KRISTY DENSMORE/Staff

The most prevalent argument I hear is that “good beer is just too expensive.” To this I say, “Make it yourself.”

People save money on all sorts of things by doing it themselves — learning how to fix their own cars, plumbing, computers, grow their own food, even roll their own cigarettes.

Why not make their own adult beverages?

I have been brewing my own beer for a little more than three years now. What started as an experiment with a little three-gallon hobby kit has turned into a five-fermenter operation.

Due to this, a lot of my time started being spent at one of Athens’ local home brew shops, Blockader Home Brew Supply. The shop, owned by Evan Smith, specializes in the sale of all things fermentable, and all the tools you will need.

Owning a home brew store, Smith has been privy to the ins and outs of home brew community.

“You have people from all sectors of life,” Smith said. “You have young people, old people, all levels of income.”

Smith, however, has noticed that most home brewers share some key characteristics.

“Every home brewer has a passion for drinking beer and a creative edge to experiment,” he said.

To brewers such as Smith, brewing is equally about the destination and the journey.

“It’s a science experiment you can drink,” Smith said.

More than a story, however, it’s a place of learning and meeting people of similar interest. During my growing association with the shop I have noticed it is somewhat of a dojo of zymurgy (the practice or study of fermentation).

The Athens League of Extraordinary Zymurgists (A.L.E.Z.) is the local home brew club. Through this club, I have met some amazing brewers who have helped me push myself to be a better brewer, not only through sharing tricks of the trade but also just the desire to always show off your best work.

To me, beer is so much more than just a party favor — it’s an artisanship. When I go home at the end of the day and pour beer from my homemade kegerator, I know the success (or failure) of that beer’s flavor has nearly 100 percent to do with me and my abilities (or shortcomings) as a home brewer.

Can you say the same thing about that Natty light in your fridge?

— Zack Taylor

Home beer brewing (in a nutshell)

KRISTY DENSMORE/Staff

1. Grain is crushed up to grist
2. Hot water is mixed with grist and let sit for 60 minutes
3. The run off is put into a boil kettle and boiled for 60 to 90 minutes
4. Hopes are added to different stages of boil
5. The substance (called wort at this point) is cooled down to under approximately 70 degrees
6. Wort is put in a food grade pressure sealed device and mixed with fermentation

Soundtrack of the night

Drinking alcohol is definitely a common subject in songs that transcends genres.  And it’s rock stars who have perhaps the greatest reputation for drinking heavily (in addition to partying and doing lots of drugs).  Here’s a playlist that appeals to the highs and lows of drinking — all the tracks are performed by classic rock bands/singers. In true party spirit, hard, bluesy riffs and driving rhythms are standard for all the songs on this list.  The lyrics take you through the night and all the way home, whether it is with or without a mate. Cheers!

— Jason Axelrod

The playlist

1. KISS — COLD GIN
2. GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS — I DRINK ALONE
3. DEF LEPPARD — HIGH N’ DRY (SATURDAY NIGHT)
4. AC/DC — HAVE A DRINK ON ME
5. GUNS N’ ROSES — NIGHTRAIN
6. PAT TRAVERS — SNORTIN’ WHISKEY
7. VAN HALEN — TAKE YOUR WHISKEY HOME