Good Afternoon LAB. Well, what can I say? It has been a slow start for everyone I suspect. But here we are well into March. So, lets get caught up. Our Fall Beer Comp was won by Ken Slater. Congrates to Ken and his award winning beer Fall Down American Brown. Thank You's go out to our Christmas Party hosts, Mike and Grace Bammer. And Thank you to all who came out to share some holiday cheer. As we all rang in the New Year, our thoughts turn to what we will be doing and brewing in 2017. At out January meeting we discussed some of the up coming events in the brewing world and the club.
National Homebrew Day is May 6, 2017. Mike Mullins and myself talked with Tom Hansen at Tilted Axis about the club brewing, along side the building again this year. They will have hot water and electric available to the club. Brewing will most likely start around 10 am.The club has been doing this brew for a couple of years now, at this location. It is always a good time. I suggest you dress warm in layers. We have seen snow and warm temps all in the same day.
We raffled off a few items at the January meeting ( pint glasses, gift certificate, hop glass stache ). I hope the winners are enjoying their prizes. We will be holding raffles during other meetings throughout the year.
And as normal it is that time of the year again. Time to pay your yearly dues. Your dues help the club to purchase our club site at MHF and also club kegs. Which are available to any member in good standing to borrow. We have also purchased tents for club events. Also this helps the club to purchase and hold tastings and sensory sessions, throughout the year.
The World Expo of Beer is taking place in Frankenmuth, May 19-20, 2017. Some of our members will be volunteering to pour for this event. You can check out the World of Beer expo site for more info. And if they are still looking for volunteers. Or if you are interested in attending to check out the expo, ticket info is available on their website.
Seven Ponds has invited the club back to brew at their heritage festival in September on the 16-17, 2017. Mike Mullins has sent out our acceptance to be there. This event is a great way to welcome in fall and get ready for those long, cold, hard to brew days ahead. More info will follow as this event draws closer.
We had to make a change of date for the April meeting because it falls on Easter. So we have rescheduled it for Good Friday (April 14,2017) at 6:00pm. At Tilted Axis. Come on out and join us and kick off the holiday weekend.
We have a new Quarterly Brewing Competition that started in January. Mike Drops is taking the lead on this one. Thank You to Mike and Carrie Drops for handling and running the Quarterly brewing Competition. The first quarter was Catergory 15 ( Irish Beer). Mike Bammer was the 1st place winner followed by Mike Mullins and then Mike Drops. The 2nd quarterly comp is Catergory 21 ( IPA) That turn is due on June 3, 2017. Remember that it needs to be brewed to the 2015 BJCP guidelines and you must have your dues current and there is a one time $10 fee to enter the comp. Mike also posts reminders and has created an event on facebook. The 3rd Quarter comp was changed due to it being so close to Homebrew festival. It was going to be Catergory 18 (Pale Ales), But, With our club brewing in the upcoming months for the festival. We have decided to make it an open brew. Brewers Choice. Following 2015 BJCP Guidelines. Any questions , contact Mike Drops via Facebook.
I am currently talking with Sean at Top Hops about coordinating a field trip out to the hop farm. Hoping for July. More info when I have it. Also I was talking with Chris Payne. He has asked about having the club over in June to his home in Lapeer.. More to come as he gets back to me.
SO, That brings me to Michigan Homebrew Festival. It will be August 17-20, 2017 at Camp Agawam in Lake Orion. This is the festivals 2nd year at the new site. They are planning on it being bigger and better this year. Its time to start considering what you would like to brew for the club to serve up at the festival. We have 13 taps to fill plus a smaller keezer for a few extra. Mike Bammer is the keeper of the bar and is planning on a few tweeks. Looking forward to seeing them Mike! We always have a great time at this event. This is the MHF 8th year and LAB has been fortunate enough to be part of the festival for most of those years. This event is a great way to end out the summer season and to get to experience many other clubs and supporters of Homebrewing and craft beer, from all over the state. The Michigan Homebrew Festival website will be up in a few short weeks. If you have been to MHF in previous years you know what a blast it is. If your new to the festival I encourage you buy a membership and come on out and check it out. The store front should be up and running in May. Keep your eyes open for more info.
Also want to mention that the Michigan Beer Cup Competition should be kicking off soon. This is the same comp that was held at the Michigan State Fair. Dan Frechette and many other dedicated brewers took over the comp to keep it alive. Check out Michigan Beer Cup website for more info and how to enter. This competition is awarded at the Michigan Homebrew Festival. Just another amazing event, to give you a reason to attend the festival.
So, as you can tell our year is already taking shape. Hope to see everyone come on out to a meeting and/or any events. Brew Strong my Friends. Tell, a Pal, Bring a Buddy, Meet a Friend. KANPAI That's Cheers or empty your glass in Japanese.
