mba August 2003

mba@thebarn.com

46 participants
100 discussions

Re: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by Steve Piatz

I have a Braukunst (spelling?). Not sure he is still in business, was up near Duluth selling kegging equipment for a number of years. It is almost totally metal (expect one piece of nylon in the overpressure vent) and the stopper. It uses ball valves (quarter turn from off to on). After taking it apart I see they are hard to clean so now I boil it for sanitation. Curt Stock has plans for a nice one but I don't think it is cheap to build. Will Holway writes: > > Steve/All > > What do you use of r a counterpressure bottler? I have > had relatively consistently poor results with the Foxx > and Phil's bottlers. Phil's seems to be slightly > better. > > Cheers > WH > > --- Steve Piatz <piatz(a)cray.com> wrote: > > Why do I enter? > > > > I think the reasons are similar to most of the > > other > > answers. > > > > I usually brew to style though I also play around > > with > > stuff that doesn't fit the current definitions > > except > > under historical. > > > > I enter for feedback though that can be hit or > > miss. > > There are more than a few judges out there that > > aren't > > nearly as good as they think they are. If you can > > enter the same beer at approximately the same age > > into > > several contests it helps to balance out the > > judging. > > There are judging differences due to geography, > > shouldn't happen but it does. My concerns about > > the > > quality of the judgings is one of my motivations > > for > > spending a significant amount of my spare time > > being > > involved with the BJCP exam process. I like to > > think > > we have come a long way in improving the quality of > > the > > program and the judges produced in the last 3 or 4 > > years. I think the last couple of years of BJCP > > exam > > prep class we have held locally have produced some > > real good judges. There is still more to do and we > > need > > to get a number of judges to improve their > > scoresheets > > and their knowledge of styles, I am tired of > > scoresheets that have virtually no useful content. > > > > I prefer to enter contests that I can be around for > > the > > judging. Beer competitions are fun. Where else to > > you > > get to drink beer and talk about beer with other > > people > > that take beer just as serious as you do? A > > competition > > is just a larger community of brewers than a single > > club. > > > > I enter to support the event. I have entered beers > > that I knew wouldn't place just to help the > > competition > > get the number of entries up. Always a surprise > > when > > one of those gets a medal even with a flaw or two. > > > > Why don't I enter? > > > > Because I don't have a beer ready to enter. I > > don't > > have as much time to brew as I would prefer. I > > tend > > not to brew much beer during the summer months > > which > > makes late summer and early fall competitions a > > challenge. > > > > Because I don't have the beer in a bottle. Like > > most I > > have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with my > > counterpressure filler. > > > > Because I missed the deadline. > > > > -- > > Steve Piatz > > piatz(a)cray.com > > Cray Inc. 651-605-9049 > > 1340 Mendota Heights Road > > Mendota Heights, MN 55120 > > > > > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software > http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com > -- Steve Piatz piatz(a)cray.com Cray Inc. 651-605-9049 1340 Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120

22 years, 3 months

Re: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by Steve Piatz

Why do I enter? I think the reasons are similar to most of the other answers. I usually brew to style though I also play around with stuff that doesn't fit the current definitions except under historical. I enter for feedback though that can be hit or miss. There are more than a few judges out there that aren't nearly as good as they think they are. If you can enter the same beer at approximately the same age into several contests it helps to balance out the judging. There are judging differences due to geography, shouldn't happen but it does. My concerns about the quality of the judgings is one of my motivations for spending a significant amount of my spare time being involved with the BJCP exam process. I like to think we have come a long way in improving the quality of the program and the judges produced in the last 3 or 4 years. I think the last couple of years of BJCP exam prep class we have held locally have produced some real good judges. There is still more to do and we need to get a number of judges to improve their scoresheets and their knowledge of styles, I am tired of scoresheets that have virtually no useful content. I prefer to enter contests that I can be around for the judging. Beer competitions are fun. Where else to you get to drink beer and talk about beer with other people that take beer just as serious as you do? A competition is just a larger community of brewers than a single club. I enter to support the event. I have entered beers that I knew wouldn't place just to help the competition get the number of entries up. Always a surprise when one of those gets a medal even with a flaw or two. Why don't I enter? Because I don't have a beer ready to enter. I don't have as much time to brew as I would prefer. I tend not to brew much beer during the summer months which makes late summer and early fall competitions a challenge. Because I don't have the beer in a bottle. Like most I have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with my counterpressure filler. Because I missed the deadline. -- Steve Piatz piatz(a)cray.com Cray Inc. 651-605-9049 1340 Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120

22 years, 3 months

Re: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by LaRocqueman＠aol.com

I get the impression that one of the main reasons for not entering is the bottling hassle. Personally, I prefer bottled beer. I've been doing 10 gallon batches and bottling half. Most of the time I prefer the bottled over kegged. Vine Park has a nice bottling system. Anybody know the cost of something like what they have? JL

22 years, 3 months

Re: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by allan.boyce＠usbank.com

I'll kick it off... I enter contests because: 1) I want honest, unbiased opinions of my beer, and how I can make it better 2) I like to PARTICIPATE in beer contests, and I like to enter my beers in the contests I participate in 3) I like to WIN - and you can't win if you don't enter! 4) I like to support the hobby, and entering contests encourages more and better brewing by participating members - Al allan.boyce@usba nk.com To: mba(a)thebarn.com, "St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List" Sent by: <Sphbc(a)sphbc.org> mba-bounce@theba cc: rn.com Subject: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? 08/26/2003 10:14 AM Curt Stock and I have been kicking around why people do or don't enter beer contests. What's your reasons, either way? Discuss! - Al

22 years, 3 months

Hot Wing Sauce

by Rick Oftel

OK beer Geeks, here is the recipe for Hot wings that was served a few weeks ago at the club meeting. Hot Wings Mix 1 C Catsup 6 T Water 4 T Habanero sauce (Marie Sharps) 3 T Worchester Sauce 1 t Chili Powder ¼ t Garlic Powder OR 2+ T Minced Garlic (the kind in a jar) Rinse the wings and add onto a well-seasoned med-hot BBQ grill; gas or charcoal. Cook until very light brown. Slather sauce over wings, turn, slather, and serve. This hot wing recipe is from brother in law Chuck. It makes awesome hot wings. The secret is in the mellow Habanero sauce. Don't use anything that talks about snakes, vampires, death, bombs, pain or anything extreme. Those concentrated bottles of fire are best saved for crowd control or used for pepper spray refills. Use a "mellow blend" of Habanero sauce that contains carrots. You still get the heat but can enjoy the true flavor of this wonderful pepper. This recipe covers 24-36 wings.

22 years, 3 months

RE: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by Curt Stock

My why do I enter reasons have evolved over time. The first competition I entered was for just that - competition. Quickly learned that not everyone thought as highly of my beer as I did. Competitions soon turned into a source for improving my brewing techniques. Later, when the score sheets contained less comments like "watch sanitation, temperatures, boil, etc." and turned more towards "doesn't have enough of this or that" - I used them to fine tune recipes. This still happens. But judges comments can be confusing. In the MCAB last year a BJCP National judge said my porter was too sweet, while a Certified judge said it was not sweet enough? Not all the score sheets will be accurate or even helpful. But if you enter the same beer in more than one competition and get a common thread to the feedback it becomes very helpful. As many have already stated, competitions are fun, help the hobby grow, meet people with the same interests. If you win then you get the hardware and prizes (I like hops and yeast) and some notoriety among your peers. You also get to drink beer with your buddies. Most of all entering competitions makes me brew MORE BEER! Got to do something with it. I brew a lot more than I can drink! Oh yeah, I like the medals too. As Kathy puts it "beer is taking over my life", I think she means in a good way? Curt Stock St. Paul Homebrewers Minnesota Home Brewers Association Prairie Homebrewing Companions -----Original Message----- From: allan.boyce(a)usbank.com [mailto:allan.boyce@usbank.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 10:15 AM To: mba(a)thebarn.com; St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List Subject: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? Curt Stock and I have been kicking around why people do or don't enter beer contests. What's your reasons, either way? Discuss! - Al _______________________________________________ Sphbc mailing list Sphbc(a)sphbc.org http://truthbrew.com/mailman/listinfo/sphbc_sphbc.org

22 years, 3 months

RE: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by Hatcher, Brian

I have only been homebrewing (Extract only) since March of this year and I think I make some good beers from what others have told me...but I keg all my beer. I have tried to bottle a few (6-12) per batch but have not been satisfied with using Prime Tabs to carbonate those few bottles. What is the best way to carbonate just a few bottles without having to use a bottling bucket... Brian Hatcher -----Original Message----- From: allan.boyce(a)usbank.com To: mba(a)thebarn.com; St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List Sent: 8/26/2003 10:14 AM Subject: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? Curt Stock and I have been kicking around why people do or don't enter beer contests. What's your reasons, either way? Discuss! - Al

22 years, 3 months

Re: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by sweiland＠usfamily.net

I have entered contests in the past with my beers and meads. Primarily, to get opinions (pro or con) about my fermented beverages. I've enjoyed most of the feedback I've received, and I will probably enter contests in the future. Right now, I do not enter contests, because I have cut back considerably on my brewing, and become more involved with other activities, especially with my 2 yr. old!! :) I've enjoyed participating in events as a volunteer judge or steward, and also learning more about the judging process and what some folks think are "good" or "great" beers. Perhaps I will be part of this fun again in the future..... I sure hope so! The good ol' US of A encourages competition..... beer contests seem to be part of this competitive "spirit".... sorry, but I couldn't resist the pun! Cheers! Steve Weiland ------ http://USFamily.Net/info - Unlimited Internet - From $8.99/mo! ------

22 years, 3 months

RE: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by Curt Stock

I know Jonathan does a great job packing and shipping, but I can't trust my babies, uh I mean beers with just anyone! I rarely let Kathy help. -----Original Message----- From: allan.boyce(a)usbank.com [mailto:allan.boyce@usbank.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 1:14 PM To: mba(a)thebarn.com; Sphbc(a)sphbc.org Subject: RE: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? Curt's answers about packaging don't count - he does his own because he LIKES it. The MhBA has a "PACKAGING COORDINATOR" in our club (Jonathan Crist) who packages and ships all the MHBA entries for us to all of the High Plains brewing contests - for $1 per bottle! If you don't have time or don't know how to ship - no problemo! Thanks Jonathan! - Al "Rick Oftel" <Rick.Oftel@toro To: cstock(a)barr.com, Sphbc(a)sphbc.org, mba(a)thebarn.com .com> cc: Sent by: Subject: RE: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? mba-bounce@theba rn.com 08/26/2003 11:55 AM So Curt, how much time do you devote to bottling, cleaning, counterflow cleaning, packaging, and contest entering for a typical (aka state fair) contest? Be honest - I only have time for one more. You had how many entries? Rick >>> "Curt Stock" <cstock(a)barr.com> 08/26/03 10:55AM >>> Since Al kicked it off and the responses are beginning I would like add that we/I will, in some form tabulate the responses and return a summary/explanation of what it all means. It may be helpful, it may not. Curt Stock -----Original Message----- From: allan.boyce(a)usbank.com [mailto:allan.boyce@usbank.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 10:15 AM To: mba(a)thebarn.com; St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List Subject: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? Curt Stock and I have been kicking around why people do or don't enter beer contests. What's your reasons, either way? Discuss! - Al _______________________________________________ Sphbc mailing list Sphbc(a)sphbc.org http://truthbrew.com/mailman/listinfo/sphbc_sphbc.org _______________________________________________ Sphbc mailing list Sphbc(a)sphbc.org http://truthbrew.com/mailman/listinfo/sphbc_sphbc.org

22 years, 3 months

RE: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests?

by allan.boyce＠usbank.com

Curt's answers about packaging don't count - he does his own because he LIKES it. The MhBA has a "PACKAGING COORDINATOR" in our club (Jonathan Crist) who packages and ships all the MHBA entries for us to all of the High Plains brewing contests - for $1 per bottle! If you don't have time or don't know how to ship - no problemo! Thanks Jonathan! - Al "Rick Oftel" <Rick.Oftel@toro To: cstock(a)barr.com, Sphbc(a)sphbc.org, mba(a)thebarn.com .com> cc: Sent by: Subject: RE: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? mba-bounce@theba rn.com 08/26/2003 11:55 AM So Curt, how much time do you devote to bottling, cleaning, counterflow cleaning, packaging, and contest entering for a typical (aka state fair) contest? Be honest - I only have time for one more. You had how many entries? Rick >>> "Curt Stock" <cstock(a)barr.com> 08/26/03 10:55AM >>> Since Al kicked it off and the responses are beginning I would like add that we/I will, in some form tabulate the responses and return a summary/explanation of what it all means. It may be helpful, it may not. Curt Stock -----Original Message----- From: allan.boyce(a)usbank.com [mailto:allan.boyce@usbank.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 10:15 AM To: mba(a)thebarn.com; St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List Subject: [SPHBC Public] Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? Curt Stock and I have been kicking around why people do or don't enter beer contests. What's your reasons, either way? Discuss! - Al _______________________________________________ Sphbc mailing list Sphbc(a)sphbc.org http://truthbrew.com/mailman/listinfo/sphbc_sphbc.org

22 years, 3 months

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mba August 2003