Elizabeth’s beau, Grant, is a homemade beer connoisseur. He can make beer from scratch, y’all! Recently, he attended the National Homebrewers Day on May 5th. (Yes, Cinco De Mayo). Enjoy his stellar observations and love for original brew.

Long ago, when all beer was made either in a dirt hovel or under the supervision of an aristocratic class of people, Ancient Sumerians called the alcoholic, fermented drink “Ninkasi”. Ninkasi is the “Lady who fills the mouth”, a sparkling goddess “who pours the fragrant beer in the lahtan-vessel and is like the Tigris and Euphrates joined”. Charming. Later, the Egyptians confirmed that it was actually Osiris who oversaw beer production and was seen often at ceremonies and festivals. 

This transposition of the origins and sources of beer has continued on down the line until today, where regular Joes and Janes all across the world participate in the (practical) magic of concocting fermented malt beverages. Instead of a god or goddess overseeing this practice, it was produced by the American Homebrewer’s Association.

The MD Homebrew Warehouse presents an all-day festival celebrating National Homebrew Day. Homebrew organizations, clubs, and individuals who love to make their own beer get together and form a kind of shanty-town in the back of the store. The store is located in a warehouse district in Columbia, so the space is plentiful and allows for lots of different brewers to set up all of their fancy equipment. Expect to see giant kegs refurbished as kettle pots and heated by gas-jet propane burners, while onlookers shield their eyes from the flame. As if that’s not exciting enough, there are assorted “kegerators” - cabinet refrigerators that are taken apart and re-fitted to hold kegs and become mobile bar taps. Participants of-age can come, get a cup, see the sites, and try a Homebrewer’s beer while they’re making it. 

For more information about brewing, see the educational sections of the MD Homebrew Warehouse site. The history of beer from the first paragraph is taken from William Mares book, “Making Beer”.

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