M.O.B. meeting minutes – November 14, 2010

 

Meeting called to order at 4:18 by Kermit.  Good turnout, but some dumb girl forgot to note how many.  Ooops….

 

Old Business:

Kermit brought "Homebrewing for Dummies", the book we donated to the Burlington Public Library last year, and reminded us all that there are several brew books both there and at the Fort Madison Library.  He encouraged us all to check them out occasionally to keep them on the shelves.

The Land of the Muddy Waters competition from the previous day was discussed.  Several of our members went as stewards/judges and had a great time – plus came home with some cool loot from the raffle.  Some brought home ribbons, too.  We are all still waiting on our BJCP test results and hope to hear soon.

Alan B. brought up the topic of the "Brewmasters" series about to start airing on the Discovery Channel.  It's hosted by Sam Calagione from Dogfishhead brewery in Delaware.  Many are planning on trying to watch it, starting Nov. 21.

Next month will be the Farmhouse Ale club competition.  They tend to be bigger beers so a request was made to bring some "bigger" (more filling) food.  We plan on having TWO winners – one for strong beers and one for the not–so–strong. 

 

New Business:

Reminder that nominations/elections for next years club officers will be next month.  Shaun Ryan will be president in 2011, but we will be electing a vice pres.

Competitions for 2011 were discussed – again – Some ideas were:  March – Irish beers, June – Hop–a–polooza, August – "Lawnmower" beers, December – Fireside challenge.  More to come later on this topic.

 

Beer School:  This month Dave Morse taught us all about Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beers.  We tasted and compared several commercial examples:  Blue Moon Harvest Moon (pumpkin ale), Dave's Pumpkin Ale (pumpkin + spices), Breckenridge Vanilla Porter (duh), and Young's Double Chocolate Stout (duh again).  The key to these beers is to have a harmonious balance between the beer and the spice/herb/vegetable that is being added to it.  Also, for competitions, the base style must be noted.  Other than that, this category is pretty wide open.

 

Who Brought What:

Didn't forget this month!

Dave – Foreign Extra Stout, Screwball Pale Ale (3^rd place at LOTMW), Mississippi Mud Amer. Brown, Van Dave Dark Amer. Lager, Pilsner, Rauchbock (smoked bock), and BNSF Steamer Steam Beer.

Shaun – fresh from a trip to Hub City: Midnight Express, Snowbunny (vanilla/caramel ale), & Paradise Pale Ale.  Also, Stone Levitation (West coast bitter), a growler of his "oh say you can't C" black IPA, and some rhubarb wine from Park Farm Winery outside Dubuque.

Matt – a yummy stout

Kermit – Rocky's wit, Squadron 5 IPA, and Millstream's Raspberry Tripel (now on tap at the Cabaret)

Alan – his brother Eric's rhubarb wine, and his own Perverted Pear and Jalapeno "Light"

Bob – Deschutes Pale and Summer ales, and Pyramid Wheat

John – Great River Pale Ale (from Quad Cities in CANS at HyVee) and Stevens Point Voyager Pale Ale

 

Thanks for all the goodies this month, too.  Amy brought Chicken Lip Dip, Matt brought Salsa Cheese Dip, Bobbie Jo brought pineapple, peach and mango salsa, and Becky brought beer & ranch cheese dip.