My first experience with home brewed beer came from my brother-in-law over 20 years ago. He consistently created a variety of beers at a time no one knew about micro breweries. My all-time favorite, but not my sister's due to the quantity of cherries than needed pitting, was a cherry stout. It was rich and fruity, not at all like the import stouts I drank then.
It seemed very exotic to me, but to him and his engineering degree, it was an analytical science project. But I loved going to the fridge and opening it to the clank of bottles, with letters on the caps to indicate the brew. CS-Cherry Stout, SH-Sparrow Hawk Porter and more.
Sadly, his job took him to California, so my homebrew experience is limited to brief visits westward. He now kegs his beer and serves it through a special full-size fridge, modified with tap handles in the door.
In the past couple of years, I have been finding more and more about the very active home brewing scene on the First Coast. I've sampled their fares at competitions and festivals around town. Their brews are outstanding! It shouldn't surprise me, quite a few of my favorite breweries are run by former home brewers. That is the logical next step!
Most recently, the Jax Beer Society hosted a Home Brewer's competition during GastroFest at River City Brewing Company. There was a large number of contestants with a variety of styles from IPA's to Porters. A panel of judges, including former home brewers like Dennis Espinosa of Main and Six Brewing had the difficult task of picking a best in show.
I waited for the judges to deliberate and contemplated how one would start home brewing and what resources we have available to us here. Thankfully we have several places to help you out if you want to start your own brew.
I recently spoke with Ruth and Wyatt Hart, owners of St Augustine Brewing Solutions. They said the biggest obstacle for a novice is fear. Wannabe brewers research on the internet and believe the process is complicated due to the many ingredients, recipes and methods they find.
To combat this, the Harts hold an introduction to brewing on the third Saturday of every month from one 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. During the class they address the basic necessities of beer and actually brew one during the class. Their next class, will be May 19. The April class was canceled due to an engagement.
They ask that you please pre-register by mail, phone or in person at their shop. Details here.
In Jacksonville, Just Brew it, located next door to Bold City Brewing is the go-to supply store. They are sponsors of CASK, the Cowford Ale Sharing Club. CASK, by the way, is the best Home Brewer club in the state, having just won the Cup during the Best Florida Beer Home Brewing competition last year.
Just Brew It will be holding a brewing demonstration on Sunday, April 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their Rosselle Street facility. They ask that you pre-register by calling them (904) 381-1983.
In Clay County, Brew, Bottle and Tap, on Park Avenue is your home brew resource. They work with novice and experienced brewers alike. They hold classes for brewing, and even go offsite. For example on May 1 they are heading to Crooked Rooster Brewery in Macclenny for an All Grain Brewing class and demonstration. Tickets are only $20.
Speaking of Crooked Rooster, they host a Home Brewers Meeting the second Monday evening every month. The next one is May 19 at 6 p.m.
Hyperion Brewing Company offers a unique experience, the Helios Brewer's Experience. They offer a session where you brew your own custom beer with their brewer. They tap the beer and you can invite your friends to the tapping party, plus you get 64 ounces of your beer. For a novice, this is a great way to learn brewing tips from a professional brewer.
Ancient City Brewing in St Augustine also hosts the St Augustine Home Brewers club the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Hopefully, this gives you the resources to start brewing your own beer. And an additional note, Brew Bottle and Tap is working to start serving beer at their Park Avenue location. So you'll be able to stop in for a pint and get your supplies.
Cheers Y'all!
