Benjamin Franklin once stated: "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Brian Evitts couldn't agree more.

"I got into home brewing at the age of 22," Evitts says. "I was amazed by the process of creating the beer and how simple it was, that it could be done in my own kitchen."

Fifteen years later he is still brewing and is co-owner, along with Mike Ratkowski, of Railhouse Brewery, located in Aberdeen. Their capacity is just over 3,000 barrels a year, and their equipment is a 15-barrel stainless steel system, but the objective remains the same.

"I appreciate the unique flavors that only a hand-crafted beer can give," Evitts says.

For those who want to take their love of locally produced beer to the next level, Evitts will present "Home Brewing for the Beer Enthusiast" at Southern Pines Public Library on Sunday, Oct. 10, from 3 to 4 p.m. This free program is a part of the Explorations: A Forum for Adults series.

There are already an estimated 750,000 home brewers in the United States, and the hobby appears to be catching on with both sexes.

"It is currently more male dominant, but I think that trend is changing," Evitts says. "Funny thing is that just 200 years ago, it was mostly women who brewed the beer for their household. It was just as important as being able to cook."

Most craft beer connoisseurs would agree that each glass reflects the personality of the brewmaster, as well as the ingredients and culture of the area in which it was created.

"That is the great thing about the craft beer industry," Evitts says. "It isn't so much about the quality of the beer that attracts people. Instead, it's the availability of so many different flavors."

Among the flavors currently offered by Railhouse Brewery are a pale ale, a brown ale and a honey wheat, which is Evitts' personal favorite. They are also experimenting with a Christmas beer, which may be available for the holiday season.

The most unusual ingredient Evitts ever added to a batch of home brew was jalapenos.

"I have always liked spicy flavors and gave this one a try one day," he says. "It wasn't bad, and you could definitely feel it on the tongue."

Evitts has come a long way from the very first batch of home brew he created 15 years ago. It was made from extract, using malt syrup as opposed to all-grain malt barley. Although not a style of beer he enjoyed, he drank it anyway.

"I wasn't going to let beer go to waste," he says

For more information on "Home Brewing for the Beer Enthusiast" and other upcoming programs at Southern Pines Public Library, call (910) 692-8235 or visit www.sppl.net.