Celebrate The American Homebrewers Association's Big Brew Tomorrow

By Lorna Juett in Food on May 3, 2013 8:30PM

Photo by DawgDawn.

Every year, the American Homebrewers Association urges members and homebrew enthusiasts from around the world to brew something on the first Saturday in May, and to join in a simultaneous toast to homebrewers everywhere. This is known as “The Big Brew,” and it’s happening this Saturday.

While you can take part in this event anywhere you like, including your apartment, garage, best friend’s basement, or your backyard, there is one official gathering happening this Saturday in Chicago at CHAOS Brew Club. They plan to serve up spicy tacos and over 20 different home brews. There will also be a brewing demonstration. The event is for members only, and starts at 4p.m. Not a member? A $25 60-day trial membership grants you access to the party, classes, the brew house, and equipment.

If you can’t make it to CHAOS, but plan on brewing, the AHA recommends you choose official Big Brew recipe, which were culled from the 7th annual Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition, and include a recipe from Wheeling’s AHA Chapter, The Brewers of South Suburbia, for their English style dark mild, brewed at RAM Restaurant and Brewery.

Finally, the simultaneous toast. At Noon, you must raise a glass of homebrewed beer at noon for a toast to homebrewing, and to homebrewers around the world. While you might not start drinking before some of the more die-hard Cinco De Mayo revelers who are looking for any excuse to day drink, you can take your afternoon nap assured that your beer buzz is for a worthy cause.

Chaos Brew Club is located at 329 W. Grand Ave.