Homebrewing & Craft Beer Industry

My interest in brewing beer started when by mother-in-law and father-in-law purchased a home brewing starter kit in the winter of 2009 from the good folks at Northern Brewery in Saint Paul. The deluxe starter kit had everything to get me started.

My First Brew
Take the slideshow tour with my on my first attempt making my own beer, a Dry Irish Stout. Read through the process on the back of each card as you go.

Watch Bottling Day
After three weeks it was time to siphon of the beer from the fermenter and bottle the beer. Watch this slideshow tour.

The Beer Industry

On April 16th, the movie Beer Wars debuted in theatres around the country for one night only. This documentary following the story of the beer industry. In 2008, of the over 1,500 breweries that designate themselves as craft breweries, microbreweries, or brewpubs; the craft brewery industry makes up only about 5% of total market share of breweries in the US. There are only 44 other breweries that make up the other breweries.

The beer industry continues to be dominated by Anheuser-Busch InBev, its subsidy bands, and MillerCoors which make up more than 80% of all beers sold. Alone just three brands, Bud Light (15.4%), Coor Light (7.3%), and Miller (7.2%) make up almost 30% of the total market.

The beer industry continues to be dominated by subsidy bands, and MillerCoors which make up more than 80% of all beers sold. Alone just three brands, Bud Light (15.4%), Coor Light (7.3%), and Miller (7.2%) make up almost 30% of the total market.

Following prohibition, the US government created a three-tier system which regulated the production, distribution, and sale of all alcholic beverages. Some call this system unfair to the larger companies as the larger producers have a bigger say in retail location product placement and overall marketing.

If you are interested in Beer Wars, the Movie, watch some of the trailer's below.

Local Craft Brewer, Summit Brewing Co.

This week, May 11 through May 17 is Craft Brewers week. The folks at the American Craft Brewers Association created a video titled, I Am a Craft Brewer.


A moment of learning continuity, as I visited the Summit Brewery Company. See postcards from my visit as I narrate my adventure.

Sampling with Palmer's Guide

My wife's family assisted by holding an adult easter egg/craft beer hunt. I used Palmer's guide to evaluating Ales and Lagers. Download the beer guide for our taste testing tonight.