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Bitter & Esters

Bitter & Esters is a do-it-yourself brewery and homebrew supply shop in New York City founded by Douglas Amport and John La Polla. They offer classes, various resources, and a friendly space for the growing homebrew community share tips and teach various techniques.

Bitter & Esters

Upcoming Classes at Bitter & Esters

  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Unlock the secrets of home brewing in a friendly and informative environment at Bitter & Esters. Our hands-on intro classes provide the confidence, knowledge, and experience needed to become a skilled home brewer. Join us for a fantastic brewing experience and develop a deeper understanding of beer.

    Next start date: Saturday, Mar 23rd, 12–2:30pm Eastern Time
    Price: $65
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  • Recipe Design: Theory & Practice

    Master the art of beer recipe design and take control of your brewing process with this comprehensive class. From dreaming up delicious flavors to using online tools, you'll learn the fundamentals of crafting the perfect brew. Elevate your brewing skills and create the beer you've always imagined.

    Next start date: Saturday, May 18th, 12–2:30pm Eastern Time
    Price: $75
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  • Brewshop 501: All-Grain Brewing

    Take your home brewing skills to the next level with Bitter & Esters' advanced class on all-grain brewing. Dive deep into the mashing process, water chemistry, and troubleshooting techniques, and learn how to avoid a stuck lauter. Join us for an immersive experience in the world of all-grain brewing.

    Next start date: Saturday, Jul 20th, 12–2:30pm Eastern Time
    Price: $75
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700 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Bitter & Esters
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
700 Washington Ave
Btwn St Marks Ave & Prospect PI
Brooklyn, New York 11238

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Description

Douglas Amport and John La Polla founded Bitter & Esters, the city’s first do-it-yourself brewery and homebrew supply shop, motivated by their knowledge and passion for brewing as equal parts art and science. Fueled by the desire to inspire, educate, and nurture the growing homebrew community in a friendly space, they conceived Bitter & Esters as a brew on premises location, complete with classes, and access to resources, as well as a supply store and creative hub for sharing brew tips and techniques.

Bitter & Esters fosters a deep commitment to the craft of brewing, as well as the creative spirit that comes with it. Anyone can learn how, so stop by! See what you can brew.

Accessibility: Bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible.


Reviews of Bitter & Esters

(4.7-star rating across 227 reviews)
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Tony M. on 2/11/2024
    Really good starter course. Looking forward to getting started on my new hobby
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Tsao M. on 11/19/2023
    I really enjoyed learning about the different bitter scales and the process of beer making. Max the instructor kept the participants engaged with historical facts on beer and there was some hands on participation. There is much more to learn, though this is a great beginner class to make a first brew.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Camlyn W. on 2/28/2023
    They are very patient and making sure you got it .
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Anonymous review on 1/29/2023
    Very knowledgeable instructor, who had a good presentation and helped answer many "extra curricular" questions (around the malting process, mead vs. beer, etc.). Nice store as well, so if you're sold on brewing beer yourself you can stock up on your way out. No pressure at all to make sales, though - just very authentic enthusiasm.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Anonymous review on 9/25/2022
    The class was both pratical and informative. I learned a lot about the basics of home brewing beer and the instructor was definitely passionate and knowledgable about the subject. We got to taste a pint each of 2 different beers (An IPA and Saison) made in previously classes, and they tasted great. Make sure you have something in your stomach beforehand if you are a lightweight! This would be a great class to bring a date or partner to.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Anna A. on 9/15/2022
    I bought this class as a gift for my husband, who is a huge beer lover, but had an unbelievably great time myself too. Lots of new knowledge, very positive vibe in a room, wonderful experience, and lots of beer to taste. We didn’t end up buying supplies and doing it at home, but it was a very enjoyable weekend activity which we were suggesting to friends afterward.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Steven P. on 9/15/2022
    The course was super interesting and the instructor was great. We made our own brew and even tasted the previous class (brew) beer. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am interested in home brew.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Genesis M. on 4/10/2022
    Just as funny as it was knowledgeable! We definitely enjoyed ourselves
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Gregory W. on 3/19/2022
    The class was great, the teachers were very informative and willing to answer questions even after the class was over. They even invited us to come back in a few weeks to try the beer and gave us their card to ask questions at any time. I will be going back to stock up on brewing supplies.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Nicholas B. on 3/5/2022
    Educational, hands on, learned a lot abs drank beers. 5 stars is too low!
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Tim D. on 1/15/2022
    Really enjoyed the class and learned a load. Time went by really quickly.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by max f. on 1/15/2021
    Awesome. Teacher clearly loved the subject and took a lot of care with instruction. Thanks again (=
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Anonymous review on 1/11/2021
    Very well presented and thoughtful. The expertise of the brewmaster was contagious! Hope to be starting a new craft soon.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Jesse S. on 12/4/2019
    Great class! Very informative and interactive. Well instructed and enjoyable, hands-on learning experience.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by MARIA DEL MAR R. on 11/24/2019
    Funny and good teacher
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Anonymous review on 11/23/2019
    I thought it was generally great, but honestly a little too fast. The teacher assumed we knew things we didn't even though he asked if anyone had brewed beer before. He was very knowledgeable, but sometimes he would do things and have his back to the class and we had no idea what he was doing.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Maggie B. on 11/18/2019
    Really fun class that taught you the basics of home brewing. I wish it had been a little more hands on but that it pretty difficult to facilitate. Would love to take more classes!
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Reviewed by Gildardo O. on 9/16/2019
    For a beginner, it was awesome, I had lessons in college, but these were just lessons, and I did not learn much from then... Now I understand, can't wait to go to my next class.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Anonymous review on 9/15/2019
    Was informative, however not as hands on as I wanted it to be. Thought each person in the class would be able to do the brewing process. The instructor was the only person that made the beer and called up about 6 people to help him.
  • Brewshop 101: Home Brewing Essentials

    Anonymous review on 8/12/2019
    Zack was a great teacher. The class was interesting and fun. Thanks!
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

Students who have taken classes at Bitter & Esters have praised the instructors for their patience, knowledge, and enthusiasm. They find the classes to be both practical and informative, providing them with a strong foundation in home brewing. Many students mentioned that they were able to taste different beers made in previous classes, which they enjoyed. Additionally, students appreciate the opportunity for hands-on learning and the interactive nature of the classes. Overall, students describe the classes as engaging, enjoyable, and informative, with instructors who are passionate and knowledgeable about brewing beer. Direct quotes: - "The class was both practical and informative. I learned a lot about the basics of home brewing beer and the instructor was definitely passionate and knowledgeable about the subject." - "I thought it was generally great. He was very knowledgeable" - "If you have some experience or no experience at all (like us) and are looking for guidance, this should be your 1st stop. A thousand thumbs up."

Teachers at Bitter & Esters

  • Charlie Papazian
  • Cheryl Passwater
  • Colleen Davy
  • Mary Izett
  • Michael LaPlante
  • SINGER-BERKOWITZ, MICHELE
  • Tamara Connolly

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