tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post3000708103820916154..comments2024-02-23T15:34:32.816-05:00Comments on The Mad Fermentationist - Homebrewing Blog: Is American Homebrewing Dying?The Mad Fermentationist (Mike)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07379932734747507258noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-23035175030416308112022-05-12T03:00:24.178-04:002022-05-12T03:00:24.178-04:00The post above says a lot. (try northern Brewer). ...The post above says a lot. (try northern Brewer). <br /><br /> I personally feel like homebrew stores grow the market. Most homebrew stores host or in some major way support the brew clubs. If brew stores and brew clubs are on opposites of supporting the brewing community then one of them has to go. There isn't enough customers to support buying cheap at your club and hoping your store stays alive by spending very little. <br /><br /> Maybe the old brew store model is just dead. I actually wouldn't advocate either way. The advent of internet shopping may have taken too many customers from the delicate balance. One way or another, ingredients need to be localized to grow brewing communities. Last thing you want is one missing ingredient the day before brewing when amazon is three days away. <br /><br /> Will the classic brew store go away and be replaced by a much wider growth of brew clubs? <br /><br /> One way or another it benefits us all if there are more brewers. <br />Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14810380588293795408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-58735801985753630522022-01-12T19:19:09.077-05:002022-01-12T19:19:09.077-05:00David - your prices are off. Try Northern Brewer....David - your prices are off. Try Northern Brewer. Decent prices. I recommend plastic carboys. MUCH lighter, safer, and easy to clean. Get the Big Mouth bubbleres, they are easier for dry hopping and such. <br /><br />Join a homebrew club and buy in bulk with them. Your costs will go down exponentially. And explore the new homebrewing systems. They are great. I use a BrewEasy as I have had 2 back surgeries. The equipment is much lighter and compact. You can get much cheaper all-in-ones, just look around. The web has made homebrewing much easier in a lot of ways!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17367060344446495124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-15901357201240439002021-12-29T16:54:17.583-05:002021-12-29T16:54:17.583-05:00Interesting article. I stumbled upon it as I was r...Interesting article. I stumbled upon it as I was researching homebrew suppliers since I'm getting back into the hobby after a 12+ year hiatus.<br /><br />I first starting brewing back in the mid 90s for several reasons; taste, freshness, variety, and the science (I'm a Medical Laboratory Tech). Back then, because there were several homebrew supply shops in the Twin Cities in competition, prices for equipment and ingredients were such that I could brew two cases of high quality stout for less than the cost of Guinness. Not to mention Sierra Nevada or Doghead.<br /><br />I had to quit because I was finding myself living in places where I didn't have the room to brew and store equipment, nor the time to dedicate. I'm now own my own house and have more free time. <br /><br />Since I have to start over (lost my old stuff in a divorce) I have to buy everything again. Thankfully I have a really decent job and therefore have the luxury of getting everything at once and don't have to step up gradually. However, I am amazed at how expensive things have gotten over the past 20 years.<br /><br />15 bucks for a case of bottles!!! 50 bucks for a carboy!!! Kegs are over a C note used!!!<br /><br />If homebrew suppliers want to attract more hobbyists into the craft, they should think about prices. A decent beginners kit will set someone back $250 to $300. Much more if someone wants to do full mash. I opted for a "Deluxe Beginners Kit" (two glass carboys, bottling bucket, caps, capper, tubing, bottle brush and extract kit), bottles, brew kettle, spoon, hydrometer, extra 5 gal carboy, bottle washer, bottle drying stand, carboy handles, etc... and I'm over $600 in already just on equipment!<br /><br />Entry into the hobby shouldn't cost half a paycheck.<br /><br />Perhaps that's why there's a dip in membership at a time when one would think MORE people would be getting into it because of a "pandemic" closing people off from bars and shops.<br /><br />And to think so much of this thread is about automated mashing which is too expensive for the average homebrewer and really not necessary for most people to enjoy homebrewing. I know I would rather set up a couple of coolers like I had before...<br /><br />...which now cost $300!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />David Mobergnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-48113162329431857562021-08-16T15:30:28.320-04:002021-08-16T15:30:28.320-04:00Talking to a couple local homebrew stores they cer...Talking to a couple local homebrew stores they certainly saw a big bump last spring, but it doesn't sound like many of those people stuck wit the hobby. I'm sure it hasn't hurt, but I'd guess that breweries shipping, delivering etc. has distracted some people from brewing their own. There are also all those people who like the social aspect of the hobby, not as many parties and meetings to bring beers to the last year or so!The Mad Fermentationist (Mike)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07379932734747507258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-47130325516569827482021-07-28T19:55:39.149-04:002021-07-28T19:55:39.149-04:00This was an interesting read in hindsight, knowing...This was an interesting read in hindsight, knowing it was written right on the eve of an event that affected society pretty significantly over the past two years. I know that working from home and being able to drink and brew beer more or less whenever I wanted really had an impact on my homebrewing habits.Junkyard Jessenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-78022735418948909222020-01-25T14:58:47.246-05:002020-01-25T14:58:47.246-05:00Certainly if someone doesn't drink any alcohol...Certainly if someone doesn't drink any alcohol it would be unlikely for them to be interested in homebrewing. However, more people seem to be interested in doing things for themselves. Rather than drinking a six-pack of mass-market pale lager, they might drink a single homebrewed IPA. The Mad Fermentationist (Mike)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07379932734747507258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-63849042888308599192020-01-23T14:50:40.890-05:002020-01-23T14:50:40.890-05:00All over the world, alcohol consumption is expecte...All over the world, alcohol consumption is expected to decline as the drinking habits of young people are changing. If they do not drink, why would they start homebrewing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-27123291705769923562019-06-14T00:32:36.955-04:002019-06-14T00:32:36.955-04:00Liked the article loved the comments. Been homebre...Liked the article loved the comments. Been homebrewing for 30+ years. For me it's a great hobby. Interestingly enough right now I'm drinking one of Mikes pre-Sapwood recipes: Saison 'Merican - Hoppy Funk, using the Bootleg Biology yeast that bears his name. Delicious. mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00764850378478541980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-28469253639859617062019-03-16T16:34:47.849-04:002019-03-16T16:34:47.849-04:00Homebrewing "trended" upward and now fal...Homebrewing "trended" upward and now falls back to someplace between where it was 10 years ago and where it was at the apex. It's a trend - not a change. This is the way people work. They get excited about something and then move on. Those that have not moved on and are not likely to are wondering, "Where did everyone go?" and those that moved on are wondering, "What's next?" Both POV make sense to me. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-84157347691027454122019-02-27T08:12:02.287-05:002019-02-27T08:12:02.287-05:00My favorite "local" homebrew store was a...My favorite "local" homebrew store was a 50 mile drive. My last purchase from them was $200 worth of grains and yeasts that I was going to use for upcoming brew sessions. About 2-3 weeks later they announced they were closing up shop. This was a shop that was worth the drive and was heavily supported. Shortly after they closed the news broke that INBEV bought Northern Brewer. So I think a lot of these homebrew shops closing is due more to INBEV getting into the homebrew supplies business (even Amazon is selling more and more homebrew stuff). After 10 years of homebrewing, I too have become a brewer that is more interested in "Quieter" beers that can be enjoyed. I think some of the breweries are starting to pay more attention to the older style of beers, because people who will come back are more interested in a beer that they can enjoy. Too many of these breweries miss the mark with their outrageous beers that are over hopped or don't even resemble beer. Ya you might get me to try one pint of it, but am I going to try another one (or even come back)? Daddy0noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-4669173359720859982019-02-25T12:59:38.724-05:002019-02-25T12:59:38.724-05:00I grew up in a very culinary family, as well as on...I grew up in a very culinary family, as well as one that appreciated fine beverages. So to me homebrewing seemed like the logical step, and for me it is hopefully a stepping stone to brewing professionally. But more than anything the two main reasons I brew are 1. Pride in making a well made product. I traded for a while because I really enjoy craft beer. But I just found I couldn't really take pride in posing with someone else's hard work, and acting as if that makes me special. And 2. And the more important reason is I don't always want to drink a certain style. I may want to drink a beer that doesn't fit any current trending style guidelines, and it might not fit into any known BJCP category, so that no one is brewing it. But I can see the beer I want to drink in my mind, so I brew it. And on the other hand finding the exact beer you're in the mood for isn't always something you can do, even in the case that the styles already exists. Just like 15 years back if someone wanted an IPA, but specifically wanted an NEIPA you most likely couldn't go to a brewery and get one, but you can always brew the beer you want Yourself!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10875499862761887303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-44669594510833886562019-02-15T15:07:35.341-05:002019-02-15T15:07:35.341-05:00Great post!
I’d like to add some thoughts if that...Great post!<br /><br />I’d like to add some thoughts if that is ok.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The decline in homebrewing, I believe, is most linked with the proliferation of craft beer. The homebrewers of yesteryear, who were making unique and interesting beers at home that could not be found on shelves or taps, are now brewing these beers commercially.<br /><br />Today’s average homebrewer can find almost any beer they can dream up either at one of the local breweries or on store shelves at their closest Total Wine or BevMo.<br /><br />The craft brewery marketspace has grown exponentially faster than the growth of craft beer as a whole. It has become an extremely crowded brand space that accounts for 13% of the total US beer market share.<br /><br />How do craft brewers stand out from the pack in such a crowded space? How do they generate attention, notoriety, and brand novelty that lead to increased sales? By being the LOUDEST in the room. By producing the most unique, sometimes insane, beers possible. See “glitter beer”, “pancake beer”, most “pastry stouts” in your search engine of choice for examples of this. Just so happens that these LOUD beers also garner the highest ratings and sell the fastest. Compare highest ratings of “Extra Special Bitter” and “Imperial Stout” on any ratings website/app… highest rated Imperial Stouts brewed with adjuncts and aged in spirit barrels will consistently pull in 4.5-5 stars, whereas the highest rated classic styles will be lucky to pull in 3.5-4 stars.<br /><br />This arms race to produce the most insane beers to garner the most attention has, in my opinion, usurped the creative fun of the homebrewer. Craft brewers chase notoriety, social media followers, Untappd beer ratings, and taproom sales projections by utilizing such extreme forms of creativity. It just is not as exciting for most people to reproduce a product that has already been made. It is not as exciting for most people to travel previously charted territory. Most homebrewers, I would venture to guess, did not get into homebrewing to produce the most technical beers they could produce. They got into homebrewing to produce beer that nobody else was producing.<br /><br />So, in a craft beer industry that pushes the creative limits at an exponential race to madness… what draw does the current homebrewer have to dive deep into the hobby?<br /><br />For me… I hope to make the quietest beers in the room. What brings me the most joy is, giving the middle finger to the creative arms race, brewing beer that reminds me of the American craft beer market circa 2008. Core styles of beer brewed exceptionally well. Simple beer. Fresh beer. Beer flavored beer. Social media following, beer ratings, sales figures be damned! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09815120389995461694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-40503341075667242142019-02-11T04:23:32.654-05:002019-02-11T04:23:32.654-05:00Stimulating post. I am enjoying the comments as we...Stimulating post. I am enjoying the comments as well as the original post. I am in my 4th year of home brewing and it is definitely a big part of my life. <br /><br />Personally, this past year, I did not brew nearly as often as previous years. I think maybe 4 or 5 times total vs once a month previously. Part of this was due to moving to night shift. This puts a lost day in every weekend and leaves me scrambling to meet personal obligations (obligations may be the wrong term) to my wife and home.<br /><br />To my motivation for commenting: I love brewing! I love the quiet diligence it requires. I love the art of creation and learning from the failures. My greatest reward is not that of my own palate, but the palate of those who try my work. When I pour my beer for someone and they ask if there is enough for another.<br /><br />I love learning different styles and know that brewing one specific style as an exercise is a strong learning/training practice but find myself all over the place just because there are so many wonderful styles out there and I want to crack the process.<br /><br />Process; this, I believe, is the driver for the trend. I don't feel many have the patience for the process. Even in my work place, there SOP's for a reason. I find fewer and fewer are familiar with these processes. <br /><br />Back to brewing: brewing requires process. Processes take time, focus and diligence. And most of all- patience.<br /><br />I believe patience may be the ultimate reason. In the 90's there was a sort of 2nd generation hippie thing- the non-political parts. Being mellow, creating art, etc. It was everywhere. <br /><br />Now it seams everyone is focused on themselves and their need to be wherever (physically or existentially) immediately.<br /><br />So, I'll ask, is patience a player in the decline?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06371368004405591319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-26219279322488303882019-02-03T21:39:57.632-05:002019-02-03T21:39:57.632-05:00OK so I'm going to preface this with the fact ...OK so I'm going to preface this with the fact that I'm drunk. I home brew 10 gallon batches around 5-6 times/yr. I agree that there are a million choices for commercially made beer and I see that could be a reason for not homebrewing but when I go to Binnys or wherever I feel so overwhelmed that I usually don't pick up anything at all! Sure there may be tons of amazing beer waiting for me there on the shelf but I'm in an analysis paralysis mode. I'll just pick up a pack of beer from a brewery I know and trust and leave the other (probably awesome) beers behind. Plus I wish more breweries would list their "packaged on" date, esp for IPA. <br /><br />I'm still very interested in making my own beer and it's never crazy bret or fruit. I just want to make good beer that's FRESH! <br /><br />As far as why the hobby waxes and wanes, I'm not sure and I'll leave that up to smarter people like you. I do tie homebrewing in with the DIY culture. I smoke meat, make my own pizza dough, extract herbs for tinctures, and garden like a mfker. I lump that all in with homebrewing. <br /><br />Sorry for the nonsense post. Love your site!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05483057602771236483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-82246487748204944212019-02-03T20:19:52.004-05:002019-02-03T20:19:52.004-05:00Greetings,
I am not in a position to comment on ...Greetings, <br /><br />I am not in a position to comment on the community at large. I am one of the little people. My personal experience aligns with some of what you suggest. I started brewing in the late 90's. I was motivated by an interest in the process and trying beer styles I could not easily purchase. At the time I lived in the southeast which meant I had the space to brew and relatively limited access to a variety of styles. I moved to Germany. I didn't have the space to brew and I figured, "hey, I am in Germany...why brew?". After about a year I had to figure out a way to brew a few batches because I missed "West Coast" style beers. I moved to the deep south. Again, I had the space and less access to craft beer. That was my most productive homebrewing period but I was totally dependent on online shops. I moved to California. I had limited space, my job demanded more of my time and I had nearly unlimited access to great beer. I brewed one time in three years and that was only because I could actually drive to MoreBeer and I figured I had to do it at least once. After that I returned to the south....well, Texas. I have the space and I am brewing again but these days I brew 3 or 4 core house beers and the rest is as you said; grocery stores, specialty bottle shops/bars, and probably at least 30 tasting rooms within a few hours. I still love the hobby. I read all the books/blogs/mags and listen to all the podcasts but when the weekend comes it is just too easy to try (buy) something great I heard about rather than devoting a big chunk of the weekend to brewing. <br /><br />I started with Mr. Beer. Quickly moved to Denny's stainless braid cooler and a bayou classic pot. Then on to Blichmann Boilcoils, chillers, grainmills, 6 tap keezers, computer controlled ferment chambers, etc., etc. Last year my wife bought me a Grainfather for my birthday. I probably would not be brewing today if she didn't (perhaps accidentally) realize that I needed to simplify my process in order to continue enjoying the hobby. Brulosophy Short & Shoddy and Basic Brewing Video quick 6 packs episodes motivate me the most these days. <br /><br />Sorry, don't know why I am spilling my brewing life story on your page. I really appreciate your work. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17340610933139369089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-79115278289610826092019-02-01T17:55:13.421-05:002019-02-01T17:55:13.421-05:00RE: automated wort production, if only there was a...RE: automated wort production, if only there was a cheaper way to EXTRACT that sweet goodness from grain...<br /><br />Also, I think the next big wave in homebrewing is going to be just that, home brewing. Why do we need to be replicating commercial brewing. ( Who cares about mash efficiency when all you're talking about is +/- a pound or two of grain. What more important is consistency between batches. ) It may be milking the regional funk or replicating Scandinavian brewing techniques or brewing with regional ingredients. We'll be creating regional variants of farmhouse or country estate beers based on local water, available fermentation temps, and available ingredients. <br /><br />For me, a home without fermentation is just a building that you sleep in.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />JasonBrew Northhttp://brewnorthmn.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-31125592920304607162019-02-01T14:00:24.527-05:002019-02-01T14:00:24.527-05:00I don't that Homebrewing is at decline. Instea...I don't that Homebrewing is at decline. Instead I think that, as you said, the diversion is over.<br />You can learn anything on the Internet, from play guitar to make cheese at home. But , man, you'll never make quality music or divine homebrew without inspiration and love for it!<br />That's why I think who loves the process will never give up.Marcos Juniorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12347788296630774293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-20399338887321645792019-01-31T18:46:05.529-05:002019-01-31T18:46:05.529-05:00I agree with MF to an extent but, if my homebrew c...I agree with MF to an extent but, if my homebrew club is any type example (THIRSTY HOMEBREW, Iowa City, IA), we continually expand and contract, but mostly expand. Tastes change and brewing techniques seem to get more involved, but the interest and growth is still there. <br /><br />Some homebrewers who were members of my club did cite the availability of more styles/craft brews as reasons they brew less or stopped brewing, but at least double that number said they were inspired to start or continue to brew by the craft brewing industry. I know that I am continualy amazed at the ingenuity and creativeness of my fellow brewers. I have been brewing for over 20 years and still learn new things at every meeting/gathering of homebrewers, or brewery tour that I take. Although this might make my wife cry to hear it, I plan to brew (and drink the beer I brew!) until I am physically unable to do so.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Gary GavinAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17367060344446495124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-11018556431090876922019-01-31T15:40:46.949-05:002019-01-31T15:40:46.949-05:00All good points. Much truth in them all, but let m...All good points. Much truth in them all, but let me add this. As a 3rd generation home brewer, I have turned many people onto the fun of home brewing, met many who used to homebrew, and met many more who want to but are scared to start. My local homebrew shops are well staffed and friendly. I have served my beer at craft beer festival's and it seems the homebrewers section are always the busiest area. That said, I went to the meeting of the largest homebrew club in January of this year and was one of 3 new people, yet not a soul other than one other new guy even spoke. The president of the club took time to speak since I know him and that was about the hard press I was giving to the Craft Beer Assoc to let in homebrewers. The next week he announced his club would be serving THEIR homebrew and the fight was over for the club because THEY had gotten in, leaving all others out. Part of the problem is the homebrewers themselves are not as welcoming as many in the past. Just my 2 cents......brew..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10230806143322659871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-74094111839560331382019-01-31T11:12:04.101-05:002019-01-31T11:12:04.101-05:00Hi Mike! As usual, this is a well-reasoned comment...Hi Mike! As usual, this is a well-reasoned commentary with supporting empirical data behind it. I would also add that Ron Rivers from Love2Brew discusses all the market forces specifically in homebrewing and in the larger information economy in Episode 042 of the Brulosophy podcast https://soundcloud.com/brulosophy/episode-042-state-of-the-homebrew-industry<br /><br />I own a LHBS and we deal with all of the same issues Ron discusses, and also many of the issues you bring up in this post. Our HBC has solid membership but we only seem to recruit one or two new, relatively young members per year.Jose Quinoneshttps://www.broadwaybrewsupply.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-25696165111820441092019-01-31T06:47:16.363-05:002019-01-31T06:47:16.363-05:00Homebrewing is getting expensive. It's easier ...Homebrewing is getting expensive. It's easier to buy beer then to make it. Even Target and Walmart sell craft beer now. I have a better job and make more money than in 2007. I cut way back on homebrewing as a result.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-91067272214075393982019-01-31T04:53:36.617-05:002019-01-31T04:53:36.617-05:00"triple hopped imperial double decocted lacto..."triple hopped imperial double decocted lacto infused lactose sweetened ginger carrot imperial Berliner pastry weiss"<br /><br />I'd try that :-)Humebrewhttps://humebrew.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-65598317994905414992019-01-30T22:35:20.741-05:002019-01-30T22:35:20.741-05:00I feel that the major decrease in homebrewing is t...I feel that the major decrease in homebrewing is that fact that everyone is out for instant gratification today. Everyone has gotten so used to having everything at their fingertips. (That is why all the new fully automated brewing systems have hit the market, making is faster and easier). Well home brewing is not an instant gratification hobby. Brewing beer is 75 to 80% cleaning and sanitation, 10 to 15% waiting (fermentation) the remaining time is brewing.<br /><br />You also must have room to homebrew and a place to ferment. Living in an apartment does have limitations, but I know several great home brewers who live in apartment.<br /><br />I love to brew beer! I dream about brewing. Yes, I dream about brewing! Home brewing has became a very large part of my life and has been a rewarding hobby. <br /><br />At the end of the day it all falls back on us. We must continue to homebrew, share our knowledge and educate others in homebrewing. <br /><br />Mike, I have always enjoyed your page and have learned a lot from you page, and many, many others out there. Keep up the great work my friend.<br /><br />Ronnie<br />RWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13055419612179010975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-2014049320684858642019-01-30T20:09:28.482-05:002019-01-30T20:09:28.482-05:00It's cyclical, most of the human experience is...It's cyclical, most of the human experience is. Economies are. Nations are. However Papazzian's hbc address strikes at the root, one root of many, the hobby is often seen as nerdery, work, expensive, clannish, or a plethora of other things that are not what a hobby should be... FUN! To that end I'd say shops and clubs should be focused more on fun simple beer and less on the humongous gadgety home brewery and triple hopped imperial double decocted lacto infused lactose sweetened ginger carrot imperial Berliner pastry weiss. Fun, make it fun, simple, rewarding, and not so clickish/clannish. Murray McCainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10274426704109609787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066877917844499643.post-1810544835015736652019-01-30T19:50:35.560-05:002019-01-30T19:50:35.560-05:00I'd disagree with one assertion in your well p...I'd disagree with one assertion in your well put post. We are not working more, we are working less. Just 150 years ago no one except kings and dukes or some such had the means to vacation. Now people on varying degrees of assistance, as in the poorest of American society, manage occasional vacation albeit with family help often playing a part. In 2014 iirc we passed the threshold of more dollars being spent on eating out than on home cooking/food. People are at home less, but it's due to disposable income rising, not working more hours per se. Generally as you point out economic strain boosts homebrewing which the data supports, but you also argue that due to economic strain people are working more with less true. They can't generally be true can they?(not to make a binary argument it's clearly a sliding scale)<br /><br />I say this as someone who works 2 jobs while planning a brewery, studying for tests to keep my job, serving a family with an autistic child, and a child and wife with autoimmune issues. I've got a lot on me but it isn't the reason I homebrew. I homebrew to save money and because it's a passion. Like Mike homebrewing changed my life!Murray McCainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10274426704109609787noreply@blogger.com