January 2016 Minutes

The January B.A.S.H. meeting was held on Sunday the 10th at the home of Tom and Rocky Freund in Flour Bluff, co-hosted by Aggie Bill and Dianna Hughen. We welcomed newbie David Raymond and old timer John Cox as El Presidente Sabrina Krueger called the meeting to order. Treasurer Carroll Pate’s report wasn’t quite as rosy as usual, but sufficed in a pinch. In old business, Paul Holder and Tom reported on the test results from their Flour Bluff pale ale, December’s demonstration brew. The ABV was 5.6% and the IBU’s were 26. By Paul’s diabolical calculations, the local Cascade hops contained 2.0% alpha acids. In any case, the taste was delicious!

In new business, we found hosts for several upcoming meetings, but are still seeking homes for the April and June shindigs. Walt Crawford is looking for a 6+ gallon brew pot.

After the opening frivolity, we got down to serious bidness – judging the beers from November’s Iron Mash XII. Past winners were encouraged to wear their coveted bling medals. Poor Mark Quade was hunched over from the extraordinary mass of shiny chrome dangling from his overmatched neck, representing several past wins. Mark teamed up with Mark Woerner and Micah Cole to form the aptly named Repeat Offenders (AKA the Inveterate Miscreants). Daniel and Jessica Fearn partnered with Geoff Whirty to form Team Red Shirt. Jim Hildreth, Mike Wojdyla and Craig Gann were the Porter Waggoners. A-Train Almendarez, Patrick Viles and Clinton Schena comprised Team Thunderhunt. Each team brewed at least one American porter. (Several teams split their wort among multiple fermenters, pitching different yeast into each to create more than one finished beer). In total, eight brews faced the gauntlet of discerning judges. With a final score of 164 points, one effort by the Porter Waggoners captured third place. Runner-up went to Team Red Shirt, whose single product scored 177 points. With one of their beers scoring 183 points, the Iron Mash XII champions are the Repeat Offenders. After the traditional victory photo with their bling medals, we bundled Mr. Quade off to the chiropractor. Despite our darkest fears, Travis Clapp did NOT show up to drink from the Iron Mash trophy. Phew!

As we consumed sausage and chili blanco, we sloshed down the competition beers as well as new homebrews from Micah (Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA clone), Jim (SMSH pale ale), Mark Quade (Kölsch, or was it Quölsch?) and Jeremy Van Horn (strawberry and blackberry pale ales). Interesting commercial beers included Andrew Herzig/Sabrina’s Karbach Love Street, Wild Bill Lehfeld’s Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Cory Mathews’ Lazy Beach Bonfire Smore Stout and Belgian IPA (a homebrewer collaboration), Lou Needleman’s Six Points Sweet Action and Tractor Brewing Milk Stout and Clinton’s Real Ale Fireman’s #4 Blonde Ale and New Belgium Ben & Jerry’s Salted Caramel Brownie.

The hardcores were still surrounding the bonfire at 10:30 p.m. when your humble narrator slinked off. The most embarrassing quote again came from noted pyromaniac Mike – “Craig gives me wood!” Let’s hope he was referring to fuel for the raging inferno …

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 14-Feb-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, mead competition, 2015 BJCP M1 – M4)
• 13-Mar-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Jim Hildreth, brewing demonstration)
• 10-Apr-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, lager competition)
• 7-May-16: Big Brew (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstations)
• 15-May-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (NOTE: 3RD SUNDAY, John Daniels)
• 12-Jun-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, Irish Red Ale competition, 2015 BJCP 15A)

Thanks again Tom, Rocky, Aggie Bill and Dianna, congratulations Mark, Mark and Micah, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at the Fearn’s!

December 2015 Minutes!

The December B.A.S.H. meeting was held on Sunday the 13th at the home of Carroll and Judy Pate in Calallen. Tom Freund and Paul Holder began with a demonstration brew of pale ale using Tom’s Flour Bluff Cascade hops. A sample of the finished beer will be sent to White Labs for IBU testing. Paul will then back calculate the available alpha acids.

El Presidente Sabrina Krueger called the meeting to order at about 4:30. Carroll once again reassured us on the soundness of our treasury. Tom reminded us that next months’ meeting will include judging of the Iron Mash XII beers. TEAMS – DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BEERS! The judging will begin at 4:30 p.m., before food is served. Aggie Bill and Dianna Hughen will co-sponsor – the menu will include chili blanco and sausage.

Daniel Fearn reported that the AHA is wanting to hold a national conference in Texas – stay tuned. Paul reported that Lazy Beach Brewing has applied for a brewpub license (expected to take 45 days) which will allow serving beers of > 5% ABV. Rebel Toad Brewing downtown will have a grand opening on Saturday, December 26 from 4 – 6 p.m. Lorelei Brewing in Flour Bluff got their license and are currently brewing. Port Aransas Brewing has new owners. Member Sean Sutherland is the new brewmeister at Railroad Seafood Station downtown. Paul was presented with the B.A.S.H. Cup as Homebrewer of the Year for 2015. His name will hang for posterity on the B.A.S.H. plaque at B&J’s Pizza on SPID soon.

We enjoyed the Pates’ carnitas, rice and beans with new homebrews by Micah Cole (lavender cream ale), Paul (chili pale ale), Chris Swanson (pale ale/amber ale) Sarah Tilton (pumpkin pecan stout/chocolate coffee porter) and Jeremy Van Horn (coffee old ale). Interesting commercial beers included Daniel Fearn’s White Tip Lager (Cayman Islands) and Danna Sharpe’s Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale.

The best quote of the day came from Mike Wojdyla – “If Paul’s cleanin’ we gotta get some stuff dirty!” Amen !!!

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 10-Jan-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash XII judging)
• 14-Feb-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, mead competition, 2015 BJCP M1 – M4)
• 13-Mar-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brewing demonstration)
• 10-Apr-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, lager competition)
• 7-May-16: Big Brew (multiple brewing demonstations)
• 15-May-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host)
• 12-Jun-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, Irish Red Ale competition, 2015 BJCP 15A)

Thanks again Carroll and Judy, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Tom and Rocky’s!

November Minutes 2015!

The November B.A.S.H. meeting was held on Sunday the 8th at the home of Mark Woerner, on the heels of the rescheduled and relocated Iron Mash XII. El Presidente Sabrina Krueger called the meeting to order, welcoming new members Sarah Tilton, Geoff Whirty and Jeremy Van Horn. Carroll Pate assured us the club treasury is still sound and encourages everyone to attend next months’ meeting at his house, where carnitas will be served. We decided to start future competitions at 4:30 p.m. Paul Holder reported that Hector Cavazos has received his federal license for Rebel Toad Brewing downtown, and that Port Aransas Brewing has been sold.

The competition this month was for Belgian strong ales, 2008 BJCP categories 18A-F. Paul collected three points for his winning Imperial Golden Strong (judges score 146). Sabrina/Andrew Herzig earned two points for their second place dark strong (139). Sean Sutherland’s dubbel came in third with a score of 138, earning one point. Paul’s Golden Strong rounded out the competition with a score of 132. Cumulative results after all six competitions are as follows:

• Paul - 9 points
• Andrew/Sabrina – 8 points
• Daniel Fearn – 4 points
• Aggie Bill Hughen – 3 points
• Mark Quade – 2 points
• Sean Sutherland – 1 point

Paul is thus B.A.S.H. homebrewer of the year for 2015 and will receive the holy B.A.S.H. Cup at next months’ meeting.

We washed Mark’s wild game rollups and sausage with new homebrews by Daniel (spice beer), Jim (Irish red), Wild Bill Lehfeld (“Fifty Shades of Fuchsia” transgendered wheat) and Sean (SMSH Vienna/Perle ale, SMSH Maris Otter/Perle ale and American IPA). The usual cornucopia of commercial beers included Tom Freund’s Alamo Pilsener and Shiner IPA, Sabrina/Andrew’s Stone Thunderstruck IPA, Jim’s Green Flash Le Freak IPA, Paul’s Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Stout and Infamous Brewing Sweep The Leg Peanut Butter Stout, Lou Needleman’s Tractor Brewing Company Almanac IPA, Steve Smith’s Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest and Jeremy’s Ommegang Upside Brown Farmhouse Brown Ale.

With all the beer that was consumed, you’d expect a few ridiculous conversations. Your humble and obedient narrator only overhead one, but it was a doozy:

Q: “Do those appendages have any effect on the tip vortices?”

A: “Only at the best gentleman’s clubs!” Okey doke …

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 13-Dec-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, demonstration brew)
• 10-Jan-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash XII judging)
• 14-Feb-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, mead competition, BJCP 24 – 26)
• 13-Mar-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brewing demonstration)
• 10-Apr-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, lager competition)

Thanks again Mark, welcome Sarah, Geoff and Jeremy, congratulations Paul, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month for carnitas at Carroll Pate’s!

Iron Mash XII

Iron Mash XII was not rained out – merely rain delayed and relocated. Originally scheduled for Saturday, November 7 at B&Js Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, the rainy, blustery conditions forced implementation of Plan B. The event was held on Sunday, November 8 in Mark Woerner’s backyard. Mark was conveniently hosting the monthly meeting later that afternoon. It turned out to be a pleasant, sunny day.

Four teams competed in this years’ event. “Team Thunderhunt” consisted of last years’ champions A-Train Almendarez and Patrick Viles, plus Clinton Schena. “Team Redshirt” included Daniel and Jessica Fearn and Geoff Whirty (none of whom were wearing red shirts). Mark Woerner, Mark Quade and Micah Cole were the “Inveterate Miscreants”. Craig Gann, Jim Hildreth, Danna Sharpe and Mike Wojdyla were the “Porter Waggoners”.

Each team received a box of ingredients and were given 30 minutes to concoct a recipe for an American porter or English porter. Ingredients included grains, dried malt extract (DME) and hop pellets. The teams supplied their own water and yeast.

Each team chose to make the American porter (we don’t want no stinkin’ foreign porter). The propane burners were then fired up and the brewing commenced. Despite the usual minor screw-ups which kept the peanut gallery entertained, all brews seemed to be completed. 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 2016 B.A.S.H. meeting to find out (and to drink the beers). See you then!

October Minutes 2015

The October B.A.S.H. meeting was held on Sunday the 11th in half of Andrew Herzig and Sabrina Krueger‘s backyard, while three chickens held a hen party in the other half. Other than some occasional foul language, the chickens were pretty quiet. El Presidente Sabrina called the meeting to order, welcoming Micah Cole’s wife Alicia and new members Jim and Tracy Hildreth. Carroll Pate gave his usual Treasurer’s report and announced that he will be serving carnitas at the December meeting. Cory Mathews reported that 15 entries were received at the 1st annual Surftoberfest homebrew competition. Member Sean Sutherland won with his Belgian dubbel. Paul Holder told us about a movie he watched recently about the influence of beer on history.

Tom Freund and Paul reported on the new format to be tried at next months’ Iron Mash XII. The teams will brew an American porter or English porter, based on the BJCP 2015 style guidelines. The pallet of ingredients will be presented to the teams at high noon. They won’t have to use all the ingredients, but can’t add anything else (other than water and yeast). As always, the results will be judged at the January meeting. Three teams signed up.

The competition this month was for sour ales, 2008 BJCP categories 17A-F. Aggie Bill Hughen collected two points for his winning blackberry sour and one point for his second place blueberry sour. Paul’s raspberry sour came in third. Year-to-date results after 5 of 6 competitions are as follows:

• Paul - 6 points 
• Andrew/Sabrina – 6 points 
• Daniel Fearn – 4 points 
• Aggie Bill – 3 points 
• Mark Quade – 2 points 

We washed down Frito pie and fruit pies with new homebrews by Daniel (peanut butter porter), Andrew/Sabrina (pale ale), Mark Quade (California IPA/British IPA) and Clinton Schena (“Nice Trois” wild saison) A vast array of commercial beers included Craig Gann’s Sierra Nevada Summerfest, Cory’s Lazy Beach Pumpkin, Lou Needleman’s Laughing Dog Rocket Dog Rye IPA and CSB ESB/Four Corners Local Buzz Honey Rye Golden Ale, Block Party Robust Porter and El Chingón IPA and Clinton’s Jester King Mad Meg Farmhouse Provision Ale.

All humans and chickens had a good time, eggxactly as expected!

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 7-Nov-15: Iron Mash XII (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations) 
• 8-Nov-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, Belgian strong ale competition, BJCP 18A – E) 
• 13-Dec-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, demonstration brew) 
• 10-Jan-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash XII judging) 
• 14-Feb-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, mead competition, BJCP 24 – 26) 
• 13-Mar-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brewing demonstration) 
• 10-Apr-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, lager competition) 

Thanks again Andrew and Sabrina, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Iron Mash and at Mark Woerner’s!

September 2015 Minutes

We didn’t have Kaisen and his entourage of bikini girls, but we still had a great time at the September B.A.S.H. meeting, held at Nick Nicoll’s pool. El Presidente Sabrina Krueger declared “We’ve actually got a f*@kin’ agenda!” and called the meeting to order. We welcomed new member Micah Cole of Flint Hills and received Carroll Pate’s standard glowing treasurer’s report. Sabrina reminded everyone that Surftoberfest will be Saturday, October 3rd at Executive Surf Club. The homebrew competition has been approved – get your entries (at least two 12-ounce bottles) to Cory Mathews at Lazy Beach Brewing. Texas Beer Camp will also be held on October 3rd in Plano. Cost is $40 per person. A new homebrew shop has opened in Katy. Club members allegedly receive a 5% discount at the online shop TexasHomebrewers.com by entering the code “Olivia”. The 2015 meeting schedule is now complete (see below).

We wolfed down Nick’s ribs, cooled off in the pool and enjoyed new homebrews by Bob Davis/Carroll (Tom’s Hairy Porter) and Wild Bill Lehfeld (“Dragon Beer Z” dragonfruit IPA and “Slick Willie” dragonfruit wheat). A decent variety of commercial beers included Micah’s Magic Hat #9/Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Andrew Herzig/Sabrina’s Saint Arnold Icon Brown Porter/Breckenridge Ophelia Hoppy Wheat, Paul Kalaghan’s Firestone Walker Pivo Pils and Nick’s Sierra Nevada Torpedo.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 11-Oct-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Andrew Herzig/Sabrina Krueger, sour ale competition, BJCP 17A - F) 
• 7-Nov-15: Iron Mash XII (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations) 
• 8-Nov-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, Belgian strong ale competition, BJCP 18A – E) 
• 13-Dec-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, demonstration brew) 
• 10-Jan-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (Tom Freund, Iron Mash XII judging) 
• 14-Feb-16: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, mead competition, BJCP 24 – 26) 

Thanks again Nick, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Andrew and Sabrina’s!

August 2015 Minutes!

Daniel and Jessica Fearn hosted the August B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 9th at their home in Corpus Christi. El Presidente Sabrina Krueger called the meeting to order, welcoming new member Sean Sutherland and guests Sarah Tilton (Texas State Aquarium), Jeff Whirty (Lazy Beach Brewing), Bear (Liquid Town Superstore on Alameda) and Will Capak. Carroll Pate gave his usual Treasurer’s report. There’s been some shuffling of the September/October meetings (see schedule below). The important thing is BRING YOUR BIKINIS AND SPEEDOS TO NEXT MONTHS’ POOL PARTY!!!

Several contributors provided an update to the local brewing scene. Rebel Toad Brewing (downtown CC) is waiting on a federal license. O’Neil and Sons Brewery in Port Lavaca is now open. Hops and Grain Brewing in Austin is a great place, as is 8th Wonder brewing near Minutemaid Park in downtown Houston. Lazy Beach Brewing will feature our own Clinton Schena’s Saison and Brent Falwell’s Ginger Hibiscus Ale the next two Saturdays. The Executive Surf Club is hosting Surftoberfest this fall. They hope to include a homebrew competition, TABC willing.

The competition this month was for session beers (ABV less than 4%). Bringing up the rear with a judges score of 125 was Wild Bill Lehfeld’s Belgian witbier. Daniel’s California common came in 3rd with 138 points, Paul Holder’s English mild was runner up with 157 points and Andrew Herzig/Sabrina Krueger’s pale ale won with 167 points. After four of six competitions the year-to-date standings are as follows:

• Paul - 6 points 
• Andrew/Sabrina – 6 points 
• Daniel Fearn – 4 points 
• Mark Quade – 2 points 

We feasted on beef and chicken fajitas with Spanish rice. In addition to the competition beers, new homebrews included Andrew/Sabrina’s Columbus pale ale (from the Big Brew), Paul’s American IPA, Cory Mathews/Drew Burkhardt’s Imperial IPA (Big Brew) and Sean’s red IPA and two pale ales. Commercial beers included Tom “Flat Tire” Freund’s Real Ale Hans Pils/Alamo Amber/Alamo Golden/Alamo Pilsner/Wasatch Devastator Double Bock, Craig Gann’s Samuel Adams Downtime Pilsner/Deschutes Black Butte Porter, Lou Needleman’s Woodstock Red Rack Ale/400 Footer, Steve Smith’s Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Sarah’s Odell Fernet Aged Porter/Lagunitas Sucks.

Mark Woerner was heard to utter a novel recruiting pitch – “Are you ready to start homebrewing? You need another hobby besides drinking!” Amen …

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 13-Sep-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Nick Nichols, POOL PARTY) 
• 11-Oct-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, sour ale competition, BJCP 17A - F) 
• 7-Nov-15: Iron Mash XII (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations) 
• 8-Nov-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, Belgian strong ale competition, BJCP 18A – E) 
• 13-Dec-15: B.A.S.H. meeting (Carroll Pate, demonstration brew) 

Thanks again Daniel and Jessica, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Nick Nichols’ POOL PARTY!