November 22, 2015

  I trust everyone had a good Thanksgiving and is currently prepping for the upcoming holiday season. But, I hope you can take a moment. Fill up your pint with your favorite brew and cuddle up in front of your computer screen. Take a little slow down time and catch up with your favorite club minutes.
  Thank You to Tilted Axis for hosting us. We discussed the Teach a Friend to brew day on the 7th. It was a chilly day as seems to be usual for our on site brews. But all went well. Much beer was brewed. Some of our members chose to brew a Belgian Red Ipa, that was left to ferment at Tilted Axis. Doug has been watching over it and will be kegging and carbonating it soon. This collaboration will be available on tap at Tilted Axis soon. Stay tuned for the announcement.
  For those that brewed at 7 Ponds in September, Mike Mullins delivered some of that brew to Seven Ponds staff and it will be served at their annual fundraising dinner this month. We also discussed  another club competition. Which we will talk about in January for style and other concerns regarding the comp.
  Our December meeting will be the club Christmas tasting party. We are fortunate enough to be having Donna and Rob Zaiki hosting it at their home. There will be a white elephant gift pass. If you were at last years party, you know it got a little heated. lol.  Suggested amount of gift is $10. Also, PLEASE bring a dish to pass. Just cause we all know that even though LABbers are beer aficionados we also love our food. Also bring your favorite brew to share.  Last years party was a great success and I suspect this years will be just as fun. Looking forward to seeing everyone for our last meeting of 2015. And definitely looking forward to 2016 and all the amazing beer we will be brewing and partaking of. The address for the party is 3901 Kingswood Drive, Dryden, Michigan 48428. Party starts at 3:00 pm. Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year to everyone.

October 18, 2015

  Good Afternoon fellow club members. First of all I would like to Thank Tilted Axis and Doug and the staff for hosting this month's meeting. What a great addition to downtown Lapeer. The beer was amazing as was the food and service. We  discussed the website. And sounds like everyone is starting to get a better look at it. I heard no complaints so far. We have officially retired the .org. When you are looking us up to see what you missed, you can now go to lapeerareabrewers.com.  

  Also we discussed Teach a friend to homebrew Day. That date is November 7th, 2015. The club will be holding our annual brew demos and Mike Mullins will be demonstrating how to make a counter-flow wort chiller. We will be also doing a club collaboration brew that day. Which will be fermented there and put on tap when it's ready. You can brew and contribute to the cause. Which is 30 gallons. Or you can brew what you would like. You are not required to contribute. The collaboration brew looks like it will be a Belgian style red ale. If you are interested in this then there is more info available on facebook. Mike Bammer is the brewer with the info. 

  We also discussed a club competition brew. We have decided to put that off till January. But will discuss the style in December. And shoot for a judging by March.

  I would like to let everyone know we will be moving the November meeting from Sunday November 15th to the next Sunday the 22nd. Only because I know all our members would like a chance to kill Bambi. lol. So Good Luck to you hunters. Also the meeting will again be at Tilted Axis. We met upstairs this last one so I am guessing that will be where they will have us again. This was an awesome space for us. Hoping to see more members come out for the November meeting. 

  I would like to send out a big welcome to Aaron and Bob. Good meeting you 2 and hope to see more of your smiling faces at future meetings. Also great to see Aaron Oberle come out. Sorry race season is over but our gain. 

  With the holidays fast approaching we are already gearing up for it. So that being said, Donna and Rob have volunteered their house for the December meeting. That Date to mark on your calendar will be December 20, 2015. We usually do a gift exchange which can get a bit heated. Depending on the gift. lol. More info to follow on that. 

  And To Mike and Alice Mullins, We send our condolences and sympathy to them and their family. Mike's brother pasted away over the weekend. Though their presence was missed Sunday, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We raise our pints and toast your brother's life. To life, To death, To good times , To good family and friends all these things make this life more memorable. Slainte.

  

September 20,2015 meeting

The club held their meeting at Seven Ponds Nature center. Thank You to Seven Ponds for hosting Lapeer Area Brewers. This is always a fun brewing event. The club discussed donating several growlers to the seven ponds auction dinner. Which will be what our brewers brewed that day. Also discussed was the Teach a friend to homebrew day event. Tilted Axis will once again be hosting this event. If you want to brew  for it, It falls on November 7,2015. Let us know if you plan on coming out. More info to follow. If you know anyone who has been thinking about brewing, bring them out for some demos and the onsite brewers will be happy to answer their questions and queries about the art of brewing their own tasty, craft beer. As you know the much anticipated opening of Tilted Axis in Lapeer has happened. Congrates to the owners and staff on the new brewery. We are holding our October meeting at Tilted Axis. Come on out and support your local brewery and club. We have a few things to talk about at this month's meeting. Hope to see everyone. Also we want to convey our sympathies and regrets to Redline Brewing. They sadly were only open for a short time and suffered a devastating fire. There is a go fund me page if you would like to help them out. Also Tenacity Brewing in Flint has created a fundraising event for Redline on  October 20,2015. You can find the info on Genesee Brewers facebook page or Tenacity's page. So, hope to see everyone on Sunday the 18th. As always, Tell a Pal. Bring a Buddy. Meet a friend. Brew Strong my friends.

August 16, 2015 meeting

August 16th, 2015 minutes

  Well we finally got thru to the huge event of the year. Michigan Homebrew Festival. As always, this was another great festival. Plenty of food and brews were had by all. Thank You to all the brewers that contributed their amazing brews for us to serve. Have to say, best name this year was Donna's Hairy Coconut Porter. Hahaha.... I always say, If you don't name it, we will. The most unusual names are always the most asked for. Ken Slater was our club winner earlier this year, for his Mid-Winter Pale Ale. And he was gracious enough to bring some for the festival. That was the first keg blown. Congrates again Ken. Brew Strong! The Friday storm that blew in didn't put a damper on the friday feast. Plenty of delicious food was served up Thank You to all the Michigan Homebrew Festival Staff for all the hard work and long hours of planning for the festival and to another memorable year. Already looking forward to 2016.

  The club has been invited once again to the Heritage Harvest Days Festival. This event is taking place at Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden. We will be giving a brewing Demo both days , so come on out and show your support and brew with us. The event is September 19th and 20th ,2015. Gates open at 11 am. We are asking for anyone who would like to brew at the festival either day to let us know. Just to get an idea who will be there. 

  It looks like for those that have been patiently waiting for Tilted Axis in Lapeer, to open. That it is happening on September 16th, 2015. Come on out and try out their new beers and check out their new place. So excited!

  Our meeting will be taking place on Sunday September 20th at 3pm as usual. We have a few things to discuss. The Fall Club Comp, Teach a friend to brew day just to mention a couple. Come on out and check out the festival and let's talk beer and business. 

                   Tell a Friend, Bring a Buddy, Meet a Friend. Brew Strong my friends. 

July 19, 2015 Meeting

  Our July meeting was at Mike and Alice Mullins. Thank You to Mike and Alice for hosting the club and the yummy barbecue. We really only talked about the homebrew fest and consumed some brews and some very tasty food. We discussed the purchase of a new tent and acquiring the freezer for the festival. Also got an idea what everyone was contributing to drink for MHF. Looking forward to August. Brew Strong my friends.

 

June 20, 2015 meeting

  First of all I want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to Sean at Top Hops. Thank you for hosting our June meeting and giving us a tour of your farm. Also,Thank you for the schooling on hops. Very Cool. Second I would like to send out on the club's behalf a CONGRATULATIONS to Sean and Jen on their  upcoming wedding. We are wishing you well on your special day.   To those that missed our June meeting, we were give a special inside look at hops and how a big hop farm works. Really cool. Also we had some good food and brews. Good to see Dan. Glad you were able to come on out. Hope you will make it more often.
   We discussed the up coming HomeBrew Festival in August. Hope to see everyone for it. That, is happening August 13-16, 2015. If you didn't get a site to camp we hope you can come out for the day. Day Passes are available at the mhfsite.com. Go check it out. We are asking, if you can donate a keg to the club for the festival. Drop us a note on facebook of what  you plan sending for everyone's tasting enjoyment. We will work out a pick up plan.
  Also just a reminder that the July Meeting is at Mike and Alice Mullin's house. Mike is barbecuing. Bring a dish to pass and a brew to share. Also this will be the last official meeting of the summer. Only because the August meeting will fall while we are at homebrew fest.  But,September will be quick on our heels. So get to planning your fall brewing schedule. We are planning on another club comp in the fall. Just something to get your brewing ideas flowing.

May Meeting

 This month's meeting was pretty low key. It was at our place ( The Terry's) in Emmett. We had plenty of tasty food and a good variety of beers to sample. Thanks to all who came out. We discussed homebrew fest. The pre-registration opened on May 15th to the 22nd. If you had a spot last year, then this was your window of opportunity to obtain your spot from last year. Then there was a 24 hour window to trade up. On May 25th open camping registration opened. If you didn't camp last year  then this is your window to obtain your site. Go to www.mhfsite.com to get started. They have opened up some more spots in a new loop as of yesterday. So just do it, You know you want to. This is a great end to the summer and a great opportunity to meet other brewers and clubs, to expand your brewing trivia and knowledge. We also would like to ask our club members to brew and donate beer for the the festival. Let me know what you would be will to send to the festival. You can message me on face book or email me at ryedup@yahoo.com. We will need a 5 gallon, kegged batch. Also there is a state competition happening in conjunction with the MHF. The Michigan Beer Cup. You can check out the website at www.michiganbeercup.com for details. The awards will be handed out at the festival. Registration starts 6/1/2015 to 7/12/2015. Bottle turn in is 7/3/2015 to 7/12/2015. Judging will be 08/1 and 08/2. Awards on 8/15/2015.   

    I am trying to get more info on the Iron Brewer Comp as well. That is happening on Friday August 14th. Will post as soon as I know more. We have not picked a meeting place for July meeting yet, Any volunteers? This is usually the last summer meeting of the club, Because the August Meeting takes place at MHF.  As always Tell a pla, bring a buddy, meet a friend. Brew Strong my friends! 

April 2015

   Congratulations to all of our APA winners. !st place went to Ken Slater, for his Mid-Winter Pale Ale. 2nd place went to Tony Terry for his Breaking Pale. And 3rd Place went to Fred Folts and his American BB. We pasted around everyone's entries for the club to taste. And I have to say, we have a group of 1st class brewers in the club. Congates to all who entered and to those who won. We will be holding another comp in the fall. So look for upcoming details. We discussed homebrewfest and upcoming camping for it. If you were planning to go camping registration opens in May. Thank You to Chris Payne for hosting the April meeting. A good time was had by all. The food and games were great. Next meeting will be at the Terry's in Emmett. Looking forwad to seeing everyone.

March 2015

* I would like to Thank Mike and Grace Bammer for welcoming us into their home. And a HUGE THANK YOU to Grace for the delicious food. It was YUMMY!!! And Thank you to Mike Bammer for his distilling demo. Even though the brew haus is still frozen, Mike gave a very informative and enlightening demonstration.

*We talked about the club competition that is being judged on the 18th by Pat and Rachele Hyde. Turn in is fast approaching, guys. The 12th is your turn in deadline.

*National Homebrew day is fast approaching. May 2nd. We are working on a club brew at Woodchips and will have confirmation at the meeting. * Also we have our June meeting, set for Saturday June 20th,2015 at Top Hops Farms.The meeting will begin at 12:00pm, and should wrap up by 4:00pm. Sean has graciously invited the club out for a tour of the hop yard and the facilities and a barbecue. ***So mark your calenders, June 20, 2015 ***

* Michigan Homebrew Festival! This is a great ending to the summer season. We camp for 3 days and get the opportunity to meet with other brewers and clubs. To sample and talk beer and food. This is happening in August.

* The judging for our club comp is April 18th at the Terry's (Ale-Monte Brewhouse). The address is 13181 Imlay City Rd. Emmett,MI. 48022. If you would like to come on out to watch and enjoy. The judging will begin about 11am. We will have food and some brews too.

* As always Brew Strong, Brew Proud!

February 2015

*Location: Chris Payne's home. Running a little late on posting, But here goes. THANK YOU Chris for allowing us into your home and hosting a successful meeting. Great seeing some new faces and all the regulars too. Much was discussed.

* If you haven't heard we are currently holding a club competition brew of American Pale Ales. The turn in date is set for April 12th. You will be able to turn your entry into Nancy Terry or Fred Folts. Your entry must be a American Pale Ale, brewed to category 10a guidelines. I will be posting the entry form and bottle ID tags for your entry. 1 entry per paid club member. Brown bottles, no identifying marks or labels. Bottles must be 10 oz. or more. No flip caps. No stickers on caps. Entry will be assigned a number on check in and you will be notified what that is. you must provide 3 bottle for comp. 2 for judging and 1 for club tasting. I have also posted the rules on facebook. And the judging will take place on April 18th at Tony and Nancy Terry"s Home ( Ale-Mont brewing). Our guest judges are Pat and Rachele Hyde, from Black River Brew Club. You are welcome to come out on judging day if you wish. The address is 13181 Imlay City Rd., Emmett,MI. 48022. But, we will be holding our regular meeting on Sunday April 19th, 2015. Location TBA. Award winners will be announced then. Brew Strong, Brew Proud! Good Luck to all our entrants.


*May 2nd is National Homebrew day. Our club usually gets together at a public venue to brew and impart our knowledge to potential brewers and the curious.


* I had a chance to speak with Sean from Top Hops. If you get a chance go to their facebook page, Top Hops, and check them out. Sean has invited our club to hold it's June meeting at his farm in Goodrich and we have accepted. He will be giving us a tour of the hop yard and farm. And will be talking hops with the club. So mark your calenders for the June meeting.


* We also talked a little about Michigan Homebrew Fest. Which takes place in August. The MHF committee has held their 1st meeting of the year and I am sure details will start to trickle out. This is a great event to end the summer. Usually camping registration starts in May and goes pretty quick once it is open .Our club will have a site on the club loop for serving our brews. And we ask our brewing members to contribute some if they can. Great friends, bonfires, camping, food and great beer from some world class brewers. Dates haven't been posted yet but will probably be August 13th-16th.

* Richard Bell has this invite, to pass along: As my way of standing up for our rights to a spam free message system. I am offering up my place as a refuge (spam free) to come , set up your systems in a friendly warm atmosphere and forget your troubles and brew. Sunday March 22nd starting between 10 and 11 am. We will have heat, water electricity and room to brew. Location: Doc's Barn, feel free to bring samples and snacks. I will post the address on Facebook.


* Chris Payne has also invited anyone interested in brewing and keeping him company while his wife is out of town on Sunday March 29th. His address is: 198 Lincoln St., Lapeer, MI. 48446.

So it was a busy and exciting meeting. Hope to see everyone at Mike Bammer's Place this month. Brew Strong, Brew Proud.

January 2015

Location: Rob and Donna Zaiki's home.

First I wanted to Thank Donna and Rob for opening up their home to us. We talked about holding a inter club competition. We decided it would be an American Pale Ales Style. So if your interested you should get to brewing one up soon. If your not sure what the style guideline is check out BJCP style guide. You can download the app or check them out on line. (Links are located at the bottom of the page.) We will discuss this in more detail at the February meeting also. Probably looking to judge this in April or May. We discussed having a guest judge also. More details to follow.

Also we talked about if anyone would like to host any future meetings? So if you would be interested let us know at the meeting. We also talked about maybe having a guest speaker in the future. Any topics you may be interested in hearing someone talk with us about?

Of course we have already started talking about Michigan Homebrew Festival. If you have gone, then you know what a blast it is. If you have not, Please consider it. It's a great weekend of camping, food, good times and of course, BEER! It will be in mid August and hope to see a great showing for it from the club.

And just to remind everyone, DUES are due. So if you haven't renewed then this would be a great time to at the meeting this month.

Look forward to seeing everyone

Tell a Pal, Bring a Buddy, Meet a Friend. Brew Strong!