Every weekend, students and locals flock to local bars and liquor stores in search of their favorite refreshments. Unbeknownst to many, there is an alternative for beer and wine enthusiasts who would prefer to avoid the bar scene but don’t want to give up that fresh, frosty mug.

Many locals have taken to “home-brewing” as a fun and refreshing hobby. This hobby offers the experience of experimenting with flavors, or creating a specially-roasted malt you may have difficulty finding in your local store. All the while, these brewers can enjoy their creations in the comfort of their own homes.

Scott and Sheri Prutton of Sycamore are two home-brewing enthusiasts who took their hobby to the next level by opening a store in 2003.

“When we were both laid off at the same time, we decided to go for it and make our hobby a business,” Sheri said.

Thus, Mojo Brew Company, named after their Weimaraner dog, “Mojo,” was born.

What they called a chance business opportunity has since blossomed into an increasingly popular store which provides home-brewing newcomers with anything from beer ingredient kits and brewing equipment to cheap in-store classes and free information based on experience.

“Scott has been brewing for over 14 years now, and he introduced me to it,” Sheri said. “He does all the beer we make, and I handle all the wine.”

Scott studied at Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy and was brewmaster at Flatlanders Restaurant in Lincolnshire. Sheri, an international gold medal-winning wine maker, generally tends to the store’s day-to-day operations. Both pride themselves on always being available to talk to anyone about the basics or simple joys of beer and wine making.

One does not have to be a trained expert to test the skill of home brewing. Jim Davis, a local resident, recently has taken up the hobby without having any previous experience.

“It was difficult at first, but I got a lot of instructions and I’m hoping to get better with practice,” he said while visiting Mojo Brew Company’s store in downtown Sycamore for the second time.

Davis has not taken any courses yet, but is not ruling the option out for the future.

“I never thought I could make brewing a hobby,” he said. “Then a friend told me about [the store] and now I think I may be hooked. It is a lot of fun.”

Pretty much anyone can try his or her hand at homemade beer or wine, as long as they have a working oven, the legal right to consume alcohol and some extra spending cash. The cost also may not be as high as some might expect.

“I think it would be fun to make my own drinks,” said Rachel Bach, a senior communication major. “But I don’t think I could do it because I have a small place and all the equipment is probably expensive.”

On the contrary, a beginner interested in trying out home beer brewing can buy a basic brewing kit from Mojo for under $120.00 that includes a recipe kit, an equipment kit and a 16-quart brewing pot. The only other equipment needed to get started is an oven, thermometer and, of course, some water.

Making your own drinks at home can actually save you money in the long run. For wine makers, one homemade batch makes five gallons, which is 28 bottles, at about $2.75 a bottle to make.

“Wine making is very simple to do,” Sheri said. “Beer is a little more involved.”

As the hobby of home brewing grows, so does Mojo Brew Company. The Pruttons’ also are in the process of opening a winery in Sycamore.

“Our grapes are flown in from all over the world,” Sheri said. “Which makes for a better consistency and quality, since we don’t have to worry about having a bad year or anything … We thought the winery would be open by Christmas but it is going to be a little later now.”

Anyone interested in more store or class information can visit www.mojobrew.com.