Jim Koch - Boston Beer addresses homebrewers

Jim Koch at Homebrewers Conference, Cincinnati

Jim Koch, CEO and founder of the Boston Beer Company/Sam Adams spoke as the keynote speaker to nearly 1,000 homebrewers yesterday afternoon.  His parents and other family live in the Cincinnati area where he brews a significant amount of Sam Adams and other beers at his Cincinnati brewery.   Jim grew up in this area before establishing his career in Boston.  

Here are a few points me brought up during his presentation:  “Never in the 8,000 year history of brewing has there probably been 1,000 brewers in one room like there are today….The individuals in this room are living a special time and will change the course of brewing history for years to come…”   Jim recognized the extraordinary creativity of homebrewers and what they have contributed to the culture of beer not only in America, but worldwide.  He reminded everyone that at least once a year he still homebrews with his now 10 and 12 year old daughters.   Before he began the Boston Beer Company his was homebrewing the resurrected family recipe for beer in his kitchen.    “I made quite a mess and eventually my first wife divorced me.  That was okay because she got the house, but I got the brewery.” 

“Homebrewers are inventing the styles of beer that will be the popular beers of the future.   You are like chefs making plates of food…  I digress, but I did have a beer brewed in a Tabasco barrel the other day.   It was going in a good direction…”

The American Homebrewers Association’s National Conference winds up today with the announcement of the winners of the National Homebrew Competition. Winners will be posted this evening on beertown.