June 2017 Meeting Minutes

Will Lee hosted the June B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday, 11 June at his home in Corpus Christi. It should come as no surprise that El Presidente Daniel Fearn was again missing. This time he sent word that his calendar failed him but he would show up in time for a meeting next week if we had one. Vice President Mike Wojdyla again assumed the heavy mantle of the meeting and competition and vowed that he would take action to have this situation resolved. See Paragraph 3 of these minutes.

Mike immediately began collecting bottles and recruiting judges for this month’s Extract only competition. In the meantime, we welcomed guests Steve Spencer, Sean O’Connor and, Will’s neighbor, Tony Barrera. New beers were served by Greg Sawyer (California Common), Will (Brown Ale and IPA), and Victor Aguilar (his Big Brew Saison). There was lots of commercial beer also however only a check of Will’s garbage will show which one’s we tried.

After the six entries in the competition were judged, Mike announced the results. In third place with 97 points was John Daniel’s Red Rye, second place with 137 was Tahoe Willy’s (Wild Bill) Wee Heavy and the top spot went to Jeremy Van Horn’s Old Ale with a whopping 164 points. Mike then immediately launched into meeting mode and we determined that our Treasury, guarded by Treasurer for Life Carroll Pate, was still solvent. Mike solicitied ideas to spend some of the funds. We had no outstanding old business and moved quickly to the only new business of the day, nominations for elections for the next 12 months officers. Head of the nominating committee Paul Holder reported a new structure for the next year. 6 Positions, President, VP for Competitions, VP for Plans and Programs, Secretary, Treasurer and Webmaster. As this idea was looked upon favorably, he recommended the following: for Webmaster Erik Hinz, Treasurer Tom Freund, Secretary Wild Bill Lehfeld, VP Competition Daniel Fearn, VP Plans and Programs Jessica Fearn and President Mikey Wojdyla. The election was decided by acclimation and Mike successfully deposed Daniel .

A couple of oh by the ways. We can still call Carroll Treasurer for Life as his sage advice will often be sought by all. VP for Plans and Programs will be responsible for publicity for club events such as Big Brew and Iron Mash, recruiting brewers for our demo brews at meetings, coordinating content on the website and Facebook and will run meetings in the President’s absence.

With all formal activities concluded, we feasted on Will’s pulled pork (two versions) and discussed brewing techniques into the night. Some members availed themselves of Will’s beautiful pool and only one tried to go skinny dipping. His mommy quickly brought that to a halt. When the beer ran out, we all left with thoughts of next month’s annual meeting at B&J’s, Staples. Couple of special rules for that one: homebrew is allowed but must remain inside the taped in area. NO COMMERCIAL BEER may be brought because you may purchase draft and bottled beer there. The meeting is not open to the general public, you must be a member or and invited guest to attend. And, it’s dues time so please bring your $20 cash or check only to make Tom’s life easier.


Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Brad Klager, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)
• 8-Oct-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, pale malty European lager competition, BJCP 4A-C)
• 4-Nov-17: Iron Mash XIV (team brewing competition)
• 12-Nov-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brown British beer competition, BJCP 13A-C)

Thanks again, Will and see you all at B&J’s on July 9th, 4PM.

May Minutes 2017

John and Nikki Daniels hosted the May B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 21st at their home in Rockport. El Presidente Daniel Fearn is missing again! Curiously, Vice President Mike Wojdyla is back, grinning from ear-to-ear and claiming to know nothing about Daniel’s whereabouts, ransom, Bitcoin or the Dark Web. Hmmm…..

“Mystery Mike” called the meeting to order, thanking hosts John and Nikki. Treasurer Carroll Pate assured us the clubs finances are secure for a change. If anyone is interested in attending a fish fry on Memorial Day, see Carroll for tickets. Wild Bill Lehfeld reported that B.A.S.H. pint glasses for new members will be engraved this week and will be available at the June meeting. Paul Holder thanked everyone who participated in the AHA’s Big Brew earlier this month. Since the club supplied ingredients for the Oktoberfest lager, American IPA and Saison, we get to drink the results. The Saison may be ready in time for the June meeting. Mike will submit a proposed 2019 competition schedule, to be discussed and voted on at the next meeting. Paul has volunteered to chair the nominating committee for fiscal year 2017 – 2018 officers. If you’re interested in serving on the committee or as an officer contact Paul. The election will take place at the June meeting, with the new officers assuming their duties in July.

After the meeting adjourned, we were treated to Nikki’s INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS taco salad. New homebrews were a little scarce this month, featuring Tom Freund’s hoppy amber ale, Paul’s American IPA, Eric Linssen’s “Wittish” ale and Jeremy Van Horn’s New England IPA. Interesting commercial brews included Bryan Cook’s Real Ale Hans’ Pils and Bill and Dianna Hughen’s Moonlight Meadery “Coffee in Bed” mead and “Them Little Apples” cider. Entertainment was provided by Rocky Freund – she showed us how to dance with a wasp, until host John ended the festivities chemically.


Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 11-Jun-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (William Lee, extract competition, BJCP open category)
• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Brad Klager, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)
• 8-Oct-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, pale malty European lager competition, BJCP 4A-C)
• 4-Nov-17: Iron Mash XIV (team brewing competition)
• 12-Nov-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brown British beer competition, BJCP 13A-C)

Thanks again John and Nikki, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at William Lee’s !

Big Brew 2017 Minutes

B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted the 2017 Corpus Christi edition of the American Homebrewers Association’s Big Brew. Three teams from the Bay Area Association of Homebrewers (B.A.S.H.) brewed the AHA’s selected recipes for this year in an outdoor, public demonstration. The B.A.S.H. canopy was fully erect by 11:00 a.m. to provide shade.

Two new members joined the fold during the event – Sean O’Connor of the U.S. Navy and Stephen Reddin. Stephen joined Philip Mooney to brew an all-grain, decoction mash version of the AHA’s recipe for “Klang Freudenfest” Oktoberfest lager. Paul Holder and Mark Quade made an extract version of “Rushmore” American IPA. The third AHA recipe, “Battre L’oie “ Saison was produced by Vic Aguilar, Mark Anthony Gonzalez and Rusty Keyes. At high noon, El Presidente Daniel Fearn led us in the traditional global synchronized toast.

The brews went well, with the only fiasco being Paul’s hurried trip home to fetch his hops. Naturally, Paul uttered the only ridiculous comment of the day – “I need a female partner, my thermometer’s not long enough!” By 3:15 the extract beers were done. The all-grain brew took another two hours. The finished beers can be sampled at the June and July meetings.

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 21-May-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (NOTE: 3RD SUNDAY, John Daniels)
• 11-Jun-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (William Lee, extract competition, BJCP open category)
• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Brad Klager, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)
• 8-Oct-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, pale malty European lager competition, BJCP 4A-C)
• 4-Nov-17: Iron Mash XIV (team brewing competition)
• 12-Nov-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, brown British beer competition, BJCP 13A-C)

See you at The Daniels’!

April 2017 Minutes

El Presidente Daniel Fearn, missing for three months, is back! Daniel was kidnapped by Vice President Mike Wojdyla and held prisoner in Mike’s abandoned pool near Rockport. Daniel was left with only pond scum and Michelob Ultra to drink. When asked how he survived, he replied “The pond scum was pretty good but it could use more hops!” After Daniel escaped, Mike fled the country and is reportedly seeking asylum in the North Korean embassy in Bhutan.

El Presidente celebrated his freedom by hosting the April B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 9th along with wife Jessica. With competition director Mike in hiding, Jessica administered this months’ competition for specialty IPAs, BJCP category 21B. Wild Bill Lehfeld earned 3 points for his 1st place white IPA and 2 points for his runner-up rye IPA. Greg Sawyer earned one point for his 3rd place dark IPA. After two competitions in 2017, cumulative scores are as follows:

• Wild Bill – 10 points
• Greg – 1 point
• Mark Quade – 1 point

El Presidente called the meeting to order, welcoming new members Chris and Elizabeth Ackman. Somebody pushed the “play” button on Carroll Pate and we heard the familiar glowing treasury report. In new business, the AHA’s Big Brew is coming up the 1st Saturday in May. Philip Mooney and Cody Martin will brew an all-grain “Klang Freudenfest” Oktoberfest lager. Paul Holder and Mark Quade will brew the “Rushmore” American IPA. See Paul soon if you want to make the third of this years’ AHA recipes – “Battre L’oie” Saison. As always, the club will buy the ingredients and we will drink the results during the August meeting. John Cicala and Lou Needleman will each donate a 10’ X 10’ shade canopy that we will try out at Big Brew.

Cory Mathews promoted the upcoming CC Brewery Festival on Saturday, April 22 at Lazy Beach. Rebel Toad, Lazy Beach, B&J’s Pizza and Lorelei are all participating. In other news, Daniel earned a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medal in a recent homebrew competition in Mc Allen. B.A.S.H. finished in 3rd place as a club.

After the meeting adjourned, we feasted on white lasagna. Besides the winning competition beers, we enjoyed new homebrews from Chris Ackman (dirty blonde), Vic Aguilar (red IPA), Steve Cook (American IPA/black IPA), Jim Hildreth (black IPA), Paul (milk stout), Wild Bill (red IPA), Carroll and Chris Swanson (American wheat) and Greg (white IPA). Interesting commercial beers included John’s Newcastle Brown Ale, Bryan Cook’s Stella Artois, Brad Klager’s Unibroue Grande Reserve 17/Crooked Line Cahoots Grapefruit Saison, Cory’s Lazy Beach Churrasco Beer and Choppy Waters IPA and Lou’s Big Bend Tejas Lager.

The best exchange of the night was as follows –

• Chris S – “Walt, what are you pouring?”
• Walt Crawford – “My first DRINKABLE India pale ale”
• Chris S – “That’s YOUR opinion!”

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 6-May-17: Big Brew (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations)
• 21-May-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (John Daniels, note: 3rd Sunday)
• 11-Jun-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (William Lee, extract competition, BJCP open category)
• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)
• 8-Oct-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, pale malty European lager competition, BJCP 4A-C)

Thanks again Daniel and Jessica, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at Big Brew and the Daniels’ !

March 2017 Minutes

Chris and Sue Swanson hosted the March B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 12th at their home in Corpus Christi. El Presidente Daniel Fearn was again working at his OTHER job, so Vice President Mike Wojdyla called the meeting to order. Treasurer “Cretaceous” Carroll Pate gave another positive report. Steve Cook was able to talk the BJCP into fully funding the airfare of the Missouri judge for the certification exam, which saved us some money.

In new business, the AHA’s Big Brew is coming up the 1st Saturday in May. Paul Holder presented the AHA’s three beers for this year – “Rushmore” American IPA, “Battre L’oie” Saison and “Klang Freudenfest” Oktoberfest lager. Extract and all-grain recipes exist for each style. As always, the club will buy the ingredients and we will drink the results during the August meeting. Philip Mooney and Cody Martin volunteered to brew the Oktoberfest. Let Paul know at or before the April meeting if you are interested in brewing one of the other styles. Paul also announced that he has some pouches of Australian ale yeast sequestered away at Liquid Town for the August competition.

After this quick meeting adjourned, we engorged ourselves on fajitas. Wild Bill Lehfeld provided the entertainment by dyeing his mustache green for Saint Patrick’s Day (courtesy of a cupcake with green frosting). New homebrews debuted from Walt Crawford (“Hophead” double IPA), Tom Freund (sweet stout), Paul (milk stout), Philip (hefeweizen), host Chris (“Presidential” Irish Stout) and Jeremy Van Horn (hoppy American lager). Several commercial beers appeared including Tom’s Karbach Weekend Warrior Pale Ale and Lou Needleman’s Sierra Blanca Pale Ale.

As expected, a few interesting comments were overheard –

• Carroll – “I just want to show you what I did. I’m not showin’ off!”
• Rusty Keyes – “Is there a pole involved?”
• Carroll – “I’m not fast” Chris – “No, you’re ‘half-assed’!”

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 9-Apr-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, specialty IPA competition, BJCP 21B)
• 6-May-17: Big Brew (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations)
• 21-May-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (John Daniels, note: 3rd Sunday)
• 11-Jun-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (William Lee, extract competition, BJCP open category)
• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)
• 8-Oct-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, pale malty European lager competition, BJCP 4A-C)

Thanks again Chris and Sue, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at the Fearn’s !

February Minutes

Walt and Judy Crawford hosted the February B.A.S.H. meeting on Sunday the 12th at their home in King’s Crossing. El Presidente Daniel Fearn was again working at his OTHER job, so Vice President Mike Wojdyla ran the show. After welcoming guests Chris Vega and Amber-Rai, he called the meeting to order. Treasurer “Cretaceous” Carroll Pate led off with another glowing report. In old business, Paul Holder is gathering donor beers for March’s BJCP certification test. He needs unmarked bottles of homebrew, either two 22-oz. bottles or four 12-oz. bottles of the same beer. Place the bottles in a bag along with an envelope with your name on the outside. Inside the envelope, include a note declaring the beer style. Take the beers to Liquid Town on Airline across from Toys’R’Us.

In new business Jim Hildreth shared a story of how he received a second degree burn the size of a golf ball on his arm while brewing. Paul led a discussion of bottle sanitizing methods. In short, don’t use steam – cheap bottle glass is too fragile. If using a dishwasher, don’t use detergent – it can contain small ceramic particles which pit the bottles. Use plain water with a heat drying cycle instead. Dip sanitizing is also OK. In a related note, Chris Vega has bottles to donate.

The competition this month was for dark European lagers, BJCP categories 8A and 8B. Wild Bill Lehfeld’s schwarzbier earned 3 points for 1st place. His Munich dunkel earned 2 points for 2nd place while Mark Quade’s dunkel earned one point for 3rd. Greg Sawyer’s and Vic Aguilar’s schwarzbiers rounded out the competition.

As the meeting adjourned, we gobbled down beef and shredded chicken tacos. Besides the competition beers, we were treated to new homebrews from Vic (kölsch), Jim (IPA) and Carroll/Chris Swanson (Irish stout). Interesting commercial beers included Bryan Cook’s Full Sail Cascade Pilsner/Brooklyn Lager, Lou Needleman’s Kelly’s IPA/Twisted X Tex-Mex Lager/Big Bend Hefe and Tejas Lager, Jeremy Van Horn’s Pappy’s Porter (Vermont) and Chris Vega’s Uinta Hop Nosh IPA.

As usual, the stories grew more ridiculous as the evening grew long and the party congealed around a cluster of besotted die hards. Bryan took the cake with his cruise ship recollection – “My cabin – I heard people vomiting on either side through the sound-proof walls!”

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 12-Mar-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Chris Swanson)
• 9-Apr-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, specialty IPA competition, BJCP 21B)
• 6-May-17: Big Brew (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations)
• 21-May-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (John Daniels, note: 3rd Sunday)
• 11-Jun-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (William Lee, extract competition, BJCP open category)
• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)

Thanks again Walt and Judy, welcome Chris V and Amber-Rai, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at the Swanson’s !

January Minutes

The January B.A.S.H. meeting was held in Flour Bluff on Sunday the 8th, hosted by Tom and Rocky Freund assisted by co-hosts Aggie Bill and Dianna Hughen. El Presidente Daniel Fearn was working at his OTHER job, so Vice President Mike Wojdyla presided. After fending off coup attempts by Travis Clapp and Sabrina Krueger, he called the meeting to order. Treasurer “Cretaceous Carroll” Pate was off on another embezzling junket, so stand-in Paul Holder extracted dues from new member Rusty Keyes and reported a bloated club balance. Guest Bryan Cook joined after the meeting.

Paul gave an update on the BJCP judge training. Advantages to the club include the following:

•  Better judging for club competitions
•  Entering better beers in outside competitions
•  Develops a core teaching group in the club
•  Name recognition of the club increases regionally and nationally

The $40 cost for taking the test will be covered by the class attendees. We need a master level judge to administer the test (BJCP judging levels progress from provisional to recognized to certified to national to master). A motion was made, seconded and approved to use $200 of club funds to pay for ½ of the airfare to bring a judge in from Kansas City.

Another motion was made, seconded and approved to pay our $100 annual club AHA dues. Check out battleofthe brew.com if you are interested in entering a competition in late-March.

The main order of business was judging the beers produced during November’s Iron Mash XIII team competition. In 1st place were the Fusterclucks (Phil Mooney/Cody Martin/Brent Falwell). Their amber ale scored 142 points. The Repeat Offenders (Mark Quade/Mark Woerner/Micah Cole/Terri Loe) captured 2nd and 3rd with their California brown ale (140 points) and East Coast brown ale (119 points). The winners proudly donned their bling medals and held the Iron Mash trophy on high!

As the meeting adjourned, we feasted on tamales and chili blanco. Besides the competition beers, we quaffed down new homebrews from Paul (British best bitter), William Lee (British brown ale) and Jeremy Van Horn (prickly pear pale ale). Cory Mathews provided a Lazy Beach Chocolate Stout.

As the evening grew long and chilly, the die hards gathered around the fire. The party was still going strong when your humble narrator slipped away at 10:30 p.m. …

Upcoming B.A.S.H. events:

• 12-Feb-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Walt Crawford, Dark European Lager competition, BJCP 8A-8B)
• 12-Mar-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Chris Swanson, brewing demonstration)
• 9-Apr-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Daniel Fearn, specialty IPA competition, BJCP 21B)
• 6-May-17: Big Brew (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate, multiple brewing demonstrations)
• 21-May-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (John Daniels, note: 3rd Sunday)
• 11-Jun-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (William Lee, extract competition, BJCP open category)
• 9-Jul-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (B&J’s Pizza on Staples at Timbergate hosted by Paul Holder)
• 13-Aug-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (need host, British golden ale/Australian sparkling ale competition, BJCP 12A-B)
• 10-Sep-17: B.A.S.H. meeting (Mark Woerner, brewing demonstration)

Thanks again Tom, Rocky, Aggie Bill and Dianna, welcome Rusty and Bryan, congratulations Fusterclucks, keep on brewin’ and we’ll see you next month at the Crawford’s !