December Minutes!

Carroll and Judy Pate hosted the December B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 8th at their home in Calallen. Neither the clubs’ President nor Vice President was in attendance, so past President Travis Clapp attempted to seize power in a coup. An informed citizenry confronted the villain with torches, pitchforks and mash paddles. After receiving twenty spanks with a mash paddle (and requesting twenty more) Travis gave up his futile quest. Your humble and obedient scribe then called the meeting to order. Host Carroll (wearing his wife’s bright green socks) gave a brief embezzler’s report, which sounded as rosy as all the others.

Mark Woerner was presented with the B.A.S.H. Cup and honored as the 2013 Homebrewer of the Year. There was no competition this month, but Travis and Chris Swanson conducted a demonstration brew. The resulting American barleywine will be named “Pull My Finger”. You’re a class act, Travis! A proposed 2014/2015/2016 competition schedule prepared by Cory Mathews was discussed. It was decided to move the sour ale competition back from 2014 to 2015, and move the bock competition forward from 2015 to 2014.No one wanted to make cider, so we decided to replace it on the 2016 schedule with Irish red ale (BJCP category 9D). Several members volunteered to host meetings in 2014. Paul Holder announced a new product for sale at Liquid Town on Airline near Toys ‘R’ Us that removes gluten from beer.

On the all-important food front, Mike Wojdyla and Flip “Spudboy” Berry started us off with homemade kettle chips. Carroll’s traditional garlic-infused and brown sugar/sauerkraut pork loins served as the main course. We enjoyed new homebrews by Chris Edwards (double IPA), Paul Holder (regular and gluten-free IPAs, spruce Christmas small beer), Claudio Montiel (quadrupel), Mark Quade (sourwood honey mead, braggot) and Chris Swanson (white IPA). Commercial brews included Tom Freund’s Alaskan APA and Amber, Mark Woerner’s South Austin Belgian Golden and Spudboy’s exotic Miller Lite.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 12-Jan-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash X judging) 
• 9-Feb-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Railroad Seafood Station Brewing, robust porter competition, BJCP 12B) 
• 9-Mar-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brewing demonstration) 
• 13-Apr-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, American IPA/Imperial IPA competition, BJCP 14B/14C) 
• 3-May-14: Big Brew (need host, multiple brewing demonstrations) 
• 18-May-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (3rd Sunday, John Daniels) 
• 8-June-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, German wheat beer competition, BJCP 15A-D) 
• 13-July-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Paul Holder, brewing demonstration) 
• 2-Aug-14: Mead Day (need host, multiple brewing demonstrations) 
• 10-Aug-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, Saison competition, BJCP 16C) 
• 14-Sep-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brewing demonstration) 
• 12-Oct-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Claudio Montiel, bock competition, BJCP 5A-D) 
• 1-Nov-14: Iron Mash XI (B&Js Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations) 
• 9-Nov-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Andrew Herzig/Sabrina Krueger, barleywine competition, BJCP 19B/19C) 
• 14-Dec-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, brewing demonstration) 

Thanks again Carroll, Judy, Mike and Spudboy, keep on brewin’, Happy Holidays and we’ll see you next month at the Freund’s (as always, with your own glass)!

November Minutes!

Claudio and Jennifer Montiel hosted the November B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 10th at their home in Corpus Christi. President Adam Klager called the meeting to order and welcomed guests Roberto Vela, Chris Edwards and Sonny (Claudio’s neighbor). Treasurer-Of-The-Nanosecond Carroll Pate reported another healthy checking account balance. Paul Holder shared judges comments on the two beers he entered in last month’s Dixie Cup regional brewing competition. His Belgian strong golden ale was deemed “lacking in fruitiness” (not that there’s anything wrong with that). His Kölsch was “too dark” and “had no pils flavor”.

Speaking of competitions, we decided on robust porter for February’s club competition. Vice President and competition director Cory Mathews solicited suggestions for the remainder of the schedule. The gist of the comments was to mix ales and lagers, mix American and European styles and save high alcohol brews for the end of the year. In other new business, Travis Clapp, Chris Swanson and Bob Davis volunteered to conduct the demonstration brew at the December meeting.

The final club competition of 2013 was for American brown ale, BJCP category 10C. Paul Holder scored three points for 1st place, Wild Bill Lehfeld earned two for 2nd place and Mark Woerner got a solitary point for 3rd.

As John Milan showered us with Italian tuna mousse, escargot and jumbo-shrimps-on-fire, we dug into Claudio’s brisket and all the side dishes. Besides competition beers, we enjoyed Robin Baker/Christyn Overstake’s “Red Nose” rye, Drew Burkhardt/Cory’s witbier, Ruben Cantu’s porter and rauchbier, Paul’s Belgian strong golden and Cubano, Jason Merry’s American hefeweizen, host Claudio’s “gluten-free experiment with honey”, Carroll’s American IPA, Chris Swanson’s nut brown and amber ales and guest Roberto’s two IPAs, ESB and “mistakes”. Interesting commercial beers included Andrew Herzig/Sabrina Krueger’s Saint Arnold Icon Biere de Saison, Karbach Weekend Warrior Pale Ale and No Label Black Wit-o, Adam’s Laughing Dog Sneaky Pete’s Imperial IPA and Lou Needleman’s Sierra Nevada Tumbler.

Randomly overheard quotes:

• Travis – “I’m going to pay my dues, Carroll!” Paul – “For which year?”
• Claudio – “I lost something in my pants!”
• Travis – “Wayne, did you get your passport? We’re going to deport you!”

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 8-Dec-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, brewing demonstration)
• 12-January-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash X judging)
• 9-February-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, robust porter competition, BJCP 12B)
• 9-March-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brewing demonstration)

Thanks again Claudio, Jennifer and John, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at the Pate’s (as always, with your own glass)!

Brewer Of The Year!

Mark Woerner has earned the honor as B.A.S.H. Homebrewer of the Year for 2013, amassing 8 1/2 points in club competitions. Paul Holder totaled 6 points, Wild Bill Lehfeld earned 4 1/2, Drew Burkhardt/Cory Mathews scored 4 and Mark Quade tallied two. Said Mark W “Just schedule barleywines and Scotch ales every competition and I’ll win it every year!” Yeah, with the same old recycled brews!

The fiend Woerner earned a 3-point 1st place finish and a 1 ½ point 2nd place tie in April’s extract competition and a 2-point 2nd place finish in October’s American pale ale contest. Rounding out his scoring were a 1-point 2nd place finish in February’s barleywine competition and a 1-point 3rd place in November’s American brown ale contest.

Runner-up Paul collected a 3-point 1st place in November, a 2-point 1st place in February and a 1-point 3rd place in October.

Two time defending champion Wild Bill collected a 2-point 2nd place in November, a 1 ½ point 2nd place tie in April and a 1-point 2nd place finish in August’s European amber lager contest.

The dynamic duo of Drew/Cory collected 3 points for 1st place in October and 1-point as the only entrants in June’s English dark mild competition.

The good Mark earned his 2 points for a 1st place finish in August.

The 2014 competitions are expected to be wide open slugfests, with young punks giving the old fartknockers a run for their money! Stay tuned for the competition schedule. Congratulations, Mark, and thanks to Competition Directors Kyle Hotz and Cory, their ever-shifting horde of judges and to all who entered beers in the contests.

Iron Mash X

Iron Mash X was held on Saturday, November 2 at B&Js Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, under sunny, windy and gang-infested conditions. After fists flew, knives flashed, the police were called and the intruders fled, we got down to business.

Three teams competed in this years’ outdoor brewing demonstration. The “Bashturds” consisted of the unflappable Mark Woerner and the impetuous Travis Clapp. Team “Iron Crash” was made up of the irrepressible Patrick Viles and nefarious John Nicely. The indefatigable Cory and Jess Mathews, theunfermentable Drew Burkhardt and the always-industrious Claudio Montielcompeted as “Lazy Beaches”.

Each team received a box of ingredients and were given 30 minutes to concoct a recipe and declare a beer style. Grains included unmalted wheat, flaked maize, oatmeal, roasted barley, crystal malt and carafa. Light dried malt extract (DME) rounded out the sugar sources. Four types of hop pellets were included. Possible flavoring adjuncts included lemongrass, coriander and chipotle peppers. The teams supplied their own yeast.

One team chose to make an oatmeal stout, one selected chipotle oatmeal stout and the third opted for chipotle English pale ale. The propane burners were then fired up and the brewing commenced. Which team made which beer? Which beer will win the coveted Iron Mash Cup and secure bling medals for the winning team members? You’ll have to attend the January B.A.S.H. meeting to find out (and to drink the beers). See you then!

P.S. – Two weeks after pumpkins were smashed outside B&Js in celebration of Oktoberfest, a volunteer pumpkin patch has sprouted. The questions remains, whofertilized the seeds, Travis?

OCTOBER MINUTES

“Those subs are everywhere! I dropped a coupla lines of sonobuoys and I’m on station flying a figure eight pattern. Aggie Bill’s surface squadron is on the way loaded to the gills with depth charges. Jason and Nick are bringin’ half the Coast Guard as backup. Dammit! I bet that sumbitch Travis is down there right now laughin’ at me through his periscope!” Calm down, Paul, the Russkies are still in Murmansk. The only submersibles were host Lou Needleman’s meatball subs at the October B.A.S.H. meeting held on Sunday the 13th.

President Adam Klager called the meeting to order and welcomed guest Rene, a friend of Claudio Montiel. Treasurer-Of-The-Nanosecond Carroll Pate continued his unbroken streak of rosy reports. Tom Freund previewed next months’ Iron Mash X. Participating teams need to provide Tom with their roster by the end of this week. Adam reminded everyone that the Dixie Cup regional beer competition is next weekend in Houston. If interested, info is available on the Foam Rangers’ web site. Also next weekend, member Kevin Ramler is holding a ceramic art exhibition at Weil Art Gallery, TAMUCC Center for the Arts on Saturday night the 19th at 6:00 p.m.

The competition this month was for American pale ale, BJCP category 10A. Four commercial beers were thrown in to confuse the judges. The professional efforts topped the homebrews, with Oskar Blue’s Dale’s Pale Ale finishing first, followed by Stone Pale Ale, Southern Star Pale Ale and Real Ale Rio Blanco Pale Ale. Of course, we didn’t award any points to these ringers. Capturing 1st among the homebrews was Cory Mathews and Drew Burkhardt (3 points). Mark Woerner finished 2nd (2 points) and Paul Holder earned one point for 3rd place. Heading into next months’ final club competition Mark Woerner holds a commanding lead with 8 points, followed by Cory/Drew with 4, Paul with 3 and Mark Quade and Wild Bill Lehfeld with 2 points each.

Lou, assisted by Melissa and Mike Wojdyla provided three varieties of meatball subs, two types of grilled sausages and pizza casserole. John Milan (who is STILL not dead) kept us hoppin’ with several types of gourmet appetizers, from ahi tuna to oyster shooters. Besides competition beers, we enjoyed Drew and Cory’s prickly pear blonde ale (last moths’ demonstration brew) and witbier, John Daniels’ Oktoberfest, Claudio’s Rye kvass (light Russian ale), Mark Quade’s Oktoberfest and Kevin’s Cold Front Kölsch. Interesting commercial beers included John Cicala’s Dundee’s Honey Brown, Andrew Herzig/Sabrina Krueger’s Weihenstephaner Korbinian Doppelbock and John Milan’s Paulaner Hefeweizen and Samuel Smith’s Organic Pale Ale and Raspberry Ale.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 2-Nov-13: Iron Mash X (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate) 
• 10-Nov-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Claudio Montiel, American brown ale competition, BJCP 10C) 
• 8-Dec-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, brewing demonstration) 
• 12-January-14: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash X judging) 

Thanks again Lou, Melissa, Mike and John, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Claudio’s (as always, with your own glass)!

SEPTEMBER MINUTES

The September B.A.S.H. meeting was hosted by Danna Sharpe at her home in Port Aransas on Sunday the 8th. President Adam Klager called the meeting to order and welcomed guest Phil Sims, a friend of Danna and Mark Woerner. Temporary, acting, transitional, ephemeral, ad hoc Treasurer-Of-The-Moment Carroll Pate reported another healthy club balance. 

Paul Holder and Kyle Hotz gave an update on the Classic Brew. The event venue (Museum of Science and History) is now managed by a private corporation with their own liquor license. Corporate policy is that all persons serving alcohol shall complete the TABC servers’ course. The downside to TABC servers’ certification is that the server is personally liable for serving minors or intoxicated people. B.A.S.H. members who had been planning to serve homebrew at the clubs’ portable bar decided not to accept this liability, thus B.A.S.H. will not participate as an organization. Individuals may still volunteer as tappers if they complete the TABC course no later than Thursday, September 12th. The course may be taken online, or at the KEDT-TV offices on Tuesday 9/10 or Thursday, 9/12 from 6:00 – 8:15 p.m. You must pay $15 to complete the course, but will receive free admission, t-shirt and glass. Certification is good for two years. Non-tapper volunteers are also welcome.

In other old business, Paul still has a couple of B.A.S.H. shirts remaining. If you ordered a shirt and plunked down a $5 deposit, you have until the October meeting to pick up your shirt and pay the balance due. If not, you forfeit the deposit and the shirts will be for sale first come, first served.

There was no competition this month, but Drew Burkhardt and Vice President Cory Mathews conducted a demonstration brew of prickly pear blonde ale.

As we enjoyed Danna’s seafood lasagna, we tasted new homebrews by Josh Anderson (Russian imperial stout/Pliny the Elder clone/blackberry mead), Drew and Cory (Belgian ale), Andrew Herzig and Sabrina Krueger (Jester King Farmhouse Black Metal Imperial Stout clone), Paul (kolsch) and Mike Wojdyla (key lime weiss). A nice array of commercial beers were also consumed, including 11-year-old J.W. Lee’s Barleywine (Josh), Estrella/Delirium Nocturnum/Liefman’s Cuvee/Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (Dave Hall), Saint Arnold Icon Biere De Saison (Paul), Pacifico (Kyle), Smuggler’s Brewpub Debauchery Belgian Tripel/porter/Ouray brown ale (Rick Kelley), Franziskaner Dunkel/Spaten Optimator/Paulaner Hefeweizen/Weihenstephaner Kristall Weiss (John “Still Not Dead” Milan) and Humboldt Hemp Ale (Chris Swanson).

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 13-Oct-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Lou Needleman?, American pale ale competition, BJCP 10A) 
• 2-Nov-13: Iron Mash X (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate) 
• 10-Nov-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Claudio Montiel, American brown ale competition, BJCP 10C) 
• 8-Dec-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, brewing demonstration) 
• Thanks again Danna, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at ? (as always, with your own glass)! 

P.S. – Yes, Jess Mathews, you made it into the minutes!

AUGUST MINUTES 2013

Nick Nicoll hosted the August B.A.S.H. meeting at his condominium’s pool on Padre Island. President Adam Klager encouraged everyone to participate in Dixie Cup XXX, sponsored by the Foam Rangers homebrew club in Houston.This year’s event will be held the weekend of October 17 – 19. Treasurer-For-Life Carroll Pate reported an ongoing healthy account balance.

Paul Holder reported that the city of Corpus Christi annual drinking water quality report has been issued and is available online. For those who brew with tap water, be advised that the city uses chloramide as a disinfectant, which cannot be removed by boiling. Camden tablets will remove the chloramide, or use reverse osmosis water and add minerals as required.

Eight styles of beer have been volunteered so far for the club’s booth at next months Classic Brew. Our theme this year is “Let there be light”.

Paul has received the T-shirts, polos and tank tops that he ordered last month. If you put down a deposit on a shirt, see Paul. In other business, Vice President Cory Mathews has volunteered to serve as Competition Director as well.

Speaking of competitions, the August contest was for European amber lagers, BJCP styles 3A and 3B. Mark Quade earned two points by capturing 1st place with his Oktoberfest. Secretary-For-Life Wild Bill Lehfeld earned one point with his “Fifty Shades More” Vienna amber. Wild Bill’s “Fifty Shades of Amber” Vienna and Oktoberfest rounded out the competition.

As we devoured hamburgers and hot dogs, the beer flowed freely. In addition to competition beers, we enjoyed new homebrews by Drew Burkhardt/Cory (pecan porter), Hector Cavazos (hefeweizen/Belgian pale ale), Paul (raspberry Flanders brown/strong Belgian golden), Gary McCoig (transnational pale ale), Claudio Montiel (Belgian dubbel) and Mike Wojdyla (non-alcoholic lemonade). A good variety of commercial beers were also available, including Full Sail Berliner Weiss (Adam), Franziskaner/Wehenstephaner/Erdinger Hefe/Erdinger Dunkel Hefe/Spaten Optimator/Alamo Golden (John Milan, who is still not dead), Blue Moon Belgian White/Agave Nectar/Blackberry Tart/Rounder Belgian Style Pale/Short Straw Farmhouse Red (Lou Needleman) and Chimay white and blue (Carroll).

After refreshments, most of us cooled down in the soothing saltwater pool.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 8-Sep-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Danna Sharpe, demonstration brew)
• 19-Sep-13: KEDT-TV Classic Brew 
• 13-Oct-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, American pale ale competition, BJCP 10A) 
• 2-Nov-13: Iron Mash X (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate) 
• 10-Nov-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Claudio Montiel, American brown ale competition, BJCP 10C) 

Thanks again Nick, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Danna’s (as always, with your own glass)!

P.S. – “To bee or not to bee – that is the question”. Member Travis Clapp found the answer to this question on Saturday, and was thus a no-show for Sunday’s meeting. After his disgusting behavior during Mead Day, when he almost committed perverse acts with honey, the bee community was not amused. These clever insects laid an ingenious trap for Mr. Clapp, and he fell for it hook, line and stinger.

First, a nasty swarm infested the home of Travis’ friend Frank the Tank. Frank was thinking of hiring professional exterminators, but Travis volunteered to do the job himself, using a borrowed bee suit. “I’ve killed many a varmint in my day – pregnant doe, you name it”. As Travis suited up and began the job, a solitary infiltrator got under the protective hood and began buzzing menacingly. Our man Travis did not panic, instead taunting the bee with “Is that a stinger on your abdomen, or are you just glad to see me?” When the bee struck, Travis replied “It’s only a flesh wound, I’ve had worse. Your mother was a hornet and your father smelled of elderberries!” At that point, Travis ripped off the hood and exclaimed “Come and get it, you six-legged, yellow-bellied bastards!” And so they did -- the whole demonic host descended on Travis’ face and commenced stinging. As he was dragged to safety, he swore he heard an insectoid rendition of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries”.

Travis claims he would have made Sunday’s meeting had he suffered only sixty or seventy stings, but one hundred is his limit. Heal up, big guy, we’ll see you next month.

Mead Day Minutes: Sat. Aug. 3rd

Kyle Hotz hosted Mead Day 2013 at his home in Corpus Christi. Ed Schloniger (friend of Kevin “Dr. Moustache” Nelson) was our guest for the day. At high noon, the mead makin’ commenced in the air-conditioned kitchen. Kyle and Kevin made a dry, sparkling ginger mead which they plan to dry hop. Robin Baker and Christyn Overstake produced a “Wit flavored” mead (lemon/orange zest, peppercorns and coriander).

Several members shared meads from days gone by. Tom Freund had a still, sweet prickly pear melomel. Paul Holder poured a still, sweet apple cyser and a prickly pear melomel. Kyle served a cherry mead, while Jason Merry brought a dry, sparkling peach mead.

Dr. Moustache shared a bottle of commercial Chaucer’s Mead. Homebrewed beers were also in abundance, including new efforts by Cory Mathews/Drew Burkhardt/Wayne Oakes (Belgian strong ale and Kolsch) and by Wild Bill Lehfeld(“Psycho Mike” Bohemian Pilsner).

I went home and passed out for a couple of hours, then tried to remember some crazy antics which usually accompany Mead Day. It seemed like everyone was well-behaved this year, but then again my memory of the day’s events is a little murky. (It must have been the heat because surely my intake of beer and mead had no impact on my cranial function). Paul reminded me that Travis Clapp had been present, and committed his usual misdeeds. First of all, Travis only showed up because he heard there would be lots of honey present and he thought he’d find a new girlfriend. Then he grossed everyone out by proposing to make a sea turtle mead. When he insisted the honey/turtle concoction would be a lovely shade of green, we all began to turn sickly green. Later, he spilled honey in his lap and his dog Barley suddenly appeared, panting heavily. When he headed for a back bedroom with a jar of honey, host Kyle intervened and sent the boy home. I still don’t remember these details, but they must have happened because Paul NEVER embellishes stories about Travis. Neither do I. Perhaps next year Travis can brew beer at B&Js all day, ensuring a good, clean mead event …

MEAD DAY AUGUST 3RD 2013!

Kyle Hotz is hosting the B.A.S.H. 2013 celebration of National Mead Day at his home at 1609 Sprucewood Drive on the southside of Corpus Christi on Saturday, August 3rd, beginning at high noon. Here’s a map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1609+Sprucewood,+Corpus+Christi,+TX&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=38.365962,56.513672&hnear=1609+Sprucewood+Dr,+Corpus+Christi,+Texas+78412&t=m&z=16

Directions from SH 358 (SPID):

Exit Airline Road

Eastbound feeder road (toward island)

Right on Candlewood (just before Best Western Paradise Inn)

First left onto Hanley Drive

First right onto Sprucewood

Look for 1609 Sprucewood on right

Observe the brewing of mead, either made from straight honey or mixed with various fruits, juices or spices. If you plan to brew, bring your own equipment and ingredients. If not, this will be a great opportunity to learn about the brewing process. Members of the general public are invited. No food will be served. Please bring a chair and beverages of your choice.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 11-Aug-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Nick Nicoll, European amber lager competition)
• 8-Sep-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Danna Sharpe, demonstration brew)
• 19-Sep-13: KEDT-TV Classic Brew
• 13-Oct-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, competition TBD)

July Minutes

I call it “The Travis Effect”. The farther Travis Clapp is from a position of power in B.A.S.H., the more our membership increases. When Travis’ one year reign of terror as club president ended last summer, we enjoyed a surge in new members. For this years’ July meeting, Travis was hundreds of miles north attending a wedding in Dallas. The result was predictable – seven new people joined in one day. Any two-bit statistician will tell you that two data points indicate a solid trend. Paul Holder is now recommending to NASA that Travis be included as cargo on the next Martian rover mission.

Paul sponsored the July meeting held at B&Js Pizza on Staples at Timbergate. Incoming president Adam Klager welcomed new members Kenny Erben, Joe/Karen Haug, John/Karen Cicala, Sabrina Krueger, Bob/Sue Davis, Steve Smith and Kaisen Twitty, as well as guests Debra (Steve Smith’s friend) and Marilee (friend of Chris and Sue Swanson). Treasurer-For-Life Carroll Pate reported a good start to the new fiscal year – we had a healthy carryover balance from last year bolstered by the new members as well as existing members paying their annual dues. If you haven’t renewed membership for 2013 – 2014, annual dues are $20 (including your spouse or significant other).

The annual KEDT-TV Classic Brew fundraiser will be held on Thursday, September 19^th this year. Kyle Hotz is taking names of B.A.S.H. members who would like to volunteer as tappers for this event. As an incentive, tappers get in for half price. Those providing a keg of homebrew for the B.A.S.H. booth get in free. Paul is taking names for those supplying kegs. Our theme this year is “Let there be light”.

Kyle is also seeking suggested beer styles for our October and November club competitions. We typically use the same styles as the AHA club-only competitions, but the AHA has discontinued this program for the 2013 – 2014 fiscal year. It’s a little too late for lagers, meads, barleywines, etc. so pleases limit your suggestions to “normal” ales.

Paul is taking orders for B.A.S.H. t-shirts and polos. See Paul with a $5 deposit if you’re interested. Adam reminded everyone that the Dixie Cup regional beer competition will be held in October in Houston. He encourages members to submit competition beers and to volunteer as judges at the event. Mike Wojdyla volunteered to drop-off competition beers at De Falco’s in Houston. Jack Heim announced his imminent move to New Orleans and donated his brewing equipment to the club. Carroll wheeled and dealed out of the back of Jack’s truck, raising additional donations for the club treasury.

As we wolfed down B&Js pizza supplied by Paul, we tasted several new homebrews including Ruben Cantu’s amber ale and pale ale, Paul’s raspberry Flemish brown, Wild Bill Lehfeld’s Oktoberfest, Cory Mathews/Drew Burkhardt/Wayne Oakes’ Belgian blonde, Claudio Montiel’s summer honey ale, PJ Ponce’s hazelnut brown nectar and Kevin Ramler’s American IPA. Rick Kelly provided Gaedingar Pale Ale, Thule Lager, Myr Kvi Porter #13, Norday Baldi and Stinning’s Baldi commercial beers from Iceland. Several members also enjoyed pints of B&Js beers on tap, including the delicious Maris Otter Saison ale.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

3-Aug-13: Mead Day (Kyle Hotz, high noon, brewing demonstration open to public)

11-Aug-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Nick Nicoll, European amber lager competition)

8-Sep-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Danna Sharpe, demonstration brew)

19-Sep-13: KEDT-TV Classic Brew

13-Oct-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, competition TBD)

Thanks again Paul, B&Js and Jack, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Kyle’s and Nick’s (as always, with your own glass)!

P.S. – Please join us Thursday, July 18^th at 6:00 p.m. at B&Js on Staples at Timbergate for Paul Holder’s 3000^th beer party. Paul has been drinking beer at B&Js since the 1980s. For his 3000^th different beer, Kyle has produced a cask of Bavarian Hefeweizen.

June Minutes

Lou Needleman and Melissa hosted June’s BASH meeting. It will be known as the Reunion Meeting as we welcomed back former members Shelley and Kevin Nelson and Dana Sharpe and bade farewell to Gregory Teagarden who is moving to Alpine. Lou and Melissa served their world famous Indian food. As usual there was more than enough to go around and we all noted that it was the best example outside of London.

Coastie Jason Merry hosted his last meeting as outgoing President. There was no treasurer’s report as the treasurer was on vacation (hopefully, not with our funds). We agreed to sponsor a Mead day on August 3, starting at 11 AM. The location will be, as usual, at Kyle’s house. Bring your refreshments and see how this beverage is made. The public is welcome to attend.

Paul announced that he will take orders for BASH apparel at the next meeting. A $5 deposit is required with each item ordered so come prepared. He also is taking styles for the annual PBS Classic Brew. This year’s theme is: Let There Be Light. Let Paul know what you want to brew if you intend to participate in the BASH Bar at the event in late September. Kyle is taking names of those who are willing to be tappers.

Jason announced the results of the Nominating Committee for officer positions for the next year. Travis, having lost the presidency and having been rejected for Pope, tried to assume the presidency again but was thwarted in his power-grabbing move by the quiet determination of Adam Klager who was elected by acclimation. The other officers will be Cory Matthews for VP, Carroll for Treasurer, Wild Bill for Secretary, Kyle for Competition Director and Erik for Webmaster. Congratulations to all and thanks to the outgoing officers for their service this past year.

There were several new beers. Rick Kelly brought his 15 gallon Brown, John Daniels an Oktoberfest, Ruben an Irish Red, Cory an American Wheat and the English Mild from the Big Brew, Gregory an Imperial Steam, an Imperial Kolsch and an IPA, Paul a New Albion clone and his Essex Bitter, Terry an IPA, Chris a Belgion Cucumber Pale, a Belgian Imperial IPA and an Imperial Porter, Travis had a Anchor Porter clone and an American Pils and Toad served his Sanitizer Wit.

We welcomed guest John Wayne Nicely.

Some of the witticisms overheard include:

• I’m not sure what this is but try it. 
• Can’t I make a speech? 
• What are you sniffing now? 
• We all know each other better now. 

The next meeting will be July 14th at the B&J’s on Staples at Timbergate. You may bring homebrew as long as it stays inside the marked area for the club. Beer will also be available at the bar for the usual charge. Paul will host the food which will be PIZZA (no kidding). You may bring a side dish if you wish.

• 14-July-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s on Staples at Timbergate, hosted by Paul Holder)
• 3-Aug-13: Mead Day (Kyle’s house, brewing demonstration open to public)
• 11-Aug-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Nick Nicoll, European amber lager competition)
• 8-Sep-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Dana Sharpe, no competition)

Thanks again Lou and Melissa, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at B&J’s (as always, with your own glass)!

BASH May Meeting 2013

John and Nikki Daniels hosted the May B.A.S.H. meeting at their home in Rockport. There was no competition or brewing demonstration, just food, beer and conversation. No scandals emerged, as Travis Clapp was absent.

President Jason Merry called the meeting to order and received another scintillating report from Treasurer-For-Life Carroll “Shark Bait” Pate. Vice President Erik Hinz was thanked for his outstanding work on the new website.

In new business, Paul Holder will take orders for B.A.S.H. t-shirts and polo shirts at the next two meetings. To order a shirt, you will have to pay half of the cost up front. A nominating committee of Jason, Erik and Paul will come up with a slate of officer candidates for the 2013 – 2014 fiscal year, which begins in July. If you’re interested in serving, please contact one of these gentlemen.

As we supped on pasta and fixin’s, we swilled mostly previously-tasted homebrews. A few new efforts surfaced, including Tom Freund’s dampfbier, Andrew Herzig’s “American bock”, Paul’s dampfbier and erupting bitter and Chris Swanson’s winter dark ale and two amber ales. Quite a few interesting commercial beers showed up, including Robin Baker’s Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Director’s Cut, John’s Yuengling Lager and Black & Tan, Rick Kelly’s Samuel Adams New World, Joe Reyes’ Sierra Nevada Tumbler, Sabrina’s Jester King Black Metal Farmhouse Imperial Stout and Gregory Tegarden’s Real Ale Four Squared, Hans’ Pils and Brewer’s Cut Altbier.

Not too much crazy talk this meeting, just the following gems :

• “The older I get, the better I used to be” 
• “Don’t ask, we had an incident” 
• “There’s something going on with this beer” 

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 9-June-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Lou Needleman, English Mild competition) 
• 14-July-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s on Staples at Timbergate, hosted by Paul Holder) 
• 3-Aug-13: Mead Day (need host, brewing demonstration open to public) 
• 11-Aug-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Nick Nicoll, European amber lager competition) 

Thanks again John and Nikki, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Lou’s (as always, with your own glass)!

Big Brew 2013

Kyle Hotz hosted the 2013 B.A.S.H. celebration of Big Brew 2013 on Saturday, May 4. The brewin’, drinkin’ and lyin’ kicked off at 11:00 a.m. on a beautiful, cool day. Kyle and Travis Clapp brewed the all-grain AHA recipe “More Fun” Blonde, a Belgian Pale Ale. Cory Mathews performed a rare solo brew of AHA’s all-grain “Pointon’s Proper” English Dark Mild Ale. He struggled at times without usual sidekicks Drew Burkhardt and Wayne Oakes, but somehow got the job done. The Big Brews will be available for your enjoyment at the July meeting.

Aspiring member Gary McCoig joined us at high noon for the global synchronized toast to homebrewing, led by Travis. Among the homebrews we swilled were Kyle and Travis’ 6.5 Flanders red ale and black cherry mead, Wild Bill Lehfeld’s two old ales, Vienna amber and Munich Helles, Cory’s two pale ales and Claudio Montiel’s pumpkin ale, ginger ale and “all-in” ale. “Paul the Pious” Holder set a bad example by consuming only one beer throughout the day’s festivities. Does a bear not poop in the woods? Does a fish not flatulate bubbles? There was a time when Paul was a force to be reckoned with. The horror, the horror!

As usual, a few liquid-fueled gems escaped our sudsy lips:

• “I don’t trust robots – I like ball valves and levers” 
• “Get your fermenter and just throw money at it” 
• “I used to play when I was a kid, but I sucked at it” 
• “Guitars are like women – they come in all shapes and sizes” 

Your humble and obedient scribe declared victory and slipped off about 4:00 p.m. for his daily nap, just as the post-brew party was peaking in Kyle’s garage. Another successful Big Brew in the can …

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 19-May-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (moved to 3rd Sunday , John and Nikki Daniels, no competition or brewing demonstration) 
• 9-June-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Lou Needleman, English Mild competition) 
• 14-July-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s on Staples at Timbergate, hosted by Paul Holder) 
• 3-Aug-13: Mead Day (need host, brewing demonstration open to public) 
• 11-Aug-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, European amber lager competition) 

Thanks again Kyle, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you this month in Rockport at the Daniels’ (as always, with your own glass)!

P.S. – Paul redeemed his honor later in the evening at the Man Shack with a solid quaffing effort. Welcome back, Paul!

April 2013 Minutes

April 2013 Minutes
​
​Mark Woerner hosted the April B.A.S.H. meeting at his home in Corpus Christi. Good food and beer were plentiful, new members and guests were in abundance, a spirited competition was held and the B.A.S.H. candidate for Pope, Travis Clapp, returned from the Vatican unsuccessful but undaunted.

President Jason Merry called the meeting to order by welcoming new/old member Rick Kelley, new members Justin Haas and Jackie Di Fiore, as well as guests Giovanni and Rachel, Rudy and Jo Ann, Kaisen and Julie. Treasurer-For-Life Carroll Pate dazzled us with another eloquent and articulate report. Vice President Erik Hinz reported ongoing progress on the new website. A motion was passed to fork over funds to adopt the new site.

Competition Director Kyle Hotz will host the upcoming Big Brew. Drew Burkhardt, Cory Mathews and Wayne Oakes will brew the AHA English Mild recipe at the event. If you’re interested in brewing the American Pilsner, contact Kyle.

Paul Holder mentioned that he has a customer moving to Australia who needs to sell a two-tap kegerator and several kegs. Paul also conducted an education event courtesy of 5 Star, maker of homebrew cleaning and sanitizing products. The “Eight Rules of Cleaning/Sanitizing“ are as follows:

• Only sanitize clean equipment
• Dirty equipment will always have bacteria
• Cleaners are not sanitizers
• Sanitizers are not cleaners
• Higher temperatures and longer times lead to better cleaning
• Do not overuse cleaner or sanitizer
• Cleaner/sanitizer must be in direct contact with the equipment
• Always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals 

The competition this month was for extract beers. Host Mark seized first place with his strong Scotch ale, earning three points. Mark’s barleywine and Wild Bill Lehfeld’s Vienna lager each earned 1 ½ points with their second place tie. Rounding out the field were Wild Bill’s Munich Helles and old ale, Mark Quade’s Belgian pale ale, Paul’s American pale ale and Mark Woerner’s IPA.

The monthly feast featured Mark Woerner’s venison backstrap rollups and stuff-that-Mark-killed chili. When asked what exactly was in the chili, Mark replied “Engineers, Park Service employees and other foraging fauna”. New homebrews this month included Drew/Cory/Wayne’s kolsch, Ruben Cantu’s hefeweizen and pale ale, Tom Freund/Paul’s New Albion pale ale clone, Claudio Montiel’s spiced mead and Kevin Ramler’s pale ale (last month’s demonstration brew). Commercial beers included Drew’s Shiner Farmhouse Ale, Kyle/Travis’ B&J’s Golden Promise SMASH ale, Jack Heim’s Ommegang Three Philosophers Quadrupel, Rick’s Liefman’s Goudenband and Quilmes and Gregory Tegarden’s Green Flash Hop Head and Ska ESB.

Travis skulked through the meeting, still bitter over his defeat last month at the Papal Conclave. After the first few votes produced black smoke, we were all hopeful that opinions would coalesce around Travis as the compromise candidate. Alas, the only thing coalescing around Travis in Rome was a bevy of campfire girls with hygiene issues. Better luck next time, big guy!

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• ​4-May-13: Big Brew (Kyle Hotz, brewing demonstration open to public) 
• 19-May-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (moved to 3rd Sunday , John and Nikki Daniels, no competition or brewing demonstration) 
• 9-June-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (Lou Needleman, English Mild competition) 
• 14-July-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s on Staples at Timbergate, hosted by Paul Holder) 
• 3-Aug-13: Mead Day (need host, brewing demonstration open to public) 
• 11-Aug-13: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, European amber lager competition)

Thanks again Mark, cheer up Travis, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month in Rockport at the Daniels’ (as always, with your own glass!

March 2013 Minutes

Quickly thinking Kevin Ramler uses his beard to stop a boil over.

Greg and Amanda Tegarden hosted the March B.A.S.H. meeting at their home in Corpus Christi. Vice President Erik Hinz called the meeting to order by welcoming back prodigal members Buster and Marilyn Terry and Terry and Monika Caldwell and new members P J Ponce/Maggie Medrano. Treasurer-for-Life Carroll Pate made his usual astounding remarks. The balance of the merfcifully short business consisted of a rehash of the woeful state of our website, and Erik's promise to fix it.

As Kevin Remler conducted a demonstration brew, we dug into the pulled pork, green chili stew, corned beef, etc. with barbaric ferocity. The ensuing bacchanal was lubricated with new homebrews galore - Drew Burkhardt/Cory Mathews/Wayne Oakes' brown ale and apple cieder, Ruben Cantu's Irish Red and pale ales, Wild Bill Lehfeld's "Fifty Shades of Amber" Vienna lager, Lou Needlemen's golden ale, Mark Quade's Belgian dubbel, Kevin's IPA and rye ale, Cannibal Chris Scholfield's pilsner, Jared Sperling's gluten-free honey lager and apple pie mead, Chris Swanson's Vienna lager, host Gregory's "Firefly" IPA and Buster's spiced porter and brown ale.​

Commercial beers in evidence included Hector Cavasos' Deschutes Hop in the Dark CDA, Travis Clapp's B&J's CH-47 Chinook-hopped pale ale, Tom Fruend's Alaskan Amber and Lou's Real Ale Devil's Backbone.

Speaking of Travis, his delusions of grandeur continue unabated. No longer content to be President of B.A.S.H. or dictator of a South American country, he's now set his sights on the Papacy itself. Minor impediments to his campaign include his non-Catholicism and the whole celibacy issue. On the plus side of the ledger is the Miracle of the Immaculate Toilet and his endorsement by the influential bearded cleric, Kyle Cardinal Hotz. Forget about white smoke or black smoke, if you detect a puff of barley-scented steam rising above the conclave of Cardinals, you'll know that Travis I is the first brewin' Pope!

Upcoming B.A.S.H. Events:​

• April 13: B.A.S.H. Meeting (Mark Woerner, extract beer competition)
• May 13: Big Brew (need host and brewing teams, brewing demonstration open to the public)
• May 13: B.A.S.H.meeting (moved to 3rd Sunday, John and Nikki Daniels, brewing demonstration)
• June 13: B.A.S.H.meeting (need host, competition TBD)
• July 13: B.A.S.H.Meeting (B&J's on Staples at Timbergate, hosted by Paul Holder
• Aug 13: Mead Day (need host, brewing demonstration open to public)
• Aug 13: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, European amber lager competition)​

Thanks again Greg and Amanda, good luck Travis, keep on brewin' and we'll see you next month at Mark Woerner's (as always, with your own glass)!