The Current State of Homebrewing: A Hobby in Flux

Homebrewing, the age-old practice of crafting beer at home, has experienced significant shifts over the past few years. While some enthusiasts argue that the hobby is in decline, others highlight the unprecedented access to advanced technology and more affordable equipment that makes homebrewing more accessible and enjoyable than ever. Let's delve into the current state of homebrewing, examining the factors contributing to its perceived decline and the counterarguments showcasing its resilience and growth.

Is Homebrewing in Decline?

Economic Factors

One of the primary reasons cited for the decline in homebrewing is economic pressure. The cost of living has risen significantly in many parts of the world, leaving people with less disposable income to spend on hobbies. 

Homebrewing, while potentially cost-saving in the long run, requires an initial investment in equipment and ingredients that can be a barrier to entry for some. Additionally, the rising cost of raw materials, such as hops, malt and yeast, has made homebrewing more expensive.

Time Constraints

Modern life is busier than ever, with many people juggling demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Homebrewing is a time-intensive hobby, requiring several hours for brewing, fermenting, packaging and of course cleaning. For those with limited free time, finding the hours needed to brew can be challenging. This has led some to abandon the hobby in favor of more time-efficient activities.

Shifting Interests

The craft beer boom of the early 2000s saw a surge in homebrewing as enthusiasts sought to replicate their favorite brews at home. However, as the craft beer market has matured, with thousands of breweries offering a wide variety of styles, some homebrewers have shifted their focus to exploring commercial options. The convenience of purchasing high-quality craft beer has, for some, outweighed the appeal of brewing it themselves.

Impact of Craft Brewery Closures

In recent years, the craft beer industry has faced significant challenges, leading to a notable increase in brewery closures. For the first time, more craft breweries are shutting down than opening up. In 2023 alone, over 385 craft breweries closed their doors in the United States. This trend has been driven by several factors, including rising costs of raw materials, labor, and distribution, as well as changing consumer preferences.

The closure of craft breweries can have a ripple effect on the homebrewing community. Many homebrewers draw inspiration from local craft breweries, experimenting with similar styles and techniques. The loss of these breweries can diminish the sense of community and reduce the availability of unique ingredients and supplies that homebrewers often rely on. Additionally, the economic pressures that lead to brewery closures can also impact homebrewers, making it more challenging to afford the necessary equipment and ingredients.

Craft Brewery Closures in Australia

Australia's craft beer industry has also been hit hard, with numerous independent breweries struggling to stay afloat. In the last 12 months, more than a dozen independent local brewers, including well-known names like Deeds, Wayward, Hawkers, and Akasha, have entered voluntary administration. Rising costs, interest rate hikes, and declining consumer spending have all contributed to this trend.

Deeds Brewing was placed into voluntary administration in March 2024

One significant factor impacting Australian breweries is the ever-rising beer excise tax imposed by the federal government. The excise duty rates for alcohol are indexed twice a year, based on the upward movement of the consumer price index (CPI). This means that the cost of producing and selling beer continues to increase, putting additional financial strain on breweries. For example, the excise duty on beer is payable on the alcohol content above 1.15% by volume, and the rates have been steadily rising.

These economic pressures have forced many breweries to either close their doors or significantly scale back their operations. The impact on the homebrewing community is similar to that seen in the United States, with fewer local breweries to draw inspiration from and potentially higher costs for ingredients and supplies.

Alcohol Consumption Patterns Among Millennials and Gen Z

Millennials and Gen Z are showing distinct patterns in their alcohol consumption, which could impact the homebrewing hobby. Studies indicate that younger generations are drinking less alcohol compared to previous generations. For instance, Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are consuming about 20% less alcohol per capita than millennials did at their age. This trend is driven by several factors:

Health and Wellness Priorities: Younger generations are more health-conscious and prioritise wellness, both mental and physical. This has led to a decline in alcohol consumption as they seek healthier lifestyles.

Increased Awareness of Alcohol Risks: There is a growing awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption, including addiction and adverse health effects. Social media has played a significant role in educating younger generations about these risks.

Changing Social Norms: The social norms around drinking are shifting, with many young people choosing to socialize without alcohol. This is partly due to concerns about losing control and the potential for embarrassing moments to be shared on social media.

Economic Factors: Economic pressures also play a role, as younger generations may have less disposable income to spend on alcohol.

These trends suggest that the homebrewing community may need to adapt to the changing preferences of younger generations. This could involve creating more non-alcoholic or low-alcohol homebrews to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Counterarguments: The Resilience of Homebrewing

Technological Advancements

Despite the challenges, homebrewing has never been more accessible, thanks to technological advancements. Modern homebrewers have access to a range of high-end equipment that simplifies the brewing process and improves the quality of the final product. For example, pressure-capable plastic fermenters allow for more precise control over fermentation conditions, reducing the risk of contamination and off-flavors. 

WiFi-capable hydrometers like the RAPT Pill enable brewers to monitor specific gravity and fermentation progress remotely, providing real-time data and reducing the need for manual checks. All-in-one brewing systems like the Grainfather or BrewZilla are another notable addition, meaning homebrewers don't have the expense and physical space requirements for a 3 vessel brewing system to make quality craft beer at home.

The Grainfather is one of the leading all-in-one style brewing systems

Benefits of New Ingredients and Products

The development of new yeast strains has revolutionized homebrewing, offering brewers more control over the fermentation process and the ability to create unique flavors. Modern yeast research has led to the discovery of non-conventional yeast strains, such as Philly Sour, that can produce new and exciting flavors, as well as hybrid yeasts that combine the best traits of different species. These advancements allow homebrewers to experiment with a wider range of beer styles and achieve more consistent results.

More and more dry yeast varieties are being released as well, which have a longer shelf life and are generally easier to use than their liquid counterparts.

The introduction of new hop varieties has also had a significant impact on homebrewing. These new hops offer unique flavor and aroma profiles, allowing brewers to create beers with distinct characteristics. For example, hops like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy have become popular for their intense fruity and citrusy notes, but hop growers are constantly researching and releasing new experimental varieties. The availability of these new hop varieties has expanded the creative possibilities for homebrewers, enabling them to craft beers that stand out in a crowded market.

Community and Knowledge Sharing

The homebrewing community remains vibrant and supportive, with numerous online forums, social media groups, YouTube channels, blogs (like this one!) and local clubs where enthusiasts can share tips, recipes, and experiences. This sense of community helps new brewers overcome initial hurdles and keeps seasoned brewers engaged. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) continues to play a crucial role in promoting the hobby, organizing competitions, and providing resources for brewers of all skill levels.

Economic Benefits

While the initial investment in homebrewing equipment can be significant, many brewers find that the hobby pays for itself over time. Brewing at home can be more cost-effective than purchasing craft beer, especially for those who brew in larger batches. Additionally, homebrewers often enjoy experimenting with ingredients and recipes, creating unique brews that can't be found commercially.

Sustainability and Creativity

Homebrewing offers a sustainable alternative to commercial beer production, allowing brewers to source local ingredients and reduce packaging waste. The hobby also fosters creativity, as brewers can experiment with different styles, flavors, and techniques. This creative aspect keeps many enthusiasts engaged and passionate about brewing.

Conclusion

While homebrewing faces challenges from economic pressures, time constraints, and shifting interests, the hobby remains resilient. Technological advancements, a supportive community, and the economic and creative benefits of brewing at home continue to attract new enthusiasts and keep seasoned brewers engaged. The current state of homebrewing is one of flux, but with the right support, innovation and a (hopefully) improved economic outlook, it is poised to thrive in the years to come.