Whether you’d like to become a dedicated brewing hobbyist, or you’re just curious about the magic behind the bottle, every craft beer fan should really try home brewing at least once, and this Saturday -- Learn to Homebrew Day -- is a great time to get started.

Organized by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), Learn to Homebrew Day is a way for homebrew clubs and dedicated brewers to help spread the hobby by hosting demonstrations, classes, or just offering encouragement.

Homebrewing has seen a surge in popularity over the last decade, and the AHA estimates that more than a million Americans now brew their own beer. Grassroots organizations dedicated to developing brewing skills have sprouted up across the country, and Los Angeles is home to several thriving homebrew clubs including Culver City-based four-time California Homebrewing Club of the Year Pacific Gravity , The Yeastside Brewers, and the Maltose Falcons (who will celebrate their 40th anniversary next year).

Unfortunately, there is only a single event in Los Angeles listed on the AHA website for Learn to Homebrew Day, a “teach a friend to brew” class at Simi Valley’s homebrewing supply shop Home Brew Express.


The American Homebrewers Association does offer a variety of resources to help you get started. There’s the Get Schooled page of introductory information, a video series that will walk you through the basics, and a lively forum to connect with other homebrewers. Of course, that’s just scratching the surface of resources available on the internet.

For the equipment, ingredients, and answers to any questions you’ve got about how to start brewing beer, head to your friendly local homebrew supply store. In addition to Home Brew Express mentioned above, there is Culver City Home Brewing Supply (which has a second location in Eagle Rock), The Home Wine, Beer, and Cheesemaking Shop in Woodland Hills, Long Beach’s Steinfillers, South Bay Brewing Supplies in Torrance, and Brewbakers in Orange County.

If you can boil water, follow a simple recipe, and be careful about sanitation, then you can make some delicious beer in an afternoon.

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