Thor
Well-Known Member
If you have not already done so, I want to encourage new brewers to join their local homebrew club. Our recent meeting reminded me of how enjoyable an experience it can be, and how much one can learn from the wisdom and experience of others.
I've been brewing for the past 4 months or so, and have come to love it. Because it came with a 10% discount at my local homebrew store, I joined a local homebrew club, North Texas Home Brew Association (www.nthba.com). I quickly learned that there are so many good reasons to belong to such a club, reasons beyond the discount.
For example, this week we had our monthly meeting. About 30-40 souls came to an Italian BYOB eatery north of Dallas, and many folks brought their homebrewed beer and wine. In the course of a few hours, I had tasted perhaps 20 homebrewed wines and beers, and learned a little bit about each one in the process. My tablemates, two guys who started brewing together about 18 months ago, were a wealth of information on their brewing, techniques, recipes and the like. They were also a lot of fun. And, for the first time, I was able to share my own homebrew, which was well received.
Never once was I shunned as a newbie, or put off by those more experienced. As I suspect is typical of homebrew clubs, the people are a really good group. The capper is that my wife is completely supportive of me participating in a club, even one focused on beer. Can you say ya-hoo?! I never considered participating in contests, but with the encouragement of this group, I may do so before the year is out.
In addition to meetings, where beer is sampled, issues discussed, party and contest plans worked, there are lots of activities. The club promotes contests, internal and around the state. There are brew days at various members' homes around the year, where you can either brew or learn about brewing process from those participating. Parties are scheduled regularly. It is, in short, a tremendous social and educational experience.
The point of all this is to strongly encourage you to join a local club, wherever you are. They can be tremendous teachers, bring friends into your life, and help you become the best brewer you can be. Your local club is probably cheap, so there is little risk. I hope this nudges at least a few of you toward your local clubs, or perhaps to organizing your own club (lots of guidance and support out there for doing so!) You won't be disappointed.
I've been brewing for the past 4 months or so, and have come to love it. Because it came with a 10% discount at my local homebrew store, I joined a local homebrew club, North Texas Home Brew Association (www.nthba.com). I quickly learned that there are so many good reasons to belong to such a club, reasons beyond the discount.
For example, this week we had our monthly meeting. About 30-40 souls came to an Italian BYOB eatery north of Dallas, and many folks brought their homebrewed beer and wine. In the course of a few hours, I had tasted perhaps 20 homebrewed wines and beers, and learned a little bit about each one in the process. My tablemates, two guys who started brewing together about 18 months ago, were a wealth of information on their brewing, techniques, recipes and the like. They were also a lot of fun. And, for the first time, I was able to share my own homebrew, which was well received.
Never once was I shunned as a newbie, or put off by those more experienced. As I suspect is typical of homebrew clubs, the people are a really good group. The capper is that my wife is completely supportive of me participating in a club, even one focused on beer. Can you say ya-hoo?! I never considered participating in contests, but with the encouragement of this group, I may do so before the year is out.
In addition to meetings, where beer is sampled, issues discussed, party and contest plans worked, there are lots of activities. The club promotes contests, internal and around the state. There are brew days at various members' homes around the year, where you can either brew or learn about brewing process from those participating. Parties are scheduled regularly. It is, in short, a tremendous social and educational experience.
The point of all this is to strongly encourage you to join a local club, wherever you are. They can be tremendous teachers, bring friends into your life, and help you become the best brewer you can be. Your local club is probably cheap, so there is little risk. I hope this nudges at least a few of you toward your local clubs, or perhaps to organizing your own club (lots of guidance and support out there for doing so!) You won't be disappointed.
I found the N. Texas Homebrewers Association link, but the website seems to be down. Where are they based out of? I'm in Wichita Falls. The local HBS has a very informal club (no officers/club dues/etc). 
