I got my kit from Modern Brewer, and got great service from them (example: stuff was going wrong on my first batch, and I called them up, and they helped me over the phone). In my experience, they really don't push anything you don't need on you.
Remember, sometimes these people aren't sexist, they're just a-holes (feel better). There's one employee over there I avoid, but on the whole, I'd strongly recommend them (not that I know of a local brick-and-mortar alternative).
You have to remember beer brewing is a hobby, so like any other hobby, you'll have people that take it a little too seriously.
If you're looking online, I have a friend that has ordered stuff from www.morebeer.com and liked it. Realistically, whoever you're getting the gift for will be better served by going to Modern Brewer and asking questions than trying to go it alone or reading stuff on the internet.
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Remember, sometimes these people aren't sexist, they're just a-holes (feel better). There's one employee over there I avoid, but on the whole, I'd strongly recommend them (not that I know of a local brick-and-mortar alternative).
You have to remember beer brewing is a hobby, so like any other hobby, you'll have people that take it a little too seriously.
If you're looking online, I have a friend that has ordered stuff from www.morebeer.com and liked it. Realistically, whoever you're getting the gift for will be better served by going to Modern Brewer and asking questions than trying to go it alone or reading stuff on the internet.