FREEPORT — In 1988, May 7 was announced before Congress as National Homebrew Day. 

The American Homebrewers Association created “Big Brew” as an annual event to celebrate National Homebrew Day around the world. “Big Brew” is held each year on the first Saturday in May. 

Recently, some members of the Cheese City Brewers & Vintners Homebrew Club in Monroe gathered to do their part in celebrating the event. Traditionally, the AHA features two exciting recipes for their members to brew. The “Trans-Atlantic Blonde Ale” recipe was selected; a beer that is light, sessionable and rich in flavor. The second recipe was the “Battlecow Galacticose,” a milkshake-style IPA originally brewed by Providence Brewing Company in Providence, Rhode Island. A milkshake IPA is like a traditional pale ale, only brewed with lactose to give the beer a thick, milky mouthfeel.

Jim Robinson, Freeport, along with his son Trevor, brewed their version of the blonde recipe, only adding a lager-style yeast instead of the traditional ale yeast. 

Logan Cisewski, Monroe, brewed a newly-minted style from the AHA; a New Zealand pilsner, a light lager that highlights fruity, citrus and floral hops from the Southern Hemisphere. 

Jonah Levia, Monroe, made a Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale that will eventually finish out to resemble a tall glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.

Traditionally, the brewers from across the nation raise their glasses at noon to toast their fellow hobbyists as well as celebrating the ongoing success of home brewing, something the members of the club feel very strong about. 

Those interested in joining the Cheese City Brewers & Vintners, or are interested in homebrewing in general, the group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bartel’s & Co. Tap.