So, your club wants to host a Learn to Homebrew Day event…
Jason Wing shares how his club–SODZ–celebrates Learn to Homebrew Day each year, and offers some tips so you can, too. Join the 2022 Learn to Homebrew Day celebration on November 5th!
Not everyone knows there’s an annual Learn to Homebrew Day celebration, but we can change that!
The American Homebrewing Association encourages not-yet-homebrewers to try out the hobby by promoting Learn To Homebrew Day on the first Saturday of November. This is a chance for homebrewers and homebrew clubs to reach out to those who may have an interest in making beer at home and provide them with a homebrew experience.
My homebrew club in SODZ (Columbus, Ohio), along with central Ohio clubs DOH and HOPs, have been fortunate to partner with the Nocterra Brewing Company to celebrate this event.
Homebrewers from the three clubs collaborate with Nocterra to brew a fall-appropriate beer released on National Learn to Homebrew day. We generally explore a traditional beer style because it is fun for the homebrews and the pro brewers to nerd out on a style you don’t see commercially. Last year we made a Dunkelweizen called Learn to Dunkel. Nocterra also graciously agrees to can the beer and allows the homebrewers some creative input on the can label! We have a collaboration brew day where the homebrewers are invited into the brewery approximately six weeks before Learn to Homebrew day.
On the actual Learn to Homebrew Day, we gather in the Nocterra parking lot and homebrew outside! The weather always seems to cooperate even though it is Fall in Ohio! There is an incentive for existing homebrewers to encourage non-homebrewers to come out and experience a brew day; Nocterra provides base grain and yeast, making the event even more approachable!
This year, SODZ is bringing out a fully operational 5-gallon gravity system donated by Goodwood Brewing for anyone who wants to homebrew but doesn’t yet have the equipment. It’s all about making the hobby easy and approachable! Because it is easy and approachable! And then you can take it as far as you want!
Your club could do the same! Ask around your friendly neighborhood breweries. You may find one who is interested in participating in some way.
Quick Tips for a Club and Brewery Event Collaboration
- Contact the brewery. Ensure you can get Learn to Homebrew Day on their schedule and coordinate the plan. We usually reach out 2-3 months ahead of time.
- Request a water source. A direct connection to water for chilling and cleaning purposes is very beneficial. And don’t forget to bring hoses and splitters if needed!
- Don’t forget the details. Is there outlets for electric systems? Will people be able to imbibe in the area of brewing? Is there a limit on the participants?
- Get the club geared up. Club members bringing setups will need to bring not only the homebrew gear they need, but some every day items, too: tables, chairs, hoses and spillters, cups, etc.
- Get a head start. Somethings you can do ahead of time so you can get right to the brew day. Ex: Clean and sanitize your gear at home!
Breweries & Beyond!
We love teaming up with a brewery for our Learn to Homebrew Day events, but that’s not always an option. But don’t worry! The beauty of Learn to Homebrew Day is the events come in all shapes and sizes.
They can range from small groups in the homebrewer’s kitchen to a whole club (and then some) at the local homebrew shop. The important part is that we are getting the word out about just how cool it is that we can actually make beer at home. It’s about reaching the non-brewer. Or should I say the future brewer? Because we are all future homebrewer, right?
Cheers!
Locations are ideally outdoor and friendly to large groups. Many club members open up their homes as brewing sites big and small. Others team up with a local homebrew shop, which has many advantages and can make for an amazing time.
No matter where your event occurs, it’s all about getting the word out and reaching non-homebrewers. Or should I say future homebrewers? Because we are all future homebrewers, right?
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