Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Home sweet homebrew

Rick Bonino

It's been 39 years since homebrewing again became legal in the United States, for the first time since Prohibition.

And for a 19th year, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is again celebrating the hobby – or obsession, as the case may be – with National Learn to Homebrew Day on Saturday.

Last year, more than 6,200 gallons of beer were brewed at 300 participating locations across 46 states and 11 countries. This year's activities are expected to exceed those totals, including two local events:

– Spokane's Inland Brewers Unite (IBU) club will gather starting at noon at The Porch, 1804 W. Broadway. Club leaders will brew a demonstration batch; other members are invited to bring their equipment and join in, and to bring homebrew to share. (Anyone can attend, but tasting is limited to those 21 or older.)

There also will be a potluck lunch, and prize raffles for both members and nonmembers. New memberships and renewals will be offered at a discount price of $25, and you can also use IBU's link to start or renew an AHA membership (beginning at $43 for one year) and receive a free copy of the book "Brewing Classic Styles."

And whether you're a member or not, you can download the AHA's free BrewGuru app for information on deals at homebrew supply stores and breweries nationwide along with recipes.  

– In North Idaho, the Warriors of the Rotating Tap (WORT) club will mark the occasion from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hop Stop supply shop in Post Falls. There will be demonstrations of extract, Brew in a Bag (BIAB) and all-grain brewing along with samples and snacks.