In celebration of Saturday as National Homebrew Day, local breweries and homebrew shops have multiple Big Brew events planned for the region.
The annual Big Brew tradition, started by the American Homebrewers Association, is observed the first Saturday in May to honor Homebrew Day all over the world. Anyone is allowed to register an event with the Homebrewers Association online, and 484 Big Brew gatherings in 50 states and 14 countries were hosted last year.
At least five are being hosted locally this time around.
"AHA Big Brew is a special day for homebrewers, allowing them to unite over what they love most: homebrewing," said Gary Glass, American Homebrewers Association director, in a statement. "Regardless of which state, country or even continent they are from, homebrewers share a bond that is strengthened by knowing they are all brewing together."
In Clearwater, VetterBrew HomeBrew Supply Store and the Suncoast Barley Mashers will join forces to brew gallons of beer on the homebrew store's back patio. Guests can catch all-grain, extract and brew-in-a-bag techniques being demonstrated, plus sample beer, ask questions and check out the new line of Blichmann equipment. Food will also be provided.
Seminole Heights' Southern Brewing & Winemaking, whose taproom will remain open, is set to feature homebrew clubs (which should arrive before noon if they're planning to brew) in the biergarten with demos for people curious about the beer-making process. RO water, running water and electricity will be provided to brewers, but those who wish to participate should bring equipment, tables and tents. Don't miss The Slab food truck or a 10 percent discount on ingredients for beers brewed the day of, either.
Folks will have the opportunity to make a homebrew-style batch in Tampa with the brewmaster of Carrollwood Brewing Company (inside the Carrollwood Brass Tap). Weeki Wachee's Marker 48 Brewing has staggered start times in store so each guest may experience the different stages of homebrewing. And in Sarasota, the Homebrewers Association of Manatee & Sarasota will brew a wheat beer on JDub's Brewing Company's three-barrel system.
