Newsletter from 06/06/2006

Homebrewers,

It’s summer time again folks, time to brew those lighter and more refreshing brews… that is if you have the time. Remember when you were a kid and had a 3 month summer vacation? Why can’t they have that for the working folk? I mean really, Europe embraces long vacations so why not here? I could spend a couple weeks brewing a bunch of beer and then take it with me on a big 2 month camping tour of the U.S. Yeah, 3 month vacation, nice.

So much for pipe dreams; I need a homebrew.

Local News

I mentioned this in the last newsletter, but It’s worth repeating. This year Great Fermentations, indianabeer.com and World Class Beverage are hosting what they call the Ultimate Beer Geek Challenge. Basically brew up a mean American IPA following their rules and submit it for judging. You can find the regulations and entry form at the bottom left of this link. All entries must be submitted starting July 17th through the 22nd. There is a $20 entry fee but this also includes a ticket to the Indiana Guild Microbrewery Festival on July 29th.

Also, seriously consider entering your homebrew in the state fair, entries must be delivered by person or courier starting June 10th through the 24th at Payless Liquors in Indianapolis. You can find out more information on the rules and how to enter here. I’m thinking about entering a beer or two myself, so if you don’t have a way to get your entries submitted let me know and I might be able to get them there for you.

Club Stuff

We are now moving to the “Summer Schedule” which basically means we are only meeting once a month for the next three months. So the second Thursday of the month meeting is dropped and we now meet only on the 4th Thursday of each month. The next meeting scheduled for Thursday June 22nd which will be hosted by Bob Probst. You can find directions to his place here. The meeting will start at 7pm.

Beer Style of the Month

The style of the month for June is American IPA. American IPA was chosen to encourage our members to enter the Ultimate Beer Geek Challenge this year. The style guidelines can be found here. Hop to it!

Tips and Tricks

Ok guys, I need your help to keep this section going, I’m running dry on tips and tricks. If you have any techniques that make brewing or other beer related processes easier, faster, or just plain cooler email me; please.

I’m almost embarrassed to write this one, but ok, so I hate holding a full 6.5 gallon carboy upside down while it drains. So one day a long time ago, I put the long straight end of my racking cane all the way to the bottom of the carboy and then poured. Holy cow, it made a big difference. It probably drains it 3 times as fast! Try it.

Cheers

Ryan

www.hopjockeys.org

Copyright 2006