USA: American Homebrewers Association gives gift membership to President Obama for the holidays

This holiday season, in recognition of their support and participation in the popular American hobby of homebrewing, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has extended special lifetime gift memberships to President Obama—the first president to brew beer in the White House—and outgoing White House chef Sam Kass, the association announced on December, 17.

Though beer has long been part of the country’s history and traditions, Obama made history when, as president, he purchased a homebrewing kit and then—alongside chef Kass—spearheaded the effort to brew White House Honey Ale, the first beer known to have been brewed in the White House.

“Homebrewing is a model example of a bipartisan, pro-community and pro-business activity that all kinds of people can be passionate about and enjoy. President Obama and chef Kass are among the nation’s 1.2 mln homebrewers, which include both Republicans and Democrats,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “What better way to honor their enthusiasm for the hobby than to give them a lifetime membership to our community, which consists of many leaders, patriots and successful craft beer entrepreneurs.”

Kass—personal chef to the Obama family, as well as Executive Director of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy—announced in December he will be stepping down at the end of the month.

“As chef Kass finishes his tenure at the White House, we hope his AHA membership will allow him to stay engaged in the hobby. After Kass’ exit, we look forward to seeing President Obama continue to brew beer from the most famous and important home in the world,” added Glass. “We thank them for their willingness to experiment with and share their delicious brew recipes with the country.”

19 December, 2014