Perhaps you received a home-brewing kit this past Christmas. Maybe learning to brew is your New Year’s Resolution for 2017. Either way, you’ve gathered buckets, tubing, and hops. Along with one question: What to do next?
For many beginning home-brewers, first batches are nerve-racking. No matter how carefully you follow directions, who knows how that first bottle will taste? Fortunately, there’s an excellent club that wants to help guide your way: the Westchester Homebrewers Organization.
W.H.O. President Chris Kulk (below) explains the reason he brews. “I homebrew for the pride of creating my own beer…and sharing the fruits of my labor with friends and family.”
Born in January 2008, the W.H.O. began with a dozen members (and now has about 80), from brewing novices to seasoned veterans interested in sharing suds and advice. And yes, friendships are also made.
The W.H.O.’s VP, Bobby Slanzi, describes the environment best: “Hearing honest and educated opinions about your beer makes us all better brewers.”
What to expect when you join the W.H.O.? Meetings consist of discussions of beer styles and all the aspects of brewing. Afterward, homebrews are shared and critiqued as plans for picnics, group-brewing sessions, and brewery tours are made. The club has visited numerous area breweries, including Peekskill Brewery, Yonkers Brewing Company, Broken Bow Brewery, Sloop Brewing Company, Defiant Brewing Company, and Gun Hill Brewing Company. Dues are $25 per year.
Ultimately, the W.H.O. is not a place people go to get drunk. Its mission: the creation of a supportive, educational, and responsible environment where brewers can share their latest creations – and discuss their newest ideas.
Interested? The W.H.O. meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month at the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford. New members are encouraged to attend.