Welcome to The First State Brewers!

The First State Brewers, established in 1988, is an officially sanctioned club of the American Homebrewers Association. The goal of the club is to provide homebrewers and beer enthusiasts with a “semi”-organized means of increasing their skill, understanding, and appreciation of the art of brewing. We also tend to have a pretty damn good time.

First State Brewers

While originally established in Delaware, the club is regional in nature with members and associate members from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and even Virginia. Our members range from extract only to all grain brewers and even a few yeast ranchers. We are always looking for new members and even just interested visitors to join us at our meetings.

At this website you will find lots of information about ourselves and our activities. We also provide information about beer and brewing events in this region as well as a little humor. Additions and updates will be ongoing so be sure to stop by often.

Who can join?

ANYONE! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Non-brewer’s are welcome to join in order to broaden their understanding and appreciation of beer.

What are the membership benefits?

A host of planned activities and discounts, not limited to:

• Invitation to Club meetings
• Club field trips to local breweries, pubs, lectures, and competitions
• Access to and use of the club’s shared brewing equipment
• Over 50+ years of homebrewing experience and knowledge from other club members

When and where does the club meet?

The First State Brewers meet the 3rd Friday of every month, 7:30pm, at a different location each month. The locations are usually a member’s home, however we sometimes meet at our local homebrew supply store from time to time. Check the meeting schedule for the next time and location.

This all sounds great, but how much does it cost?

Absolutely nothing!

Wow! How do I sign up?

Simply use the Contact page to send an email for more information. The best method is to simply attend the next meeting!

But I thought homebrewing was illegal in Delaware?

Nope! Jimmy Carter legalized homebrewing in 1978, but left its legislation up to the state. It took 20 long years, but Delaware finally passed a law legalizing homebrewing. The law can be found on this official State of Delaware website.

§ 707. Home manufacture of beer or wine for personal consumption.

(a) No license or special permit shall be required for the manufacture within homes, or other premises used in connection therewith, of beer in quantities of 200 gallons or less during any calendar year, or wine in quantities of 200 gallons or less during any calendar year, for the personal consumption only of the homeowner(s), their families or their guests; provided however, that such beer or wine shall not be offered for sale.

(b) Such beer or wine, when manufactured and used as set forth above, shall not be subject to any taxes imposed by the Liquor Control Act.

(c) Beer and wine manufactured pursuant to this section may be removed from the home and transported for personal or family use, and in addition may be transported for the purposes of participating in club-sponsored events and tasting competitions.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter or title, concentrated alcoholic beverages are not “home-manufactured beer or wine” for purposes of this section, and all Commissioner regulations and tax requirements concerning home-manufactured beer or wine shall not apply to concentrated alcoholic beverages.

( 4 Del. C. 1953, § 712; 59 Del. Laws, c. 107, § 54; 65 Del. Laws, c. 50, § 4; 67 Del. Laws, c. 109, § 19; 71 Del. Laws, c. 315, § 2; 72 Del. Laws, c. 486, § 11.; )