What is the history and motivation behind the Auburn Brew Club?
There have always been homebrewers in the Auburn-Opelika area. Some have brewed by themselves or in pairs or small groups for many years. But until mid-2007, there hadn’t been a website, method of communication or regularly scheduled meeting to bring all the homebrewers in the Auburn-Opelika area together. Regular meetings and modes of communication can really serve to re-inspire long time brewers and give beginners easy access to knowledge and hands-on experience. Tips and techniques are shared and blindspots revealed.
The development of auburnbrewclub.org, the club’s registration with the American Homebrewers Association and postings on few website message boards got the ball rolling and led to a few face-to-face meetings and then regular monthly meetings. That initial group consisted of a variety of ages and types of people, including molecular biologist, a pharmacist, a veteran of the war in Iraq pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, a geneticist, a physicist, an environmental engineer and a healthcare attorney. But you don’t have to have 3 degrees to brew good beer. Anyone can do it. The only requirement to become a truly great brewer is a passion for excellence. It just so happens that the Auburn-Opelika area is saturated with talent, knowledge and skill.
Are there prerequisites that need to be met in order to be in the club? Is the club affiliated with Auburn University?
The Auburn Brew Club is not affiliated with Auburn University. The only requirements for participation in the club are to be an active homebrewer or to be actively working toward learning to brew. Beginners are welcome. Underage drinkers are not. Beware: learning to brew, experiencing the thrill of producing great craft beer and sharing it with others who love it as much as you do can become a lifetime addiction.
When and where does the Auburn Brew Club meet? How much does it cost? What exactly do you do?
The club has monthly meetings and a big events, such as the Fall and Spring Big Brew. A Big Brew involves all the club members bringing their brewing equipment to one spot, usually a member’s house, with everyone brewing throughout the day (and of course there’s always a lot of good food and finished homebrew available), sometimes brewing the same recipe in order to combine, for example, into an old wine barrel or bourbon barrel for extended aging, or everyone brewing whatever they choose. The regular monthly meetings involve everyone bringing one or two brews they’ve completed recently to share. Brews are passed around, one at a time, with each in attendance pouring a small amount into a tasting glass to enjoy and discuss (the discussions can be quite lively!). The meetings are very informal and take place in various members’ homes. Everyone has an opportunity to volunteer to host a monthly meeting.
The club has no dues, budget, elections, committees or bureaucracy… just people who pay for things or step up and make good things happen for the benefit of the club. The club has no commercial interests or affiliations… after all, it’s all about brewing at home. There are no regulations or bylaws… just great brewing and fun.
Use our contact form to get in touch with us and get information on upcoming meetings.
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