Brewing

Well, it arrived. Cooler weather brings out the kettles, malt, hops, tubes, pumps, and machinery.....all that stuff we use to produce one of our favorite fermented beverages. I already told a sorry story about a PITA porter and I am glad to report that not only did it turn out very well, but the series of humorous events caused a number of new upgrades in my basement brewery. Speaking about basement breweries, a few years ago I inquired and suggested that a number of us open up our breweries to other homebrewers so we could visit either on a brew day or a convenient afternoon. Yes I know, some of us like to brew before the rest of us get up on Saturday but this too can change. If anyone in the MHBA is interested in visiting other brewers or breweries, we need to get a little organized. I will bring a sign up sheet to the BIG SWAP MEET AND BELGIAN JUDGING EVENT which occurs next Saturday (October 5, 2002) at the CSPS hall in St. Paul. So plan on attending the meeting. Think about brewing and sign up on the sheet if you are interested in attending. Visiting a brewery is very informal and as you all know, when the liquid is boiling, thing can happen. The best thing about visiting other breweries is that every time you visit a brewery, you should always take something home. This means you learn something useful - ok? Every brewery tour and brewer both professional and amateur has a wealth of knowledge that they will gladly share and all you have to do is to ask! Such a deal. So see me at the meeting. Fill out the information on the sign up sheet. May the road below meet your feet as you climb the hill of knowledge. Rick Oftel VP MHBA