I'm a beer nerd, I make my own beer (not as regularly as I should) and log and rate every beer I drink over at www.untappd.com so Alternative Beverage is pretty Utopian to me. Everything you can possibly need to make beer ,wine and spirits is here. Granted, it's a little out of the way but if it was convenient and easy then it wouldn't make it a special hobby, now would it?
I've heard some people complaint about some of the owners but they've been nothing but great to me and my accomplices. This year I spent quite a few Saturdays there brewing, racking and kegging/bottling getting ready for Charlotte's Oktoberfest. All the while sharing some delicious home made beer and spirits with everyone.
The store is a massive warehouse that used to be an old textile factory of some sort. The loading docks actually still has a sign that says Textile Receiving and which someone has cleverly scratched out the word Textile and replaced it with Beer.
The staff is very helpful and can answer any question and make great suggestions. They keep everything from fresh malted grain and hops to specialized tubing. On Saturdays you can go brew for free using one of their kits and you get to keep half of the batch you make. Also, on that day, you are technically an employee and receive the 20% employee discount on their merchandise.
If you plan to brew beer, make wine or liquor start here. You will not be disappointed.