Noting that this Saturday is Learn to Homebrew Day, we got to thinking about starting a homebrew club.
I, personally, am conflicted about the day. The first Saturday of November coincides with the Maine Brewers Fest, which has been a part of the Brew Dudes lives before the blog was conceived. So, the two of us are never in the same town and it has been near impossible to get an event going.
I guess it does not have to be that day, but it would be good gateway to recruit people to become Brew Dudes like us.
So there are a few other craft beer fans and homebrewers in our neighborhood. We know one fairly well. The other guy don’t know at all and it is through a chance meeting Mike had that we know that this guy exists…maybe.
I thought we could start with guys who are really nearby to see if there was any interest and go from there. The blog has a pretty good network of people on Facebook and Twitter. We could start using those platforms to get in touch with people who live within driving distance of our houses and see what kind of feedback we can get.
As far as clubs go, I have never set one up. I think if you get enough like-minded individuals committed to the idea of meeting regularly and have some clear understanding of what you want to accomplished, it should be easy to organize.
It’s the organization and persistence that will be the things to focus on. The benefits would be easy – a chance to get out of the house (!) and share and learn about homebrewed beer.
Anybody start up a homebrew club before? What makes a homebrew club worthwhile to be a part of? What do it take to make a homebrew club successful?
tony
We brewers in my Chicago neighborhood started a homebrew club three years ago. We meet once a month as a club(20-40 usually attend), and usually at least one member hosts a brew session on a weekend, where folks can show up to help, or brew or learn and/or drink(usually 4-8 folks). We also put on a bjcp competition that is growing every year. (if you do something like a competition- and you should- start small, and grow a little each year).
Our monthly meeting usually has a short business agenda followed by an educational component- anything from talks about water, to building wort chillers and inviting pros in talk; and then a social period along the way. It is a great way to learn and discover techniques that make your brewing life better.
good luck and sláinte!
We have members of all types of backgrounds and experiences- and two of them are opening breweries this year. I feel like the club environment has really helped folks accelerate their brewing- ie if they were all alone, they probably would take longer to get into all grain, or lagering, for instance. Friendly competitive companionship has advantages (if Bill can do it, then bygawd I can!)
A club is a great way to make alliances with local pubs, restaurants, homebrew shops and breweries. Small and new craft breweries like to have input from folks who are educated or at least enthusiastic about craft beer.
Vinny
You guys are around Boston, right? I’m down in Quincy and have been looking for a club, so there’s one interested party.
John
Once we get organized – we will let you know. Stay tuned for more posts around the subject.