National Homebrew Day

National Homebrew Day is an American holiday dedicated to homebrewing. It focuses on sharing knowledge about brewing and raising awareness of beer as an ancient beverage, including its varieties, brewing technologies, and more. The holiday is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of May.

History

The history of National Homebrew Day dates back to 1988, when the American Homebrewers Association held the first celebration. While mass-produced beer will always have its market, craft beer is equally important. Home brewers are known for their creativity and willingness to experiment, providing us with unique beers that we might never find in stores.

Beer has been around since before the 10th century, but it truly flourished during the Middle Ages. At that time, monasteries brewed beer, keeping the recipes secret and passing them down through generations. Modern beer emerged in the late 19th century when Louis Pasteur’s research on yeast and fermentation processes revolutionized brewing.

Interesting facts

• There are two main types of beer: lager and ale. Lager is brewed using bottom fermentation, while ale is brewed using top fermentation. Lager accounts for 80% of all beer sold worldwide.
• In the Middle Ages, beer was often preferred over water because clean water was scarce, and beer was safer to drink, with no risk of contamination by harmful microorganisms like E. coli.
• Today, German and Czech beers are among the most highly regarded in the world.

How to celebrate

Purchase some home-brewed beer and try different varieties to find your favorite. Get together with friends for a beer-tasting party. You can also learn to make your own beer—just purchase the necessary equipment, and you’ll find plenty of resources online to guide you through the process.

Share the holiday on social media and ask users if they or their friends brew beer at home. How does it compare to store-bought beer in terms of flavor?

When is National Homebrew Day in 2025?

National Homebrew Day is observed on the first Saturday in May each year.

Observations