Over the past decade the craft beer scene in El Paso has grown and expanded exponentially. Its grown so much that now craft beer is offered at ALMOST every single watering hole you walk into. Local breweries such as Deadbeach, El Paso Brewing, Ode Brewing and Blazing Tree, to name a few, are fully operational producing delicious beer with unique recipes you can’t get anywhere else. The brewers making and producing these beers all started somewhere and, for the most part, they all started by crafting and perfecting their recipes at home.
Johnathan Gaytan has been a part of the craft beer culture in El Paso and he’s been a witness to this growth over the past decade. He and his family homebrew and their contribution to the craft beer community includes organizing a yearly event called Big Brew. Big Brew is a unique event that nurtures and encourages homebrewers to show their skills and put their final product up for competition against other homebrewers. The showdown takes place at Jonathan’s house—a fitting setting for the friendly event. We had an opportunity to speak with Johnathan regarding Big Brew, homebrewing and some of his beer recommendations for the hot summer months that are quickly approaching.
Tell us a little bit about Big Brew? What is it about?
Big Brew has been going on for 9 years, we focus on educating locals on the basics of homebrewing and craft beer. If you have ever wondered how to brew this is the event for you. We have always had this as a FREE event and it will always be free. Many local homebrewers look forward to this event to be able to showcase their own beers that they have spent months making. This year all brewers who make an American Amber Ale will be entered into the competition with Blazing Tree Brewing! The winner will be able to recreate their recipe on Blazing Tree’s equipment.
Who is participating in this year’s event?
We have several homebrewers competing or brewing like usual, but this year’s on-premise brew competition should bring out some bad ass brews from the competitors. We will also have The German Food truck posting up to sell up some treats as the day progresses along side Cafe con Leche, who will be slanging their dope nitro cold pressed coffee and CBD hibiscus tea. Ms. Bloo will be hosting a painting class for May the 4th be with you, a Star Wars themed painting class! $25 dollars gets you into the class where you can paint your favorite star wars characters. Buena Vida Wellness will be selling all their CBD products which include balms, vapes, and some pre-rolls.
Where was the craft beer scene when you started this event? How has the craft beer scene grown to where it is today?
The Hoppy Monk (restaurant/pub) had just opened in 2010 which was pretty much a huge help to where we are now! In fact, thats where I figured why not do an event like Big Brew? People love craft and everything that comes with it. Victor from Borderline Brewers and I teamed up and started planning Big Brew. It was all so fresh, so many new beers coming into town and we were thirsty!
Our first Big Brew happened in 2010 with some local homebrewers getting together at my place and we brewed a Hop Henge (Deschutes Imperial IPA) clone, it came out delicious. 9 years later we have sours, hazy IPA’s and what seems to be a whole bunch of gimmicks. I miss the good ole days where we focused on the style, not trying to recreate it. I’m not trying to take away from these beers, in their own class, they are very good. The sour game has certainly changed, from duchesse de bourgogne to now fruited sours. It’s all a lot to take in. Big Brew is about finding an appreciation and gaining knowledge to help you experience this craft beer thing.
When and where is this year’s event taking place?
The event is on May 4th at 162 Coronado Rd., El Paso, TX, 79915.
Do you homebrew? What style of beer is your favorite to make?
I have been homebrewing for 9 years now. Nothing like brewing a pale ale—simple, easy and delicious.
As we enter our warmer months of the year, what are your 5 beer recommendations to compliment the weather?
- Guns N Rose Rose Ale – Super refreshing rose flavor.
- Seaquench Gose – The black lime and sea salt make this one refreshing michelada.
- Coors Original – You know how I do.
- Deadbeach Chuco Lager – It’s uber hard to create a Helles (style) and our boys knocked it outta the park.
- Avalanche Copper Ale – Classic, clean, crisp.
Anything else you’d like to add?
This is a free event once again but we do encourage people bring beer they have never tried for our bottle share. Also, Star Wars costumes are encouraged!! Our first 50 guests will receive complimentary glassware.
MORE INFO HERE: facebook.com/bigbrew2019