Northeast Arkansas Brewer’s Supply is Jonesboro’s central hub for local brewers, providing not only the necessary supplies and equipment for homebrewing, but also offering community events and educational opportunities for those interested in learning more about the hobby.     

Owner Patty Wilson says the business evolved as she realized the need for a more specialized store.

“NEA Brewer’s Supply was born from a simple realization: the local community in and around Jonesboro needed a reliable source for brewing supplies,” said Wilson. “It all began when we opened Kountry Kupboard in 2006. Initially, the store catered to general kitchen and specialty goods, but over time, customers began requesting specific brewing ingredients and equipment – items that were hard to come by locally.

“As demand grew, we recognized that homebrewing was becoming increasingly popular, but access to the necessary ingredients and supplies was limited to online purchases or stores located in neighboring states. Seeing this gap, we made the decision to expand our offerings to include a full range of brewing essentials, from grains and hops to fermentation equipment. This small but passionate community of brewers now had a local vendor to support their hobby and passion, leading to the founding of NEA Brewer’s Supply.”

Occasions recently visited with Wilson to learn more about the store and the products it offers.

What supplies and equipment does NEA Brewer’s Supply offer?

NEA Brewer’s Supply offers a comprehensive range of supplies and equipment to help you craft a wide variety of adult beverages, from beer and wine to cider, mead and even spirits. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced brewer, we provide everything you need to take your beverage from raw ingredients to the finished product. Our inventory includes essential brewing ingredients like malted grains, hops, yeast and brewing additives, as well as fruit concentrates and sugars for winemaking and cider production. In addition, we stock an array of equipment to suit all stages of the brewing process – fermentation vessels, airlocks, hydrometers, thermometers, bottles, caps, corks and cappers. For those making spirits or more specialized drinks, we offer distillation equipment and flavoring options. From brewing kits designed for first-timers to advanced gear for the seasoned hobbyist, NEA Brewer’s Supply is your one-stop shop for crafting any adult beverage – from start to finish. Let us help you bring your brewing dreams to life.

What events do you host/offer?

At NEA Brewer’s Supply, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community around the craft of homebrewing. That’s why in the past we’ve offered a variety of events and educational opportunities designed to inspire and equip both novice and experienced brewers. During these events we would host hands-on classes on beer, wine and cider making. These classes typically cover the entire brewing process, from selecting the right ingredients to fermentation techniques and bottling, ensuring that participants leave with the skills and confidence to brew their own beverages at home.

     In addition to our classes, we’ve offered seasonal workshops and tasting events, where customers can learn more about specific brewing styles, trends or techniques. Whether a person was interested in perfecting their first batch of craft beer or exploring the art of winemaking, our educational opportunities have been designed to help a person grow as a brewer while connecting with others in the community.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in beginning to brew?

Brewing is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that anyone can dive into, and my biggest piece of advice is to remember to have fun with it. The process may seem a little overwhelming at first, but it’s actually much easier than it looks. Start simple – maybe with a basic beer, wine or cider kit – and don’t worry about trying to get everything perfect on your first try. The great thing about brewing is that it’s as much about the journey as it is about the final product. As you learn the steps and experiment with ingredients, you’ll discover what works best for you, and that’s where the real enjoyment comes in. Embrace the creativity of brewing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how every great brewer starts. And remember, the brewing community is incredibly supportive, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek advice or join a local brewing class or group. Before you know it, you’ll be crafting beverages you’re proud to share with friends and family. Keep it light, have fun and enjoy the process.

What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of owning the store?

The most rewarding part of running NEA Brewer’s Supply has undoubtedly been being a part of our community’s growth. It’s incredible to see how the local brewing community has evolved, and knowing that we’ve played a role in helping people discover and enjoy this craft is truly fulfilling. Watching our customers grow from beginners to skilled brewers and seeing them connect with others through this shared passion is what makes everything worthwhile.

With that said, no business is without its challenges, and we’ve had to learn some valuable lessons along the way. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was a sudden, unplanned move of our store, which required us to adapt quickly and make adjustments on the fly. Like many businesses, we’ve also had to navigate the constant balancing act of supply and demand – ensuring we have the right products in stock while managing the fluctuations in customer needs and availability of materials. These challenges have tested us, but they’ve also made us stronger and more resilient as a business. In the end, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties, and we remain committed to serving our community of brewers.

What are your plans for the future of the business?

Looking ahead, we’re eager to see NEA Brewer’s Supply grow beyond just a family operation. We believe the business has the potential to expand its impact within the community and beyond. While we’ve loved every step of building and running this venture, we see tremendous opportunity for someone else to take the reins and elevate it even further. This would be an ideal opportunity for a local taproom, meadery or brewery looking to enhance their existing business by adding a retail supply component. With the established customer base and the growing interest in homebrewing, NEA Brewer’s Supply could seamlessly complement an existing beverage-focused business, allowing them to diversify their offerings and tap into the thriving craft community. Ultimately, our goal is to see the business continue to grow and thrive, benefiting both the brewing community and whoever steps in to lead the next chapter. We’re excited for the possibilities and the future of NEA Brewer’s Supply.

NEA Brewer’s Supply is located at 517 Southwest Drive in Jonesboro. They are open Wednesday through Friday from
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more, call (870) 926-9241, or visit their Facebook page.