September Meeting

by Roger St.Denis, VP & Chief Steward

Belgian beer was the September style of the month. The club decided not to participate in Beers Across America at the June meeting. Instead, the funds could be used more adroitly by choosing and delivering better beers. This was put to the test in September.

Bruce Brazil was our first 'Beer Meister' and he "did good." The six members in attendance were very concerned about the lack of attendance, of course the up-side was more beer for us. Clean up went quickly as there was no beer that had to be poured out at this meeting. Needless to say, the business part of the meeting went very quickly. We were in a hurry to get down to business.

We started with a can, yes a can, of Bergan Bay Lager. It was sort of the Belgian version of Bud. Light and slightly skunked. We moved on the Hoergaarden Original White Ale which is arguably one of the best beers made. After a few moments of reverential silence savoring the wonderful complex flavors we moved on to my Blanche De Bruges. Another commercial example of a Belgian White but not nearly as interesting.

We warmed up further with a commercial Tripel, Pirat, and then on to Charlie's Tripel. Charlie’s Tripel has aged well and exemplifies the 'big' malt and high alcohol characteristics admirably.

John Leichel brought a Kwak which we identified as a Belgian Strong Ale.

Bruce covered the Lambics with a Gueze Lambic Chapeau, sweet and tart; wonderful! We moved on to a Grand Cru Red Ale for the Flander's Red. Bruce brought out a 2-year old Trappist Belgian he made which was a little past it's peak but was still pleasant.

Harry brought out his Scotch Ale (another excellent product of the La Quebrada Brewery, now on-line at http://laquebrada.netgate.net/index.htm).

Bruce brought out a Heffe Abbage De Abbey Van Brune which he had gotten at the brewery on his trip to Belgium 4 years ago. He raved on about how great this beer when it’s fresh, so we termed it 'orgasm beer'. It was still good but guess I'll have to visit the brewery for the full effect.

We moved on to St. Sixtus Belgian Abbey Ale and ended the Belgian beers with Duval. WOW, how do they get all those amazing flavors from malted barley, yeast and water? Everyone relaxed and enjoyed this beer, you would have too if you had been there.

Charlie brought an English Mild which was appropriate after all the high alcohol beers we had enjoyed. John Leichel brought a wonderful IPA.

The September meeting served up ten commercial examples of the style and five home-brews. All-in-all an educational and pleasant afternoon.

Being steward is rewarding.

Hope to see you at the October meeting.