Abilenians can brew their own suds

By DOUG WILLIAMSON / Business Editor

The Coors family and 1,000 Abilene area residents have something in common.

They all brew beer.

Coors does it at commercial breweries around the nation. The local folks do it in their kitchens, garages and backyards.

More than 2.5 million Americans brew beer at home, said William Canada, who owns Canada Homebrew Supply in Abilene. The average homebrewer is a college-educated, white male between 25-40 with an average income of $35,000-50,000 annually.

There is a variety of reasons folks brew their own.

"People just get tired of the taste of the same old beers -- Coors, Coors Light and Bud," said Canada. "They want better taste, and they find it by brewing their own. They are proud to show off their creations.

Rob Gwilt, who co-owns Brew Masters in Abilene with his father Bob, said, "It tastes a whole lot better. We see a lot of folks, particularly ones from Dyess (Air Force Base) who have traveled around the world and experienced a great number of different kinds of beer, getting interested in homebrewing. It is also very popular among local college students -- from all three colleges."

Canada said, "Ninety-five percent of the guys brew the beer because of the (high) cost of the style of beer they love."

No taxes are paid on the homebrewed beer, since it is not sold. So, it is a bargain.

"You can brew a case for as little as $3," Bob Gwilt said.

He said customers can replicate their favorite commercial beers.

Homebrewed beer is "better for you. All the vitamins, minerals and proteins are still in there. You don't get that with commercial beer," Bob Gwilt said. "I've never had a hangover form a homebrew."

Canada's store has been open for two years and Brew Masters has been operating 14 months.

Business in Abilene is getting better every month, while the market nationally "is kind of flat or on the down hill," he said. "It peaked four or five years ago."

Canada advises those who are new to the hobby to read about it and talk to someone who is experienced in homebrewing.

The cost to get started ranges from $100-$150, Bob Gwilt said. That price would purchase a deluxe kit.

The natural ingredients and water, along with some equipment is all that's needed.

"Abilene water is great for brewing. We carbon filter it to get the chlorine out, but then we add back some more minerals. Reverse osmosis water also is good. If your water tastes good to you, your beer will taste good.

Abilene has its own homebrewing club. Bible Belt Brewers meets the third Saturday each month at Brew Masters, 426 Butternut. Twenty to 30 people come to the meetings.

"It's not a bunch of drunks getting together to get drunk. We have education programs, teaching us about the various techniques and ingredients for homebrewing," Canada said.

Canada is a much decorated home brewer. Several of his concoctions have won prices from the American Home Brewers Association and in competitions locally and regionally. He's been doing it at home for 20 years.

Canada has expanding his company into a worldwide mail order business.

"Eventually, Abilene might support a brew pub where the suds would be brewed on the premises and served there," Canada said.

Both the Gwilts and Canada said they are interested in opening up such an establishment.

Canada describes the hobby as both a science and an art.

"It is scientific because of the formulas for the yeast, malts and hops. It is an art because a brewer can put his own touch into it. You can put anything in there and make just about any kind of flavor," he said.

Neither retailer sells the supplies and kits to minors, even though there is not law prohibiting it. Owners at both stores said the moral issue was very important to them.

Neither business has experienced any negative feedback from the community, the owners said.

Both stores promote responsible drinking. Designated drivers are assigned for the club meetings.