If you’re a homebrewer or someone who’s interested in making your own beer, you no doubt have heard of the American Homebrewers Association, the organization started in the 1980s in Boulder, CO. by Charlie Papazian, the homebrew book author and friends. It’s the organization that launched the Great American Beer Festival and the craft brewers trade group, now known as the Brewers Association.

It provides a wealth of info and forums for homebrewers and there’s no better time to join than this Saturday. For $33, you can pay dues for a year and take part in a three hour tour of Anchor Brewing in San Francisco.

AHA director Gary Glass says the rally at Anchor is one of 20 AHA rallies at breweries around the U.S. this year. But, let’s face it, a guided tour and tasting at Anchor is special. The historic San Francisco brewery, which was saved from the scrap heap in the late 1960s by Fritz Maytag, has always bent over backwards for homebrewers.

You can sign up today on line or pay your dues at the door Saturday at Anchor. Gary, who by the way, grew up in Walnut Creek, will also be here scouting a location for the 2009 AHA Convention June 18-20 in Oakland. Check out www.ahaconference.org to stay posted.