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Homebrewing
Servino/Costa
3/4/15
I’m Zach Servino for NPR. Americans are hoping on the latest trend in beer. Crafting their very
own. Homebrewing is known as the hobby in which one makes their own beer, stemming from
both consumer frustration and passion for existing product. It has been skyrocketing in the past
few years and many are taking note. They are a dedicated bunch and show their support
thoroughly. According to a survey done by the Home Brewer Association, on average, brewers
spend 800 dollars a year on supplies and 95 percent shop both online and at local homebrew
stores that are sprouting up throughout the country. Ed Costa had the opportunity to speak to
Dom who manages Homebrew and Handgrenades located in Long Island to see how business is.
SOT Full: Dom interview
Outcue: “…
Runs:
To see how other businesses are taking to the new tend; I interviewed Italian, “Nina’s
Restaurant” owner, Arty Castellano on 487 Main Street, North Port, New York. Arty says his
beer has always been the same, or similar. With 5 options on tap, and other beers kept in stock,
he elects to keep his costumers happy, offering variety. “We just want to cater to our customers,
when their happy, were happy.” Said Castellano. When asked his opinion on the Homebrew
scene, and how it fairs with his business, Arty was savvy in his response. “We take suggestions,
if something doesn’t sell, we’ll bring a different beer.” He continued to say: “Homebrewing is
just a group of passionate beer drinkers who want something tailor made for their palette.” Arty
didn’t seem too nervous about the
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Homebrewing
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phenomenon, adding, “Who knows what will come of this Homebrew trend; it could just be a
phase… maybe I’m wrong, maybe this is the calm before the storm”.
Homebrewing is affecting Main Street as much as Wall Street, with major companies taking note
of the craft beer movement. The Boston Beer company which makes Samuel Adams first started
as a homebrew beer and has grown into a 700 million dollar enterprise. The company has a wide
range of craft beers available for the most stubborn hop-head and those who want to try a new
side of beer. The self-proclaimed “King of Beers” Budweiser recently came under some heavy
backlash for a Super Bowl ad that openly mocks craft beer and the people who enjoy it. Many
critics point out the hypocrisy that while Budweiser has been on a decline for years, its parent
company, Anheuser-Busch, has been buying small craft beer companies around the country.
But where does the passion stem from? Why do so many love it? And do brewers think this is
going away anytime soon? Ed Costa got a chance to talk to a local self-proclaimed brew master
at Homebrew and Handgrenades.
SOT Full: Chris interview
Outcue: “…
Runs:
For all of us here at NPR, I’m Zach Servino. Have a good one. Est. Time: 4:00