Visiting a new brewery is a joyous experience. There is an exciting sense of anticipation in getting to try a new beer style or flavor. As an architect, I am particularly drawn to breweries that provide a front row seat to the brewing operation from the taproom. I find it an immersive experience when there is a strong physical or visual connection between the two.

There are some excellent examples you can visit throughout the country. The following list is not exhaustive but illustrates a few breweries and brewpubs that have sought to celebrate the brewing process through their architectural design.… Read the rest “Form & Function: Brewery Visits with an Architect”

by Shawna Cormier, American Homebrewers Association (AHA) Governing Committee Chair, and Julia Herz AHA Executive Director

The American Homebrewers Association has paused the 2023 Governing Committee (GC) election, and current GC members slated to term out in 2023 were given the option to extend their term for one additional year. The request to pause our 2023 elections came from Executive Director Julia Herz and was approved by the GC.

It’s a unique step for unique times and a direct result of the GC’s work interrupted by COVID-19. This doesn’t mean you can’t participate or lead at the AHA.… Read the rest “2023 Pause of AHA Governing Committee Elections”

While the pandemic and its related challenges have lingered, there are some hopeful signs for beer enthusiasts and travelers in 2022. The Craft Brewers Conference is currently scheduled for an in-person event in Minneapolis in May, and the Great American Beer Festival is poised to celebrate its 40th anniversary October 6–8 in Denver. As states reopen at different intervals and welcome tourists back, a few can’t-miss opportunities for beer travelers have become possible again. Here’s a top 10 list of coveted beers that mirror the spirit and history of their local community, and are best enjoyed near the breweries that crafted them.… Read the rest “10 Beers Best Enjoyed at the Source”

American Homebrewers Association members receive exclusive savings with the Cicerone Certification Program. Take 20% off all Cicerone study materials, including off-flavor kits*, BeerSavvy® Online (includes the Certified Beer Server exam!), Road to Cicerone Courses, Flash Cards, and more.

Here’s how to redeem this deal:

• Email info@cicerone.org with a copy of your active AHA membership card with “AHA Discount Request” in the subject line.
  • Digital membership cards are accessible under your account profile. Choose “My Account” and then “Membership Card” in the upper right corner of the AHA website.

• Please create a Cicerone account on their website prior to requesting the discount.

Breweries are finding creative ways to keep patios open in the heart of winter

Winter usually signals the end of patio season, but for numerous breweries—even those in places where the temperature routinely plummets below freezing—that season is now year-round. While the pandemic pushed some breweries to get creative to keep guests safe, others already had plans in the works to appeal to hearty beer drinkers who enjoy the outdoors.

Regardless of the reason, keeping patios open in winter has become a wise business strategy. These four breweries are giving beer lovers a space to drink outdoors when the mercury dips.… Read the rest “Pints & Patios: The New Winter Pairing”

Now through Dec. 6, purchase a one- or three-year membership with discount code HOORAY and receive a free copy of the 2022 release, Hooray for Craft Beer! An Illustrated Guide to Beer by Em Sauter. Hooray for Craft Beer! is the perfect gift for homebrewers, beer lovers, and craft beer curious—includes free shipping.

The post Join/Renew & Receive Hooray for Craft Beer! appeared first on American Homebrewers Association.

American Homebrewers Association… Read the rest “Join/Renew & Receive Hooray for Craft Beer!”

In a way, purchasing the Black Elks’ building was like coming home for Ken Carson. The building sits in a part of Albuquerque, N.M., he describes as “the ’hood.” Carson once lived here before moving to the more affluent Northeast Heights in the 1960s, where he attended high school with only three other Black students. It’s as though he is “reverse gentrifying” the neighborhood by coming back to open a second location of his Nexus Brewery.

Carson sees his return as a victory. He grew up there, along with all of his Albuquerque friends.… Read the rest “Soul Food and Cream Ale in Albuquerque”

Heat strike water to 135°F (57°C) and mash in with entire grist; mash temperature should be 125°F (52°C). Add Ceremix Flex and Ondea Pro and rest for 25 min. at 125°F (52°C).

Raise mash to 150°F (66°C) and rest 25 min. Raise mash to 175°F (79°C) and hold for an additional 25 min. Mash out at 180°F (82°C) for 10 min., then perform sparge and boil.

Chill wort to 60°F (16°C), and pitch yeast. Ferment at 60–65°F (16–18°C) for 7–10 days, then cold crash and package.

The post Hello Darkness Dry Oat Stout appeared first on American Homebrewers Association.… Read the rest “Hello Darkness Dry Oat Stout”