Drinkers up and down the country are now putting their creativity to the test with home brewing kits that allow you to mix up your favourite drink – from the comfort of your four walls. But where did the idea come from? And what risks are associated with home brewing? We explore everything there is to know about home brewing kits here.
Why Home Brewing?
Beer, wine, cider, even spirits – there are home brewing kits for a range of different drinks nowadays. The official definition of home breaking is the brewing of a drink on a small scale for non-commercial and personal purposes. While home brewing has been around for many years, only recently has it become more popular as people search for ways to get creative and make their own flavour combinations.
The History of Home Brewing
Home brewing can actually be dated back to the neolithic period in Egypt and China when women were the sole home brewers. Back then, brewing was considered a part of baking. Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, during the 18th century, two crucial home brewing tools were created – the hydrometer and the thermometer. Not only did the invention of these tools improve home brewing techniques, but more people began to do it. Then, in the early 1900s, the making and selling of alcohol were banned in America, leading to many underground home brewers setting up.
The Community of Home Brewers
Like many things worldwide, as interest soars, community groups appear, and home brewing is no different. At the heart of it, home brewing is regarded as a social hobby. Brewers are passionate about their favourite drink and typically want to share it with friends. There are also plenty of online groups which have made sharing and enjoying the hobby even easier. From online videos to forums and chat groups, there are now lots of ways home brewers can get ideas and inspiration.
Is Home Brewing Legal?
Home brewing beer for personal use is completely legal in the UK as well as a number of other countries. However, if you have intentions of selling your homebrew or it exceeds a certain alcohol percentage, which in beer’s case is 1.2% ABV, then you could be at risk of paying Beer Duty.
Is Home Brewing Safe?
The act of home brewing is relatively safe as long as you use the right ingredients, bottles and techniques. Occasionally, overfilling your containers could cause them to explode, but this is very rare. However, one of the biggest concerns of home brewing is that it could be used to mask an alcohol disorder or alcohol addiction. This is because it’s easier for individuals to create a stronger drink, and there’s a risk of overconsumption too.
That’s not to say everyone who homebrews has an addiction or will develop an addiction, but you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Some of the most indications that someone who is home brewing may have an addiction include:
- Making excessively strong alcohol on purpose
- Drinking large amounts
- Brewing purely to feed a satisfaction
- Lying and deceitful behaviour regarding the brewing
- Isolating themselves and choosing to stay in and brew
Home brewing can be completely safe and is used by many as a responsible and social activity. However, if any of the above symptoms are present, it could indicate an alcohol addiction which is being masked by home brewing.
What’s more, addiction is a serious health condition that has huge impacts on health, finances, career and relationships, which is why it’s so important to get the necessary help. If you’re worried about your own behaviour or someone you know, the Asana Lodge team is here.
Is Investing in Home Brewing Kits Worth the Investment?
As mentioned above, home brewing is an enjoyable and social experience – for many. It allows individuals to create their own versions of their favourite drinks and enjoy them from their homes. However, when home brewing is used to hide an addiction, things can get a little serious.
At Asana Lodge, our team is here to help, though. We can answer your questions and discuss the idea of alcohol disorders and highlight the signs and symptoms to look out for. Many people don’t even realise that what they’re experiencing is an addiction. It may be that you feel that you’re ready for some help. If so, we can look at local treatment options and discuss what your recovery could look like.
Many people naively think that because home brewing is legal, you can’t get addicted to it. However, addiction is a serious medical condition that impacts people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and lifestyles. Even if you’ve never suffered from addiction, you could still have built up a tolerance and dependence for alcohol and home brewing.
Our private drug and alcohol rehab centre is the ideal place to rest, reset and recover. We’re determined to be different from what you might expect from a traditional rehab centre. So many people have come to us, not knowing where to go. And together, we’ve helped them to get back onto the right track and start living again.
So, if you have a question, want to know some signs of addiction, or want to discuss treatment near you, why not pick up the phone today and call us on 01908 489 421.
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