First and foremost, here are the results of 2007’s Upper Mississippi Mash-Out.

I volunteered as a steward on Friday evening and assisted three judges who were judging Belgian Strong Ales (Blondes, Dubbels, Tripels, Golden Strong and Dark Strong). I think I took my role a little too seriously, attempting to avoid any stupid mistakes and hoping not to piss anyone off. Needless to say, everything went smoothly and I probably learned a few things. Next year I’ll probably volunteer more than just one night.

Volunteering came with perks, of course, and I enjoyed some homebrew and some pro beer at the volunteer-only indoor pub crawl after judging and took home a bomber of last year’s “Best of Show” (a Kolsch… haven’t tasted it yet…) and a nice commemorative glass. I felt a little under the weather this weekend and didn’t spend a lot of time at the pub crawl, but still managed to taste a few good beers before heading home. I missed Saturday’s “Pro-brewer Forum” and the banquet and awards ceremony that followed, but I have no doubt that it was a good time.

In case you didn’t look closely at the results, take note… I took second place in the “New Entrant” category. (And yes, there were more than two entrants in the category… there were actually 24.) My Saison and American IPA didn’t fare as well, I guess, but I wasn’t expecting anything more than some impartial feedback from someone other than a friend or family member. Incidentally, the name of the beer, Superhopper, was conceived by my friend Todd (some of you might be familiar with a band he played with, Anchorhead) about a year ago when I threw this recipe together in order to teach him how to brew. I let him choose the name, and he named it after his friends’ band, Superhopper. Rumor has it that the name also had something to do with hops, but I can’t substantiate that…

In any case, a big thanks goes out to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s Mash-Out a good time. I’ve been inspired to join the Minnesota Home Brewer’s Association and I’m looking forward to next year!

The Great Northern Brew-Ha-Ha (February 9th & 10th) is currently accepting entries until January 29th. You can enter online at
http://www.northernalestars.org/greatnorthernbrewhaha.html

You can bring your entries to the Upper Mississippi Mash-Out and they will be transported to Duluth for FREE!

Judges and Stewards are needed. Register to judge or steward online at http://www.northernalestars.org/greatnorthernbrewhaha.html

You can find entry details along with hotel and awards dinner information at…you guessed it…
http://www.northernalestars.org/greatnorthernbrewhaha.html

Online registration, FREE shipping, BJCP points, Midwest Homebrewer of the Year points, Best of Show winner will brew their winning entry at the Thirsty Pagan Brewery…the list goes on and on!!!

If you have any questions please e-mail them to northernalestars AT hotmail DOT com.

BEER BANQUET DEADLINE
Saturday, Jan 13 – We only have room for 100 people, most of the seats are already gone.  This dinner will entail NINE entrees, TWO desserts, and COUNTLESS varieties of all the beer you can drink, including a re-brewing of last year’s Best of Show Kolsch, re-brewed by Rick Oftel of the Garden View Brewery.  Only $30!  (CHEAP!)
http://www.mnbrewers.com/mashout/beerbanquet.htm

ENTRY DEADLINE
Saturday, Jan 13 – The Early-Bird Entry Deadline is this Saturday. ENTRIES MUST BE AT EITHER NORTHERN BREWER OR MIDWEST BY CLOSING TIME!  Remember, Beer, Mead AND Cider each have their own Best of Show this year, and each have the coveted Mash-Out CHALICE hand turned by Don Stock (Curt’s brother.)  Also, don’t forget the SPECIAL categories – EIS-ANYTHING and NEW ENTRANT.  Only $6 per online entry, $7 with good old fashioned paper.
http://www.mnbrewers.com/mashout/entryinfo.htm

JUDGE / STEWARD / VOLUNTEER
Judging slots are also fast filling up – at this rate, there WILL BE NO WALK-IN JUDGES accepted.  Go online and register TODAY!  This year, we have a whole page of special events FOR VOLUNTEERS ONLY.  Check it out at:
http://www.mnbrewers.com/mashout/volunteer.htm

The Mash-Out is fast becoming one of the largest home brewing competitions and events in the NATION, and it’s right in your OWN HOME TOWN!  Get out to the Mash-Out and enjoy the show!  This year, it will be held again at the KlubHaus, at 1079 Rice Street in St. Paul.  RIGHT ON THE BUSLINE!

And then a little more info about the banquet… Man, it sounds tasty. If I was able to go, I certainly would… Don’t miss this!

Saturday is the deadline to sign up for the amazing Jamaican feast that Chef Manfred Krug is preparing for the Mash Out banquet on Jan. 27.  More than 70 Epicureans* already have signed up, but there is still room for a few more.

*Def: fond of luxury and sensuous pleasure, esp. that of eating and drinking

Here’s what you get for $30:
Dinner:
–Sticky Citrus hot wings
–Chicken wings in a citrus glaze with Habanero pepper and orange and lime zest
–Fancy slaw with coconut and pineapple
–Creole fish and shrimp stew
–Red beans and rice
–Garlic and ginger-grilled chicken with sweet barbeque sauce
–Kingston Jerk pork butt
–Beef picadillo stew with sweet potatoes
–Assorted bread
Desserts:
–Sticky Jamaican beer cake with candied fruits
–Dark rum cheese cake with tropical fruit sauce
Beverages:
–A wide assortment of homebrews from some of the best brewers in the area.  Take your pick from 8-10 taps.

After this Jamaican feast, all you have to do is waddle upstairs at the Klub Haus and collect your medals at the 7:30 awards ceremony.  How perfect and convenient an evening is that?  As the theme says, mon, “Let’s get together and feel all right.”

Just two more days to register:
http://www.mnbrewers.com/events/mashout/beerbanquet.htm

The Northern Ale Stars Homebrewers Guild is proud to announce the 2007 Great Northern Brew-Ha-Ha is open for business and accepting entries!

– It’s The Return of Homebrew Competition to Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin!
– A Qualifying Event for the Midwest Home Brewer of the Year Circuit!
– Gain Valuable BJCP Judging Points (especially all you new Judges)!
– Best of Show Winner will Brew Their Winning Entry at Thirsty Pagan Brewing!!!! (Formerly Twin Ports Brewing)

You can register your entries online and find all the information you need about entering at http://www.northernalestars.org/greatnorthernbrewhaha.html

There are THREE easy ways to transport your entries:

1) Ship your entries to Lake Superior Brewing, 2711 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55806.
2) Drop off your entries at Lake Superior Brewing (same address).
3) Bring your entries to the Upper Mississippi Mash-Out January 26th – 27th and members of the Northern Ale Stars will transport them back to Duluth for FREE!

We are also in need of judges and stewards. You can register at http://www.northernalestars.org/greatnorthernbrewhaha.html

February 10th Brew-Ha-Ha Banquet will be prior to the Gala Awards Ceremony at Thirsty Pagan Brewing (formerly Twin Ports Brewing). More info to follow.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail them to northernalestars@hotmail.com.

Cheers!