THE search is on for the Bendigo home brew that is true.Beer enthusiast Justin McPhail and Scott Seymour from the Basement Bar in View Point are hosting a home brewing competition next month.Mr McPhail said he is aiming to establish a home brewing and craft beer culture in Bendigo.He said many of the biggest names in craft brewing – beer brewed in small commercial microbreweries – got their start in home brewing.“Victoria is the microbrewing and craft brewing capital of Australia, but Bendigo isn’t really a part of that,” he said.The Basement Bar and another outlet, Dispensary Enoteca in Chancery Lane, are among the few Bendigo outlets to stock craft brewing varieties.Mr McPhail said the Bridge Road Brewery in Beechworth was one of his favourite craft beer producers.His favourite beer variety though is the exotic sounding Black Indian Pale Ale. “It’s dark, but it’s hoppy and sweet,” he said.Mr McPhail, 23, has been brewing his own beer for the past five years and has big plans.“I hope to set up my own microbrewery in Bendigo within 10 years,” he said.The competition will be held at the Basement Bar on Saturday, May 21.Home brewers can enter the competition for free, and members of the public are welcome to attend and taste the home brews and varieties from microbreweries for $10.“So people have six or seven weeks, which is enough time for another brew or two stock up before the competition,” Mr McPhail said.To enter, or for details, email basementbar@live.com.au