Minutes of the March 14th meeting
Cleanup Crew: Xan and Rob
Old Business
Membership Cards: Joe will give them to Barry for distribution, as Treasurer, he has the list of those paid up. By the way, if you haven't paid your dues yet, pay up!
Competition: The American Pale Ale competition beers were judged at the Jensen household on March 26 by Steve Bradt, Richard Backus and Ed Baldwin. Eleven beers were entered The results will be announced at the April meeting, April 11, and the judging sheets will be handed out.
BrewFest
Date: JUNE 1
Time: 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
Place: Clinton Outlet Park, Shelter 7 (the first one, on the right, by the playground/baseball field)
Don't Forget: Encourage people to bring lawn chairs/blankets, games, etc.
Beer: Rob Dewhirst has volunteered to handle the homebrew for the BrewFest. Please let Rob know as soon as possible how much and what style of beer you are planning to donate. Also, he is requesting a little more info about the beer this year, such as recipe, to help answer attendees' questions. At this time, we have decided to continue with the plan that those who donate 5 gallons get a free ticket. But we are trying to break even this year, so don't forget, SELL EARLY; SELL OFTEN.
Tickets: Jeff has taken his job as ticketmaster very seriously. Sell, sell, sell. Bring proceeds for what you have already sold to the next meeting so Barry can take the money to the bank. This will help pay for food, glasses, etc, which must be paid for before June 1. All unsold tickets/money needs to be turned in before the BrewFest this year.
Food: Jeff and Doug have volunteered to man the smoker this year, with Dale as consultant. Xan and Ellen are in charge of condiments, plates, non-alcoholic drinks, etc. Like last year, we are asking members to bring a side dish. Please be prepared to offer suggestions of what you would like to bring at the April meeting, and we will make a list. Don't forget about desserts. They were a big hit last year.
New Business
April Seminar:A member of the Lawrence Mycology club is the guest speaker for the April meeting. Learn about different types of local mushrooms and where to search for them. It should be a great seminar; please join us!! In turn, Rob is going to speak at the mycology club's April meeting, April 17, about homebrewing.
Big Brew:This year's Big Brew is May 4. Joe has offered to host again, unless somebody else wishes to host this year. If so, speak up! The beers are Hunter's Moon Old Ale, by Steve Jones, 2001 AHA Homebrewer of the Year, and Maibock Fix by George Fix. Recipes and more Big Brew details can be found at the AHA website.
In Memoriam: Members of the LBG were very sorry to hear that Barry Fitzgerald's father passed away recently. Also, George Fix, author of such technical beer books as and "An Analysis of Brewing Techniques," died recently.
Commercial Tasting: American Brown Ale
Profile: hop bitterness and flavor dominate the malty richness that is a characteristic of brown ales. Slightly drier than English versions, with assertive hop presence (bitterness, flavor, and aroma). Although malt flavor plays a supporting role, some toasty malt character (or even restrained roastiness) should be evident. Malty, but with increased bitterness 25-60 IBU. Body: Medium OG 1.040-55, FG: 1.010-1.017; Color, deep copper to brown. Chill haze is allowable. A bigger, hoppier, drier version of English Brown ale, typically including the citrus-accented hop presence that is characteristic of American varieties.
Dale said that all three of these beers were winners of contest or recommended to style.
Beer 1: Pete's Wicked Ale ranked third. I don't think anybody guessed this one. It also happened to be the BJCP judges exam example for the style. Some of our comments: malty nose, not much body, maloderous, low hop aroma, low bittering, thin mouthfeel, wet dog smell, color a little light, there are issues.
Beer 2: 75th Street Brewery's Brown Porter. It took the GABF gold medal. We ranked it our favorite beer, but second beer closest to style. Some of our comments: color good, so much more flavor (than beer no. 1), little hop aroma, more malty than first, mouthfeel better, closer to porter, complex flavor, smooth, no bitterness.
Beer 3: Old Brown Dog Ale from SmuttyNose Brewery in New Hampshire. It ranked second in our tasting, but was voted closest to style. Some of our comments: Good color, well crafted, balance of hop and malt, malt aroma, but no hop aroma, sweeter, maltier, some hop bitterness, good mouthfeel, closer to style.
Beer Contributions: Who Brought What?
(My notes were kind of haphazard on this, so if I left anybody's contribution off, I apologize.)
Attendance: What they brought:
Pete Clouston Silky Smooth Pimpin' Porter
Glenn Hudspeth Pale Ale, Amber Ale,and 2001 Halloween Herb Beer
Joe Yoder Pale Ale
Rob Dewhirst Cider, Cream Ale and Two American Pale Ales
Jeff & Ellen Jensen Dubbel, Duinen, Belgium Abbey Ale
Dave Pony Express Rye
Ellen Jensen
Secretary
Recent Beer News from RealBeer.com
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APR 1, 2002 - Judge rules wineries and breweries should be able to ship to consumers' homes
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MAR 27, 2002 - In fact, beer now lags behind coffee, soft drinks and water
Peel this beer?
MAR 26, 2002 - British retailer releases banana-flavored beer
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MAR 14, 2002 - Brewery plans to have brewhouse online later this year
Copyright 2001 by Real Beer, Inc.
Discount Days at Bacchus & Barleycorn
LBG members receive a 10% discount from Bacchus & Barleycorn, April 7-12. Please show membership card or bring newsletter. Bacchus & Barleycorn is located at 6633 Nieman Rd. in Shawnee (913-962-2501).
April 2002
Moderator: Officers