If you’ve been paying attention over my last 20-whatever episodes you know that craft beer is an ugly place to try to make any money.

You do not go into beer to get rich. Or even to pay your light bill.

Well, here’s a news flash I bet you didn’t see coming:

HOMEBREW SHOPS AREN’T MAKING ANY, EITHER.

For today’s episode I sat down with Scott Birdwell to discuss what it’s like to own a homebrew shop for over 40 years and then watch it slowly die. This cat was selling homebrew equipment back when it was illegal.

He understood the business, his customers and the industry. But even he wasn’t ready for the disaster the industry experienced over the last 5 years.

We talk about leases, about beer and about business. I learned that the homebrew industry also struggled because of the overwhelming proliferation of breweries in America. Who knew that going from 1500 breweries in 2011 to 9000 in 2022 would create a problem?

I did, and I’m on a mission to share that story with everyone who’ll listen and 5 guys who won’t.

So sit back, crack a beer and listen to Scott’s story and the story of DeFalco’s Homebrew shop. You might just learn something.

Episode Sponsored by:

Brewery Direct

Simpson Motorcycle Helmets

Yakima Valley Hops