What better way to beat the insane record-heat of Summer 2012, than to watch some fools ice-fishing and homebrewing on 13 inches of ice? Brewing TV has just what you’re looking for. BTV in the middle of Lake Waconia, brewing an improvised beer with random ingredients and lake water… yup, lake water. Grab a pints, toss some ice cubes down your pants and check it out!
And homebrewers take note. There’s a “Most Bizarre Brew Session” contest involved. Check out the episode for more details.
Are you a homebrewer? Are you an AHA member? If not, you should consider joining. I let my membership lapse, but a pub discount reminder sparked the flame again, so I’m rejoining. Vine Park has been added to their pub discount program with $1.00 discounts on growlers for AHA members. Locally, Fulton, Fitger’s Brewhouse, Granite City, Old Chicago, Rock Bottom, Stout’s and Summit all offer discounts in one way shape or form. On top of that, pubs and other venues across the country have some nice discounts for AHA members.
I also miss getting miss getting Zymurgy magazine. I’ve had a bit of a brewing lapse over the course of the past couple of years, but I’m getting amped to brew something nice very soon. Though they don’t always influence my brews, I’ve always liked reading Zymurgy and BYO to for ideas, tips, etc..
There are a bunch of other discounts as well. Follow this link for info if you’re so inclined.
Kinda’ funny how the State Fair always creeps up on us, not unlike “back to school” areas in department stores. In any case, it’s time to start thinking about the State Fair Homebrew Competition. Details below.
Minnesota State Fair Homebrewed Beer, Mead and Cider Competition
This isn’t your Grandma’s blue ribbon! As part of The Great Minnesota Get Together the Primary Fermenters Brewers and Vintners will be hosting the 11th Annual Minnesota State Fair Homebrewed Beer, Mead and Cider Competition.
Get your entries brewing! On-line registration will be open from July 20th to August 3rd. Competition is limited to the first 750 entries. You can drop off your entries in person at either Midwest Supplies or Northern Brewer Stores between July 27th and August 3rd. Mail-in entries will be accepted at Midwest Supplies only.
Judging will take place on Friday, evening August 17th, AND Saturday, August 18th, on the State Fair grounds. Best of Show judging and awards will be held during the Minnesota State Fair, on Saturday, August 25th at 11 AM on the MN Craft Brewers Guild Stage, in the Ag-Hort Building.
Please join us for a fun competition! To volunteer and help with the competition, contact Amanda Kutzke, the Competition Organizer, directly at pfbrewclub@gmail.com or to judge/steward sign-up online at http://www.mnstatefair.
brewcompetition.com (beginning July 20th.)Dates to Remember:
Online Registration: July 20 – Aug. 3, 2012
Entries accepted at drop-off sites: July 27 – Aug. 3, 2012 until 3 PM
Judging: August 17-18, 2012 (Not Open to Public)
Best-Of-Show Judging and Awards: August 25, 2012 (Open to Public)For more information and additional details visit: http://www.mnstatefair.
brewcompetition.com/
NHC winners have been announced, and we’re glad to see that once again, Minnesota was well represented, including the Meadmaker of the Year award for Thomas Eibner of the St. Paul Homebrewers Club. Other top-three winners include Tim Stuemke (Dark Lager), Chris Smith (German Wheat & Rye Beer), Justin Dexheimer (Sour Ale), Sean Kampshoff (Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer), Thomas Eibner (Melomel) x2 (Other Mead) and Steve Fletty (Other Mead) x2. Congrats guys!
Brewing TV takes Manhattan… Kansas! BTV visits Tallgrass Brewing Company, where they find themselves happily surrounded by good people, great beer and a lot of homebrew equipment. While Dawson brews a freestyle small-batch collaboration beer with head brewer Andrew Hood, Jake talks with Tallgrass founder Jeff Gill about the brewery’s evolution, off-beat brands and new Northern Brewer Pro Series Beer Kits. (Drinking game included. Critical!)
Don’t forget – there’s also a release party tonight (Friday, June 15th) at the Nomad