Hate / Respect the Law

Last year’s trend of state Alcohol Beverage Commissions (ABCs) suddenly scrutinizing homebrewing continues unabated. Many of the freedoms that we took for granted are now being questioned. In California, that’s meant the cancellation of this year’s 24th SoCal Homebrewers Festival. A 2013 bill allowed homebrew donation to non-homebrew related groups while simultaneously banning donations to homebrew-related charities. In the ABC’s view, fest pourers are donating their beer to the California Homebrewers Association, a decidedly homebrew-related group. So, no fest!

We’re working to correct this well-intentioned law. But it still leaves us in limbo—what can we do? Competitions are legal. Club meetings? Not at a “licensed premise.” For instance, Sierra Nevada reluctantly asked their longstanding local club to meet elsewhere. Homebrew shop lessons? Nope! Sharing with people outside your family? Who knows?

Part of the crackdown may be driven by our old friend: illegally sold homebrew. Increasingly, I’ve heard rumors of homebrews showing up at commercial festivals or on tap to aid promotion of a brewery venture, or just because, “My buddy owns a bar and loves my beer.”

The rise (or rumor) of aspiring-professional brewers serving without proper certification will make any state ABC turn a jaundiced eye to the motivations of a homebrewer. So please, if you’re thinking about serving your homebrew semi-commercially, realize that you’re potentially impacting the rest of your community in a grossly negative fashion. Don’t tar us all!

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN PRE-PRO LAGER
For 5.5 gallons, 1.053 OG, 14 IBU, 3 SRM, 5.5% ABV

Malt/Grain
8.0 lb. Cargill IdaPils
2.0 lb. flaked corn
1.0 lb. Carafoam

Mash
Strike rest with 1.5 quarts per pound, at 153°F for 60 minutes.

Hops (Pellets)
0.25 oz Magnum | 14% AA | 60 minutes
1.00 oz Mt. Hood | 6% AA | 0 minutes

Yeast
WLP840 American Lager Yeast (3-quart starter)

Notes
Ferment for 14 days at 48°F. Raise over 3 days to 65°F. After one day, drop the temperature 2 degrees every day until at 35°F. Lager for 2–4 more weeks before carbonating and serving. ■