Rising government alcohol excise combined with increasing costs of living, soaring petrol prices and spiking interest rates has led many on the search for more affordable refreshment.

For Kootingal’s John Wakefield, the decision to go to home brew was one of simple economics.

“Since being forced into retirement from ill health, I’ve learnt I can’t afford to drink the way I used to,” he said.

“I used to drink spirits but had to give it away, so now for me it’s usually a couple of beers.

“But a couple of beers is no longer a luxury I can really afford.”

Now a pensioner, Mr Wakefield said that when all other bills have gone up, luxuries were the first thing to go.

“But I think it’s very important that if you want to, you can sit down at night and have a few beers and just relax,” he said.

“Now with home brew, I know I will always have a beer there if I want one and I don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s pension week.”

Mr Wakefield bought his first home brew kit just a few weeks ago after trying his brother’s own ale.

“And I was surprised. It was quite nice and palatable. The product quality nowadays is much improved from what I remember of my dad’s as a kid,” he said.

“When I found out it was only about 50 to 60 cents a bottle compared to the $3 or more you pay for a schooner at the pub, it made good economic sense.

“If you can make a good home brew why would you go to a pub when it’s so unaffordable?

“There’s a bit of initial outlay but in the long term I’m the one saving.”

And Mr Wakefield is not alone, according to Janaya Ford.

Last week, Janaya and husband Steve opened up True Brew – a store dedicated to the home brewer – in Peel St, Tamworth.

It follows the success of the home brew range at True Value Hardware in Kootingal, which the couple also manages.