The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) Big Brew Day is an annual event originally celebrated by homebrewers across the United States. However, in recent years, Homebrewers from all around the world have come together to celebrate. It typically takes place on the first Saturday in May as part of American Craft Beer Week, which is a nationwide celebration of the culture and community surrounding craft beer.
The history of Big Brew Day can be traced back to 1998, when the American Homebrewers Association organised the first National Homebrew Day. This event aimed to promote homebrewing as a hobby and celebrate the legalisation of homebrewing in the United States. Prior to 1978, homebrewing was illegal in the U.S. due to Prohibition-era laws, but in 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed H.R. 1337, which legalised homebrewing for personal use. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that it was legal in every US state, almost 100 years after prohibition made homebrewing illegal in the USA.
National Homebrew Day quickly gained popularity among homebrewers, and in 2002, the AHA officially designated the first Saturday in May as the annual National Homebrew Day. The event was later renamed Big Brew Day to reflect the large-scale brewing sessions that take place at breweries, homebrew shops, and private residences across the country.
During Big Brew Day, homebrewers come together to brew beer, share knowledge and techniques, and foster a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. Many participants brew the same recipe simultaneously, creating a diverse array of beers while also showcasing the creativity and versatility of homebrewing. Many commercial brewers have a Big Brew Day event where they will brew a wort and allow homebrewers to collect a fermenter load to then ferment at home.
Over the years, Big Brew Day has grown into one of the largest homebrewing events in the world, with thousands of participants coming together each year to celebrate their shared passion for brewing. It serves as a testament to the vibrant and thriving homebrewing community and highlights homebrewers’ important role in the craft beer movement.
This year is no different, with five Star Wars-themed official recipes produced by the AHA and this year’s official sponsors, Rahr and Lallemand.
ABV: 5-6% IBU: 25 SRM: 16 OG: 1.053 (13°P) FG: 1.008 (2°P)
Step into the murky depths of flavour with Degobah Dunkel, a brew inspired by the mystical swamps of a galaxy far, far away. Embrace the rich, dark side of this traditional German-style Dunkel, as roasted malts intertwine with hints of caramel and chocolate. Let the Force guide your palate, transporting you to a place where Jedi wisdom and the dark side dwell.
May the wort be with you.
AHA Link: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/degobah-dunkel/
GF Community Link: https://community.grainfather.com/recipes/1087787
Jabba Juice Hazy IPA
ABV: 6.6% IBU: 30 SRM: 2-4 OG: 1.064 (15.7°P) FG: 1.014 (3.6°P)
This New England-style Hazy IPA will transport you to a galaxy far, far away. The combination of Comet, Eclipse, and Galaxy hop additions bring notes of sweet citrus, peach, and passionfruit that will tickle your palette like the gentle hum of a lightsaber.
May the wort be with you.
AHA Link: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/jabba-juice-hazy-ipa/
GF Community Link: https://community.grainfather.com/recipes/1087785
ABV: 4.5% IBU: 60-65 SRM: 5 OG: 1.042 (10.5°P)
This recipe was designed by homebrewer Andrew Saunders and adapted by Big Brew 2024 sponsor Rahr Malting Co. Inspired by the Star Wars original trilogy, the Pop Culture Brews podcast (2019-2021) crew set out on an intergalactic mission to create beer recipes inspired by episodes IV, V, and VI.
For the final episode in the trilogy—Return of the Jedi (1983)—Pop Culture Brews cohost Andrew Sanders crafted a pale ale recipe reminiscent of Endor. This forest moon is home to the furry and ferocious Ewoks. Andrew wanted Return of the Jedi Pale Ale to have more piney and earthy hop notes to reflect the forest setting of the final battle between the Rebels and the evil Empire. As a result, Return of the Jedi Pale Ale uses the same grist as A New Hope Pale Ale, but changes the dry hop additions to Simcoe and Chinook for a more West Coast-style hop.
May the wort be with you.
AHA Link: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/return-of-the-jedi-pale-ale/
GF Community Link: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/return-of-the-jedi-pale-ale/
ABV: 5.5% IBU: ~75 SRM: 30-35 OG: 1.052 (12.9°P)
This recipe was designed by homebrewer Paul Crowther and adapted by Big Brew 2024 sponsor Rahr Malting Co.
Inspired by the Star Wars original trilogy, the Pop Culture Brews podcast (2019-2021) crew set out on an intergalactic mission to create beer recipes inspired by episodes IV, V, and VI.
For the second episode in the trilogy—The Empire Strikes Back (1980)—Pop Culture Brews cohost Paul Crowther (aka The Mad Brewer) created a beer recipe that captures the film’s darker, more sinister tone.
Adding Carafa III, a dark-roasted barley, makes the recipe darker (~45 SRM) and instils some mild roasted notes in the aftertaste. While this beer is impenetrably dark compared to its Episode IV predecessor, The Empire Strikes Back Dark Ale is still bursting full of Citra hop flavour, reflecting the lighter moments of Episode V. It shows how easy it is to go to the Dark Side.
May the wort be with you.
AHA Link: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/the-empire-strikes-back-dark-ale/
GF Community Link: https://community.grainfather.com/recipes/1087776
ABV: 4.85% IBU: ~75 SRM: 4-5 OG: 1.043 (10.7°P)
This recipe was designed by homebrewer Tyler Maybee and adapted by Big Brew 2024 sponsor Rahr Malting Co.
Inspired by the Star Wars original trilogy, the Pop Culture Brews podcast (2019-2021) crew set out on an intergalactic mission to create beer recipes inspired by episodes IV, V, and VI.
For the first episode in the trilogy—A New Hope (1977)—Pop Culture Brews cohost Tyler Maybee developed an American-style pale ale showcasing Citra hops. This lively pale is as bright as Tatooine’s twin suns, Luke’s home planet. Each sip is as refreshing as the last, making it perfect for the desert planet.
Coming in under 5% ABV, A New Hope Pale is the kind of beer you would be drinking at Mos Eisley Cantina, the wretched hive of scum and villainy on Tatooine.
May the wort be with you.
AHA Link: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/a-new-hope-pale-ale/
GF Community Link: https://community.grainfather.com/recipes/1087774
