Big Brew 2026

Big Brew, the annual Bay Area Society of Homebrewers (B.A.S.H.) celebration of National Homebrew Day was held on Saturday, May 2 at B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, beginning about 11:00 am. Two demonstration brews were produced from recipes provided by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Chris Ackman brewed a 5-gallon partial mash version of the “Dark Cellar” Imperial Stout, assisted by Jason Fransham, Cary Blocker and Adrian Rodriguez. Jay Porterfield and crew (Doug

Funk, David Funk Jimmy Mellard) brewed a 10-gallon partial mash version of the “George and Aaron’s” Pre-Prohibition Porter. Treasurer Walt Crawford was like a whirling dervish, signing up new members and collecting early dues for the upcoming 2026 – 2027 fiscal year which begins in July. The only casualty was Doug’s splash stain on his blue jeans.

At high noon, club president Vic Aguilar led us in the global synchronized toast to homebrewing. We feasted on B&J’s delicious pizza during the afternoon. Bartender Luna filled our glasses with cold draft beer.

The brewing and cleanup wrapped up by about 4:30 p.m. Chris and Jay took the brews home to add yeast. Join us at the July meeting to sample the results!

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events: (NOTE: EXCEPT FOR MAY OR CONFLICTS WITH EASTER, MEETINGS ARE (ALMOST) ALWAYS ON THE 2 ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH)

• 10-May-26: Mother’s Day

• 17-May-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Ormrod)

• 14-June-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (Walt/Judy Crawford hosted by Jason/Joelle Fransham, pool party, competition: British Bitter (BJCP 11A-C))

• 12-Jul-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (pool party? B&J’s Pizza?)

• 9-Aug-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, pool party?, competition: IPA (BJCP 21 A-C))

• 13-Sep-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner)

• 11-Oct-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, competition: High Gravity Challenge > 10% ABV)

• 8-Nov-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, competition: Spiced Beer (BJCP 30 A-D))

• 13-Dec-26: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host)

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Thank you B&J’s for hosting and keeping us supplied with cold beer!