Let's Do the Mash: Learn to Homebrew Day November 5

You may have seen them, usually in a garage. They're the ones gathered around kettles, coolers, hoses and grains. They talk about things like malt, mash, sparging, wort, boiling, hops, pitching and gravity. They'll also mention "beer" a few times, too. They're part of thousands across the country who do it for fun, passion, and maybe one day for a profit. They're homebrewers!  If you've ever thought of brewing your own beer, now is the time! Saturday, November 5 marks the Annual Learn to Homebrew Day, a program presented by the American Homebrewers Association to encourage those interested in brewing beer to actually give it a try with fellow beer-lovers. 

"Learn to Homebrew Day" ("LTHD") began in 1999 to promote homebrewing education in the U.S. And, if you love beer, you're not alone. “It’s never been a better time to be a homebrewer. And for anyone who loves beer and has never tried homebrewing before, it’s really easy to get started,” according to Gary Glass, director of the American Homebrewers Association. “We’re excited to see thousands of people around the world participating in AHA Learn to Homebrew Day, taking part in the most gratifying, delicious activity of all time.” 

In 2015, over 5900 LTHD participants at 360 registered sites in 47 states and 10 countries

brewed up over 930 batches of beer, resulting in over 6200 gallons of the fermented beverage.  LTHD is a way for the beer geek and novice brewer alike to experience brewing demonstrations, tastings and educational activities -- and what's more fun than beer?  Talk about the fruits of your labor!

Most commercial brewers begin their professional beer journeys through homebrewing. However, homebrewing itself is big business. According to the AHA, in 2015, homebrewing had an estimated economic impact of $1.225 billion and created 11,672 jobs in the U.S. An AHA survey (2015) found that 41% of regular beer drinkers who don't homebrew have a deep interest in giving it a try. No matter what style of beer you might favor, it would be gratifying to brew it up yourself!

Organized and registered LTHD events (they're free) are scheduled across Florida on November 5, including two in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas. First, leading up to LTHD, join Ken Stevens of Jacksonville's Just Brew It  on Wednesday, November 2, from 6-7pm, for an informational hour about homebrewing tips and techniques at the Jacksonville Library main branch,303 N. Laura St. 

On Saturday, take part in a homebrewing demo in Jacksonville at Just Brew It on Rosselle St. (next to Bold City Brewery) between 10am-1pm, as Just Brew It staff and local homebrew club CASK (Cowford Ale Sharing Klub) brew some beer and show you how it's done. Just Brew It is a full-service homebrewing supply shop that has everything you need to brew at home. And, hey, you can stop by Bold City Brewery, too, as long as you're there.

If you're in the St. Augustine area, head over to St. Augustine Beer Brewing Solutions, 215 W. King St., between 11am-5pm for instruction on homebrewing. The fun and hands-on event also features food. St. Augustine Brewing Solutions offers a full line of homebrewing and winemaking supplies and equipment. And, what do you know, Bog Brewing Company is right across the street!

LTHD is a fun way to get to know first-hand, up close and personal, how to brew your own beer. So, experience the aroma of brew day for yourself! Who knows, you could be on your way to starting the next up-and-coming brewery, or at least you'll be the envy of all your friends as that cool homebrewer.

If you're interested in homebrewing, you can join the American Homebrewers Association, right from the sidebar on this website (Look to your right). There is a discount program, a magazine, and early ticket purchase for Great American Beer Festival. Check it out!

Hey, there's always something beer-related going on. Take a look at the BeerSPHERE Events page for beerfests, anniversaries, and special events happening around Florida.  If you're in the Jax area, scroll through the TAP THIS calendar for daily tappings and beer features around town. 

See you at a beer event somewhere in Florida .... Til next time,

Cheers,

Linda

Linda Johnson, Certified Cicerone®

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