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!