Moonshine became a heritage, and family shiners buddied up to local cops, hid evidence in their sick beds, and paid off lawyers with gallons of hooch to ensure its continuation.“It was just part of life,” says Raymond “Chuck” Butler Jr., Alvin’s grandson. “You needed to be secretive, but it wasn’t shameful. You didn’t need to talk about it, because you didn’t wanna get arrested.”[Editor’s note: This story is part of Good Beer Hunting’s Compound Interest series, underwritten by SMBX, which highlights different ways small businesses can get the funding they need; all of the businesses profiled in this series have worked with SMBX to achieve part or even all of their funding.]That’s how it went for almost 80 years until 2015, when Chuck and his father Raymond Sr.
“Everything from the malts and hops that we use … working in the restaurant space in New York at the time while his brother Kurt was brewing craft beer privately. The brothers bought that …
This was originally published as the Director’s Cut column in the November/December 2023 Zymurgy magazine. Access Zymurgy Online.
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By Julia Herz
Every time an American Homebrewers Association (AHA) member gives away a homebrew, we are delivering the gift of sharing in ways that are unique and unmatched. Another way homebrewers give is by educating others. Sure, we’re each in it for the reward of learning, yet every time we share our knowledge, we, too, are giving—giving to the cause of the hobby of homebrewing.
Sharing knowledge is exactly what the AHA has been doing since 1978, and no doubt if you are a member, your homebrewing and beer appreciation are more rewarding than without. In our work to provide reasons, recipes, and rewards for brewing, there are some exciting new offers in the mix, one of which is Zymurgy Live, an exclusive benefit for AHA members.
Just check out the below list of educators the AHA has tapped to educate us and give back to the collective cause. My friends, if you have not tuned in, hesitate no longer. These can all be found at HomebrewersAssociation.org/presentations/zymurgy-live and are prime examples of how the AHA is able to fuel you and the cause of homebrewing.
The 2023 lineup for Zymurgy Live includes the following educators.
January 2023: Charlie Papazian, “Why We and CHARLIE Homebrew”
February 2023: Stan Hieronymus, “New Zealand Hops: What Is All the Fuss About? The Delicious World of South Pacific Hops”
March 2023:Dr. Charlie Bamforth, “Beer Foam Science: Ingredients, Methods and Processes to Ensure Great Beer Foam”
April 2023:Ken Grossman, “How Homebrewing Led to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale”
May 2023:Sarah Flora, “Moving Fast and Breaking Taste Buds: Creative Recipe Design”
June 2023:Justin Crossley, “Behind the Beer with Justin Crossley”
July 2023:Ashleigh Carter, “Homebrewing, Lagering, Spunding, and What’s Next in Beer”
August 2023:Jamil Zainasheff, “Fermentation Fronters”
September 2023:Dr. Laura Burns, “Tapping into Thiols: Unraveling the Interactions Between Hops, Malt, and Yeast”
October 2023:Betsy Lay, “What Homebrewing Teaches Us and What Betsy Lay Is Teaching Others”
November and beyond: Stay tuned to the AHA What’s Brewing newsletter and HomebrewersAssociation.org for updates.
Zymurgy Live is just one of many new things the AHA has in motion dedicated to protecting, uniting, and educating homebrewers while empowering an equitable homebrewing culture and showcasing the fun of fermenting.
An important tidbit to share is that the speaker selection and moderating of these webinars has been driven by volunteer AHA leaders who sit on your representative committee—talk about giving! Hats off to AHA members Shawna Cormier, Crispy Frey, Doug Piper, and Amy Martin, who, along with key AHA staff (special shout out to MacKenzie Staples) bring this content to life.
Cheers!
Julia
Julia Herz is executive director of the American Homebrewers Association. You can follow Julia’s homebrew talks and travels on Instagram @ImmaculateFermentation.
Boulder, Colo. • October 24, 2023 — The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) is delighted to announce that the 25th annual celebration of Learn to Homebrew Day is set for November 4, 2023. This nationwide celebration aims to demystify the art of homebrewing and provide valuable resources. For seasoned brewers and curious beginners alike, Learn to Homebrew Day offers an opportunity to learn, connect with fellow beer enthusiasts, and celebrate the hobby of brewing at home.
For this year’s Learn to Homebrew Day, the AHA has selected two official SMaSH beer recipes, short for Single Malt and Single Hop, which use one type of ingredient. Choose from a delicious SMaSH Sensory Blonde Ale or create a unique brew with Your First SMaSH Ale.
Participating in Learn to Homebrew Day is easy—visit the AHA website to select a homebrew recipe and discover unrivaled resources for homebrewers of all levels. With a focus on education, camaraderie, and creativity, this event has been a tradition for homebrewers since 1999.
“Learn to Homebrew Day is all about fostering a sense of community and sharing the passion for homebrewing. It’s a day when experienced brewers can mentor newcomers and help them take their first steps into this exciting hobby,” said Julia Herz, executive director, American Homebrewers Association. “The SMaSH recipes we’ve chosen for 2023 are both a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of homebrewing or those looking to sharpen their skills.”
For first-time homebrewers, the AHA has a checklist of recommended equipment and other essentials—many of which are found in the average kitchen. Learn to Homebrew Day participants are encouraged to enhance existing skills and learn new techniques, locate a nearby homebrew club, and source ingredients at a local homebrew supply shop.
Furthermore, the AHA offers an abundance of resources including:
AHA Membership, purchase an annual membership and select a free brewing book from 60+ titles to match your brewing goals.
AHA Forum, ask questions and engage with brewing peers on a variety of topics.
About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 36,000 homebrewers. The AHA organizes events including the Homebrew Con, National Homebrew Competition, Big Brew for National Homebrew Day, and Learn to Homebrew Day. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy®, the longest-running magazine for homebrewers. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association®, whose Brewers Publications® division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers. Beer lovers, fermentation fans, and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on and Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
The November/December 2023 Zymurgy magazine is now available! Check out featured stories including Brewlanthropy, Japas Cervejaria Artesanal, Homebrew Your Own CO2, SMaSH!, and Super Saison.
Find links to all the web pages mentioned in the November/December 2023 issue of Zymurgy magazine.
About Zymurgy Magazine
Zymurgy is the bi-monthly journal for members of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). All issues of Zymurgy magazine through the year 2000 can be accessed digitally online or with your smartphone device.
Join the AHA for a Zymurgy magazine subscription and to enjoy other member benefits!
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