North Cambridge's homebrew haven

By Daniel Sullivan

Though the Modern Homebrew Emporium’s primary objective is to supply its patrons with homebrew equipment and ingredients, the subtle shop on Massachusetts Avene doubles as a social hangout for local brew enthusiasts.

It is a place where novices and seasoned brewers alike can sample each others concoctions, share secrets and hone their craft under the watchful eye of six knowledge part-time employees, all experienced hobbyists themselves.

“You really get to know these guys on a first-name basis,” said Bradrick J. Pretzer, the store’s manager.

Pretzer said when he is not working at the store, he is a commercial travel photographer, who has snapped pictures in Africa, Europe and Latin America. His photographs are available at his Web site: bradpretzer.com.

“They bring in samples of what they’ve made whether it’s good or bad. You give them some advice, some ideas, and they’ll bring back the results,” he said.

“They’ll come in and they’ll have a beer while their getting their grains. Some bring their dogs, some bring their kids. It really is a good group of people,” he said.

Contrary to popular belief, it does not take long to learn the trade, said Pretzer.