USA, VA: The Friendly Fermenter to make it possible for people to brew their own beer in Harrisonburg

Shawn Gatesman is joining the ranks of other breweries in downtown Harrisonburg by opening the Friendly Fermenter. The brewery will allow people the option to brew their own beer, WHSV reported on February 20.

He said the idea formed a few years back when he started brewing for fun. Now, he wants to give others the chance to enjoy the hobby he's turning into a livelihood.

"When I took to brewing so quickly and had such a passion for it, and a decent amount of success as a home brewer, it just kinda fell into place that this is my chance," Gatesman said. "I knew that with the industry the way it was that if I wanted to do it, time was somewhat of the essence."

The Friendly Fermenter is the first of its kind in Harrisonburg, and is on track to open this summer.

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