Local homebrew club thrives as Scuffle Hill Brewing introduces new beverages

Since opening Scuffle Hill Brewing Co. in 2021, co-owner Jake Abell has fostered a strong sense of community among local craft beverage enthusiasts. In addition to running the brewery, Abell leads a homebrew club that brings together hobbyists to refine their skills and share brewing techniques. Now, Scuffle Hill is preparing to expand its offerings with new beverages.

The homebrew club was created in response to local interest.

“I was in one before I even became a professional brewer. That was in Danville, and that’s a little far for anyone around here to drive,” Abell said.

The club meets at Scuffle Hill on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., where members discuss topics such as flavoring, chemistry, beer styles, brewing experiments, and general tips.

“The homebrew club isn’t just for beer makers,” Abell said. “It’s for wine, cider, and even mead makers who are trying to hone their skills and learn from others.”

Two club members, John Thompson and Damon Stultz, have already gained recognition for their craft. Thompson won first place at the Patrick County Bushels and Brews Homebrew Competition, while Stultz took second place in the People’s Choice category for his smash IPA.

Abell also values collaboration with other local breweries. “We help each other in the craft beer industry,” he said.

The club welcomes both experienced brewers and newcomers interested in getting started. “Homebrewing kits to get you started will run you $200 to $300,” Abell said. The group provides guidance to all skill levels, offering advice and hands-on learning opportunities.

Homebrewing is a process that requires time and precision, Abell said, and warned that you need some “patience. There is a lot of chemistry and biology that goes into the process.” Understanding sanitization, yeast control, and fermentation is essential for success.

He recalled some of his own early mistakes and encouraged members to keep learning. One mishap involved oxidizing a batch and not knowing that he didn’t have to hand-siphon beer after boiling. 

“At the end of the boil, we realized that there was all this stuff floating around in it, so we filtered it through a sock—unknowing to us that it would filter itself,” he said.

Abell’s passion for craft beer began during his time in the Marine Corps while stationed in San Diego. After returning to Henry County, he enrolled in a year-long brewing course.

“During that course, I started applying what I was learning and homebrewing in the house,” he said. Eventually, with the support of his father, Jerry Abell, and best friend, Michael Taylor, he founded Scuffle Hill Brewing.

Located in Collinsville, the brewery has become a community hub, offering free events and a welcoming atmosphere. Now in its third year, Scuffle Hill is expanding its menu thanks to a $6,500 Grow MHC grant.