Greater Cincinnati’s Original and Greatest Homebrew Club
Celebrating our 37th anniversary in 2023, the Bloatarian Brewing League (BBL) was founded in 1986 by Ray Spangler of Erlanger, Kentucky. The Bloatarians host monthly social meetings aimed at providing educational presentations, brewing demonstrations, feedback on member beers, and general brewing knowledge in a relaxed setting for its members and the public. BBL also provides volunteer assistance to a wide variety of commercial, civic and charitable events in the area.
The members of the Bloatarian Brewing League are delighted to welcome new members interested in learning about the craft of homebrewing, as well as anyone who simply wants to develop a deeper appreciation for the delightful products of the Brewer’s art.
Our Mission
As Bloatarians, we consider it a sacred duty to cultivate and improve beer culture wherever we go, starting at home here in Cincinnati. The Bloatarian Brewing League exists first and foremost to assist members in improving the quality of their homebrewed beers. We also strive to educate the public in the responsible enjoyment of the many traditional, high quality beer styles not always available at the commercial level. Many members of BBL have spent much time and effort researching and recreating forgotten beer styles and brewing techniques, helping to preserve an important part of our regional and worldly brewing heritage.
Membership
The Bloatarian Brewing League is a 501(c)7 Not-for-Profit Social Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to homeBrew to become a Member?
The Bloatarian Brewing League is happy to welcome anyone interested in brewing or drinking good beer, regardless of brewing experience.
You must, however, be at least 21 years of age to join BBL.
What are monthly meetings like?
Monthly meetings start at 7:00 p.m. on the third Friday of the month with a casual gathering. Each meeting either includes a presentation about some aspect of brewing or a special event like Name That Beer. The presentation or event usually kicks off around 7:30 p.m. and lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Food is served, courtesy of the Grill Crew, around 7:45 p.m. Members typically bring beer (or cider, or mead…you get the picture) and snacks to share. Bringing a small glass to use for tasting is encouraged but not required.
Do BBL Members only make beer?
Nope! Many members also craft other things as well, including mead, cheese, wine, vinegar, etc.
What does membership cost?
Membership is $30 per calendar year. (If you join in November or December, we extend your membership through the end of the following year.) Non-members are welcome to evaluate the club as guests to our regular meetings up to three times.
What are the benefits of membership?
Membership is required for certain club events such as the Bloatarian Open Homebrew Competition in May, Beer and Sweat Homebrew Competition in August, and the Holiday Social in January.
The true benefits are the camaraderie and the depth of brewing knowledge accessible to members through connections with each other. If you’re a detail person, see below for a full list of perks.
How are dues spent?
Member dues go toward paying our AHA Club Insurance, which covers all club sponsored activities (meetings, group brews, camp outs, Beer & Sweat, etc.), as well as providing liquor liability coverage for the club. We also provide food at our monthly club meetings!
One of the many benefits of becoming a Bloatarian Brewing League member - the opportunity to try (and share) great homebrewed beers!
BBL Membership Perks
(or “how I can benefit from the thirty bucks I gave to that slightly inebriated guy who was standing over by the kegs?”)
Access to experienced brewers and judges in an informal social setting to discuss brewing methods, tasting/judging and beer styles
Monthly membership meetings with educational presentations, opportunities for face-to-face communication and sampling of member homebrews, occasional meetings where commercial beers are provided, and tasty post-meeting eats from the grill
Admission to club competitions such as Beer & Sweat and Bloat Open for member and spouse (walk-in admission only – judged homebrew entries may be additional). New members receive free entry to Bloat Open homebrew competition.
10% club discount at local homebrew supply shops (Listermann’s, Brew Monkeys) when showing your BBL membership card
Occasional emails via the BBL mailing list about club events, beer events around town and general news
Access to group buys on brewing supplies
Admission to special events like the Member Holiday Social
Being a part of the largest and original homebrewing club in Cincinnati!