Homebrew Summer: Derby Day Debauchery

While one of the primary goals of Homebrew Summer is to provide local homebrewers with an educational experience, many of the professional brewers who have participated in the program over the years have said they learned a thing or two from their amateur partners. And this year, one of our professional fermentationists went into his pro-am experience hoping to glean some knowledge about a style he’d never tried before. That individual is Barley & Sword Brewing owner and Head Brewer Mike Howell, who teamed with Homebrew Summer vet Jim Connor to craft a Kentucky common that will hit the North Park brewery’s taps today. If you’re unfamiliar with this historic style (or if you feel like brewing it at home), scroll to the bottom of this post to download the recipe, then head to Barley & Sword to see how theirs turned out.

New pro-am beers will debut weekly throughout the summer, so be sure to check back with San Diego Beer News on a regular basis (or subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter and we’ll send all the recipes and release information straight to your inbox). Cheers and happy homebrewing!

Jim Connor
Homebrewer

How does it feel to have your recipe selected to be brewed on a pro scale?
I’ve been fortunate to have my recipes selected for the Homebrew Summer several times now, and each opportunity is a unique and fun experience to get to know the brewer and styles of beer that they enjoy brewing. I’m really excited to have a chance to brew with Mike and Barley & Sword as they scale up and release Derby Day Debauchery, a Kentucky common recipe. I’ve visited Barley & Sword several times over the past year and really enjoy their unique selection of beers which aren’t often found in San Diego. Derby Day Debauchery should fit in quite well with the flavor profile of their current beer pourings, which I hope Barley & Sword’s beer-drinkers will enjoy as well. 

Mike Howell
Owner & Head Brewer, Barley & Sword Brewing

What led you to select this beer recipe?
As a long time homebrewer prior to jumping head first into the professional world, I have a great appreciation for homebrewers who hone their craft. The concept of Homebrew Summer is such a wonderful way to take these two worlds and bring them together. When I reviewed the list of homebrew recipes, I was pleased to find a Kentucky Common on the list. Personally, I’ve never attempted or even tasted this style, but I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. It’s refreshing to see historical styles getting some love and I am very excited to brew this beer with Jim. I am of the opinion that you can learn from anyone, professional or not. Jim is an accomplished homebrewer and I can tell from just our brief interactions that he has a great deal of knowledge and experience. For me, beer has always been about bringing people together. I’m eager to participate in that age-old tradition in a new way this summer.

Barley & Sword Brewing is located inside the CRAFT by Brewery Igniter facility at 3052 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 102, in North Park