Colorado: 2nd in the Nation for home breweries --beer making is a popular hobby around here

About 15 years ago, I got my first brewmaking kit for christmas. I made beer for friends and family for about 5 years and loved it. It was a great challenge and a social endeavor. We moved to a place where nobody had the interest or ingredients so I quit making beer.

This December, my son Taylor took my place. My brother and I got him set up with all the equipment and spent time over the holiday teaching him all the steps. My brother Dan is also a very good brewmaster. Although I had switched to red wine as my drink of choice, I reverted for those few days.... good homebrew is hard to beat.

Colorado is 2nd in the nation for homebrewers per capita... a popular hobby. And, Denver ranks #1 in the nation for the number of homebrewers per capita. Brew shops are popping up everywhere with supplies, grains, malts, and a bevy of recipes folks are eager to share.

Many of the craft beer makers or microbreweries purchase the recipes from these home brewers as they compete in local and regional beer making contests. A friend of my brothers has had two beer recipes sponsored by retail brewers in Wyoming and Colorado.

Here is Salida Co, a town of only 5500, we have our own brew shop! Chuck at Roxy's Bottle Shop has made his own beer for over 15 years. He recently opened a brew shop in town and has enough expertise to answer all your questions whether you are a seasoned brewmaster or a beginner.

It is always fun to connect with local experts... here is a list of all the brew clubs in Colorado. (Our closest is the one in Buena Vista and the one in Howard). Be careful...these folks are pretty passionate about brewmaking and you may spend some time chatting!