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!