The May Meeting Notes

The May meeting saw the first well organized club tasting. We were looking for the best entries (if any) for the AHA club-only Stout Bout competition. We judged one sweet stout, one dry stout and one imperial stout. Tom read the official style descriptions while we scrutinized the beers. Everyone’s scores came out close to each others and everyone seemed to be able to critically examine the beers. The judging reinforced how much of an evaluation is personal and subjective, even with a style guideline in front of them. 

A commercial stout was included in the three. Samuel Adams Cream Stout was thought to be a thin, less-flavorful stout with a sweet finish. Most homebrewers, I think, prefer bigger beers with more body and flavor than the majority of commercial beers can provide.

Just before the meeting, I received the results from the Queen of Homebrewing com-petition. We had two winners, both a second place. Lisa won with her pale ale and Bonnie won with a wheat beer. Honorable mention goes to Kim and Michelle for their entries. We’ll look forward to seeing more brews from women, both members and non-members.

There has been some interest in having other events or locations for our meetings. First, I think everyone is willing to get together for social events on other days than the meeting days. In addition, the July meeting will be at Lyons Brewery Depot in Dublin with the Saaz homebrew club. The August meeting will be the club picnic, and we need your ideas ASAP for a location. Keep your ideas and suggestions coming.