According to semi-new demographics data from the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) — the leading organization dedicated to advancing and educating people on the hobby of homebrewing — there are currently 1.1 million people in the United States who homebrew their own beer, and 40 percent of them started the hobby within the last four years. Also, most of those folks are married or in a relationship, thus making homebrewing a thing of romance and love.
What? Too much of a stretch?
“Homebrewing, in our opinion, is the greatest hobby there is, and the state of the hobby — underscored by homebrewers’ passion, commitment and creativity [and romance!] — is strong,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “The numbers show that we have a lot to look forward to in the years ahead, as the hobby is evolving and expanding, reaching Americans in every region and every corner of the country.”
Additional highlights from the AHA’s recent survey include:
- By the end of 2017, homebrewers will have produced more than 1.4 million barrels of brew — representing 1 percent of total U.S. production.
- Homebrewers are spread across the country, with 31 percent in the South, 26 percent in the Midwest, 24 percent in the Northeast and 19 percent in the West.
- The average homebrewer is 42 years old, and 52 percent are between ages 30-49.
- Eighty-five percent are married or in a domestic partnership.
- Sixty-eight percent have a college degree or some form of higher education, and nearly 68 percent have household incomes of $75,000 or more.
- The AHA commissioned 1st Resource, a market research firm, to conduct the online survey from July 21 to September 22, with over 18,000 participants, consisting of both AHA and non-AHA affiliated individuals.
The American Homebrewers Association provided this article and infographic. Go become a member right over here.
