Learn to Homebrew Day could usher in craft beer’s next generation

Craft Brewing Business is focused squarely on the professional craft brewer, but it should come as no surprise that many (we’re guessing a vast majority) of craft brewers big and small come from the homebrewing hobby. So when the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) celebrates the 14th annual Learn To Homebrew Day on Nov. 2 that means the next crop of successful craft brewers could be just now finding their brewing passion.

“Learn to Homebrew Day shows people that homebrewing is an easy and fun hobby that anyone can pick up and enjoy,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “The homebrewing community has added many new enthusiasts over the past decade — some of whom found their passion for making their own brews at a Learn to Homebrew Day event.”

The annual global event provides the opportunity for people to learn how to brew or teach others how to make beer. For beer enthusiasts looking to break into the hobby, participating in Learn to Homebrew Day is as simple as finding a local event on the AHA website. There are more than 80 events taking place at homebrew shops, breweries and garages across the nation. Many local homebrew clubs, breweries and shops will have demonstrations and classes for beginners. Individuals can also organize an event, register it online, invite friends and brew at home.

Homebrewing is a growing hobby, with the AHA seeing membership grow from about 8,400 members in 2000 to more than 40,000 members today. It’s estimated that more than 1 million people brew their own beers and wine at home. Homebrewing is now legal in all 50 states, after Mississippi and Alabama passed laws permitting it earlier this year, meaning Americans across the country can participate in homebrewing activities.

The AHA also offers a variety of tools to help start out novice homebrewers, including the following:

• Get Schooled –Introductory information for beginners as well as knowledge for homebrewers wanting to move on to intermediate and advanced procedures.
• Learn to Homebrew Video – This nine-part series of short videos walks you through homebrewing lessons that detail the entire brewing process.
• Beer Recipe Blog – Find recipes for a variety of beer styles, or use the Homebrewopedia.
• AHA Forum – An online community dedicated to all things homebrew, connecting users with other homebrewers for help and advice with all brewing questions.