When Ian Hoke moved to Switzerland, he anticipated epic skiing, cheese, and chocolate, but was surprised by the lackluster beer scene. Despite the presence of established craft breweries like Brasserie Des Franches Montagnes and Trois Dames, Swiss beers were limited to light and dark lagers. The country’s beer diversity was as narrow as its political neutrality.
Seeking better brews, Ian turned to homebrewing. Having dabbled in brewing back in the States, he bought a complete set of brewing equipment in Switzerland and rekindled his passion for crafting beer. Along with his brew buddies, Ian focused on brewing hoppy pale ales, Belgian-style sours, and farmhouse ales, styles not readily available in Swiss stores.
Switzerland’s homebrewing community thrived with suppliers like Sios in Zurich, offering kits and advice to aspiring brewers. Richi, the owner of Sios, hosted the SIOS-Trophy homebrew competition, showcasing a variety of beer styles and ingredients. The Swiss homebrewing scene attracted brewers from different countries, fostering a vibrant exchange of brewing knowledge and techniques.
Local ingredients played a crucial role in Swiss homebrewing, with Weyermann malt being a favorite among brewers. Blending malts to replicate British or North American profiles, Swiss brewers experimented with unique styles like wheat IPAs and sweet rye porters. Hops from Tettnang in Germany were combined with American or New Zealand varieties to create flavorful brews.
Despite language barriers and cultural differences, the Swiss craft beer industry was on the rise, offering more options for beer enthusiasts. Homebrewing in Switzerland presented challenges like translating technical terms and adapting to local preferences, but the rewards of brewing quality beer made the efforts worthwhile.
With a homebrewed double IPA in hand, Ian and his friends found solace in their craft after adventurous days in Switzerland. The minor obstacles of homebrewing abroad faded away as they savored the fruits of their labor, enjoying the beauty of Switzerland alongside their handcrafted brews.
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