed online at windsorhomebrewsupply.com and you can follow the latest additions to the Bottle Emporium on Instagram and Twitter.
