Homebrewing is the hobby you can drink.
It is the hobby that doesn't leave a lot of extraneous stuff lying around. Sure, you may have shelves and bins full of equipment, but when the brew is done, drunk, and gone, there really isn't a whole lot left. There may be a few empty bottles (or if you are really lucky or skilled) a few empty kegs lying around. Those get recycled or re-used. Scone pointed this out last night after the clean-up was done. Homebrewing doesn't leave a lot of "stuff" behind. And that is a good thing.
Beer isn't meant to linger. Sure there are some brews that you can cellar and take out for vertical tastings. Most brew, commercial, craft, or otherwise, is meant to be enjoyed while fresh and delicious. Beer doesn't have sulfites. It might have a lot of hops. It might not. Unless you are shipping beer half way around the world by sailing vessel, beer produced at brewery A should arrive at bar/shelf B in a few days or a few weeks after it is done. Beer is brewed, fermented, contained, shipped, and enjoyed. Repeat as necessary, preferably often.
So, how much time and money can you save as a homebrewer? Slim to none, and Slim just left town. Seriously, you might break even if the volume and rate of brewing reach a certain level. Homebrewers enjoy brewing and the camaraderie. They enjoy making and sharing the beer they made. They enjoy the "big fish" stories -- the brew that got away. But most of us certainly aren't saving or making money.
We do it because we it are passionate about good beer.
What is the difference between homebrewers and craft brewers? Craft brewers have made their hobby and passion the avocation they hope others will drink and enjoy.
Did I mention that homebrewing is the hobby you can drink? I'm thirsty.
Jeff Riehm, a.k.a Cupcake
"Give a man a beer, waste an hour. Teach a man to brew, and waste a lifetime!" -- Bill Owen
Drinking beer is like making love, it is only satisfying when you are doing it!
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