In response to Donavan's question on homebrewing here is my take on the subject.

The first reason I brew is to get some beers I can not find locally. Even in this enlightened age of craft brewing there are some beers that it's difficult, if not impossible to find. My favorite style is probably the German Hefeweizen, I have loved the style since I first tried it over ten years ago. Flagstaff is a long way from Germany though and shipped versions from Deutschland never make the trip in good condition. Even in DC area it was often a problem. So we go to our local brewpubs but none of the three here in town currently make a decent one. Granted Oak Creek Brewing in Sedona makes an excellent one but that is a 60 mile round trip, they don't bottle the beer yet, and few bars in Flagstaff regularly carry it. I also enjoy the Czech style black lager, but I don't know anyone in the state who makes or carries it.

Second there is something elemental to making beer, it's an act as old as civilization itself. I love the mystery of combining base elements and getting something wonderful from it, it's akin to alchemy. I know this isn't a scientific answer but it is a part of the process that draws me back.

Tied with my second is my third reason and that is the act of creation. I'll never forget first holiday beer, it gave me my first insight to what it might be like to be a parent because of the pride I felt of creating something. Likewise I lately have been playing with a rye brown that I have gotten a kick out of designing, based on the idea of the English brown, but with a touch of spiciness from the rye. I would love to see this available commercially, but again no one sells a beer like it.

Last, but not least it's fun. I enjoy the process and the fellow enthusiasts.

For other great answers I would also look at Charlie Papazian's Joy of Homebrewing and Randy Mosher's Radical Brewing.