National Homebrew Day - May 7           

 
What better way to celebrate the 24th annual National Homebrew Day—an event recognized by the U.S. Congress—than to gather friends and family to brew a special batch of beer?

For 10 years, homebrewers worldwide have celebrated National Homebrew day with Big Brew, an event that sees more than 11,000 gallons of beer brewed at close to 300 different celebration sites. The local celebrations are tied together by shared recipes, chosen specifically for each year's celebration.
 
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), which organizes the Big Brew celebration, selected three recipes for 2011. The first is a traditional English version of an India Pale Ale, which will be included in Steve Wagner and Mitch Steele's India Pale Ale, an upcoming book from Brewers Publications.

The second recipe is also found in a Brewers Publications title, Brewing with Wheat. "Must Be the Season of the Wit," based on Jean-Francois Gravel's recipe from Dieu du Ciel brewery, includes a special twist for Big Brew—AHA founder Charlie Papazian suggests that homebrewers add a special local adjunct of their choosing, such as flowers, herbs or fruit.
 
Lastly, the dark beer lovers will enjoy "Rocket Rod's Positively Porter." This recipe is chosen to honor Rod Romanak, who passed away in February, and was a Homebrewer of the Year award winner, homebrew shop owner, Air Force veteran and longtime AHA member.
 
Naturally, all this brewing will require some refreshments along the way, so at noon Central daylight time (USA) on May 7, homebrewers worldwide will raise their glasses in a simultaneous toast to homebrewing.

Homebrewers who would like to register their Big Brew event still have time to do so online. Or, those looking to participate, learn the basics of the hobby or simply enjoy the camaraderie of homebrewing can find a local site to visit on Saturday.