If you know what carboys, hydrometers, and wort chillers are, you've likely already spent plenty of your paycheck at Culver City Home Brew Shop. If those don't ring a bell, consider enrolling in one of the home brewing retail supplier's introductory classes. You'll likely leave with basic knowledge of the hops shortage, understand why you shouldn't share fermenters with friends, and perhaps even appreciate of the finer points of Munich malt extract.

And just think, soon you too can make up silly names for your pilsners and ales to give those San Diego brewers a little competition in next year's international Pun-Off.

Culver City Home Brew Shop: 4358 1/2 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, (310) 397 – 3453. The beginning Home Brew Class is held the first Thursday and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., $5. Reservation required. Upcoming classes: Thursday, September 3 and Tuesday, September 15.

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