You Do Not Need to Know Anything About Brewing
Let’s get this out of the way: you do not need to be a homebrewer to come to a Strand Brewers Club meeting. You do not need to have brewed a single batch. You do not need to know the difference between an ale and a lager, or what IBUs stand for, or how to pronounce “Saccharomyces.” You just need to be curious about beer.
Some of our most dedicated members walked in knowing absolutely nothing. Some showed up with ten years of brewing under their belt. Everyone starts somewhere at the Strand Brewers Club, and that somewhere is walking through the door.
When and Where We Meet
When: The 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM
Home base: 📍 South Bay Brewing Supply, 1311 Post Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
Cost to attend: Your first meeting is free. Seriously. Just show up.
Some months we meet at a local brewery instead — check the calendar or our Facebook page for the latest location.
Look for the group of people standing around with homebrew — you will find us.
What Happens at a Meeting
Here is the honest play-by-play so you know exactly what you are walking into:
Before the meeting starts
People trickle in, catch up, and start pouring homebrew. This is the social part. Grab a cup, introduce yourself to whoever is nearby, and say “Hey, I’m new.” That is literally all it takes. Strand Brewers are friendly people who love talking about beer — you will not be standing alone for long.
The main meeting
The president calls things to order (loosely — this is not a board meeting). But first — do not be surprised when everyone raises their glass and shouts “Chin Sang!” It is our toast to the club’s founder, Pete Chin Sang, and it kicks off every single meeting. Grab whatever you are drinking and join in.
From there, you will hear:
- Club announcements — upcoming events, competitions, brew days, and anything members need to know
- Beer talk — style discussions, brewing tips, technique deep-dives, or guest speakers from the local brewing community
- Tasting and feedback — members bring homebrew to share and get feedback. This is where you learn the most. Tasting a wide range of homebrew, hearing what worked and what didn’t, and learning to describe what you are tasting is the fastest way to become a better brewer
After the meeting
People hang around. Conversations get deeper. This is where you will end up talking to someone about their recipe for an hour and leaving with a new brewing buddy. Some of the best parts of the club happen in the last 30 minutes.
What Should I Bring?
If you have homebrew: Bring it. Bring a growler, a few bottles, a crowler — whatever you have. Members will taste it and give you honest, constructive feedback. This is one of the biggest benefits of being in a club. Your friends at home will tell you your beer is great. We will tell you your beer is great and then mention that your fermentation temp might have been a little high and you could try a different yeast strain next time. That is how you get better.
If you do not have homebrew: That is completely fine. Bring yourself. There will be plenty of beer to taste. Nobody is keeping score.
A tasting glass or cup: We usually have cups available, but bringing your own small tasting glass is never a bad idea.
An open mind: You are going to taste styles you have never tried, hear terms you do not know yet, and meet people who are way too passionate about water chemistry. Lean into it.
Frequently Asked First-Timer Questions
Do I have to join to attend a meeting?
No. Come as a guest and see if the club is a good fit. We want you to want to be here — not feel pressured into anything.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 21 or older to attend meetings and events where alcohol is served.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely. Bring your spouse, your neighbor, your coworker who keeps talking about wanting to try homebrewing. The more the merrier.
What if I have never tasted homebrew before?
Then you are in for a treat. And possibly a surprise — homebrew ranges from “this is better than anything at the store” to “this is an interesting experiment.” Both are part of the fun.
I am an experienced brewer. Will I get anything out of this?
Yes. We have BJCP-certified judges, competition medal winners, and brewers with decades of experience. We also have members who just started. The range is the point — everyone teaches, everyone learns.
What is the vibe? Is it cliquey?
The opposite. This is a club that has been welcoming new members for 35 years. People are genuinely happy to meet someone new. If you make eye contact with someone, they are going to introduce themselves and ask what you brew.
Ready?
The 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Check the calendar above for this month’s location — usually South Bay Brewing Supply, sometimes a local brewery. Walk in, say hello, and grab a pour. That is it. No application, no quiz, no secret handshake.
We have been doing this since 1991. We are good at making new people feel welcome.