Speaker on Home Brew -- Gabe Jackson

Faced with a choice to continue a successful career in accounting or give it all up to become a home brewer of beer -- the decision was clear for Gabe and Linda Jackson.  Beer!  As a Sonoma State history and accounting major, who had always had a fascination for home fermentation -- beer, wine, cheese -- the opportunity to leave his job in general accounting and make his long time hobby a promising career, had strong appeal for this enterprising young man.

Home brewing of beer and wine became legal in 1979 and is now legitimate in all 50 states.  This has given rise to beer clubs like The Beverage People, whose members mentor and train potential home brewers.  Jackson reports that a 2013 demographic study by the Home Brewers Association reports 1.2 million home brewers countrywide.  The average US brewer is between 30 and 49 years of age with three kids.  And their products make up 1% of the country's annual beer production and boast an income of $70,000 or more.

The challenge, Jackson advises, is to find out how many different beers you can brew out of malt, hops and yeast.  The North Bay is particularly known for its hops. The renowned brew, Pliny the Elder, features a special hybrid of local hops.  And new brewing options, such as oranges and other exotic resources, create a "ton of fun" for the home brewer, recommends Jackson. in closing Jackson challenges those who may tire of golf or fly fishing to turn to this source of creativity and productivity, promising that a keg could net $90, after initial capital expenses for essential equipment.  And Rotarian Warren Smith quipped that both golf and fly fishing will surely drive one to drink!