Big Brew 2023 this Saturday

On Saturday, May 6, a couple of West Virginia homebrew clubs will be holding brewing events for Big Brew for National Homebrew Day. Homebrew-curious folks and club members are invited to attend.

Big Brew is the annual event established by the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) to celebrate homebrewing. Big Brew is an opportunity for homebrewers to gather and share their love and knowledge of brewing with family and friends, and then celebrate National Homebrew Day together.

AHA announced that their official recipe for Big Brew 2023 is Nearly Nirvana Pale Ale. The inspiration behind this recipe is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which has maintained popularity since its release in 1980 as a hop-forward, yet balanced beer in a world dominated by light lagers. AHA calls this year’s recipe “delicious and approachable for homebrewers of all experience levels.”

Homebrewers who brew the special beer can access a free downloadable and printable bottle label made exclusively for the Big Brew celebration and Nearly Nirvana Pale Ale. This recipe and thousands of others can be found on the AHA’s website, along with homebrewing tutorials and techniques for beginners and experienced brewers alike. Get started with these helpful tips and videos.

Greater Huntington Homebrewers Association

GHHA president, Jane Zalewski, says the club will be brewing and celebrating at her house in Proctorville, Ohio, on Saturday. Club members, guests, and other folks interested in homebrewing are welcome. 

“Stop by and share a beer with us,” Jane says.  “We will be brewing the official Big Brew Beer: Nearly Nirvana Pale Ale.”

Mash in will start at 10:00 AM, with sparging starting at 11:00 AM.  Boiling should be done by 1:00 PM.  Come early and help brew or show up later to celebrate National Homebrew Day.  GHHA will provide a pot of chili and some beers for sharing. Bring other foods, snacks, and beers for a pot luck lunch.
Time:  10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:  214 Township Road 1089, Proctorville, OH  
Phone:  304-654-2527 for directions and questions

Kanawha Valley Homebrew Club

KVHC president Chris Brown invites Charleston area homebrewers to their club’s Big Brew Day gathering on Saturday, May 6, at Charleston Nano-Brewery.

Brown announced that their club members will be assisting the Charleston Nano brewer in brewing an American stout. That beer will then age in a whiskey barrel donated by Smooth Ambler Spirits. The BBA stout is expected to be on tap at Charleston Nano this coming December or January.

Interested persons are invited to come to Charleston Nano to watch and learn about the brewing process, while having some delicious Nano-Brewery beers.

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (or later)
Location: 320 Washington St. West, Charleston, WV