Summation for
February 1st,2013
This month’s meeting was held at Kevin and Elisa Crisler’s home in Luray and was different from previous meetings. A one hour business session followed the tastings. Future meetings will continue to have business sessions prior to regular group brew tastings.
Discussed was the following;
Joining the American Home Brewers Association as individuals or as a group
Obtaining the Beer Judge Certification Program- Final test is in Lynchburg, Va. On May31st and volunteer to judge various contests
Pursue grants for educational purposes
What was decided, by a unanimous vote, was to create a formal structure for the group and decide what direction the group would then follow.
Various suggestions for directions were;
Community Education about brewing by selling home brew kits, beer brewing demonstrations at local events, joining Page County Locally Grown, working with local beer brewing hobbyists by offering classes, growing and selling barley and hops, creating specialties of each grain, entering competitions and eventually start a local brewery (brew coop).
Research that is needed;
What are the State and local regulations concerning alcoholic beverages in various scenarios.
Start developing a more formal group structure and group approved direction. Establish By Laws.
Presented Brews;
Chris- Timberville Cider Makers Barrel
Wild fermentation is used to create this locally made cider that had a fruity, dry taste. Light in color, this brew has a tart taste similar to Granny Smith apples. It would pair well with a Prima Vera pasta, sharp cheese and mustard glazed ham.
Kevin-Schafley White Belgian IPA
This smooth, creamy brew uses a combination of Australian hops. It has a medium ,clear amber color and would pair well with favorite comfy dishes such as, vegetable soups and various baked apple or pear desserts.
Dan- Pilsner
Aged for 7 months, the brew was made with a lager yeast that gave it an earthy taste. This is a mushroom and garlic based pizza beer. Serving it cold will improve the flavor.
Josh-Wheat IPA
This bright colored brew has a combination of white wheat, bitter hops, toasted malt and flaked wheat and was filtered with rice hulls. The complex taste, creamy with a slightly dry after taste is similar to wine as it has a slight plume note. Pair this brew with simple pork or veal dishes that include plums.
Dan- Flat Tail IPA
This clear colored brew has a pleasant, malty, tropical fruit taste due to the Maris Otter, Cascades and Citra blending. The bittering agent is Columbus hops. Pair this with baked brie and apricot chutney and a rail mix of nuts and apricots. It’s a snack brew.
Josh- Dubbel Belgian Style
This brew has a German pilsner malt, some hops as a bittering agent and Belgian Candy Syrup to increase gravity. The result is a slight raisin taste. It will pair well with Boston styled Baked beans and Beef Stroganoff.
Tim-Smoked Porter
This porter uses Brewer’s Best Grained Smoke that gives it a medium, smoky taste. It has a clear color and slightly hoppy taste. Pair with any recipe using cranberries and/or oranges. This will decrease the smoky taste, while increasing the cranberry/orange taste.
Kevin- Vanilla Porter
This clear colored porter has Myer’s Rum added to the brew, resulting in a mild, bright tartness for a porter. This will pair well with baked ham minus the usual, pineapple/cherry topping. Use apples instead and add sweet potatoes and/or winter squash to the meal.
Kevin- White House honey Porter
A local honey (Paw Paws) is used in this porter. It gives the brew a slightly, green fennel taste. Just sip this brew and enjoy.
Tim-Oyster Stout
This brew from Licking Hole Brewery has a slight bite as well as a sea water taste and a slight, sea food after taste. It’s an “okay” brew. Had to be tried and gets high point on the originality style scale.
Dan-Whiskey Barrel Imperial Stout
Introduced at a previous meeting, this brew has been aged. The result is an enhanced version that is still excellent.
Kevin-Traditional Honey Mead
This mead that has been aged for 3 years is smooth and light, with an apple, clover, wildflower taste. A Missouri honey is used as the base. Although the presenting taste is dry, the after taste changes to a slightly sweet taste. Pair this with cream pasta dishes.
Combination of brews-
A new experiment that Dan and Josh presented, using Casteroides and whiskey barrel IPA. It has a smooth, chocolate and caramel creamy, beginning taste that lingers with a slight whiskey taste. This is a chocolate lover’s combination.
The group also visited Kevin’s hop garden, discussed growing hops, then toured Kevin’s cellar brewing room.
Additional combination will continue at future meetings.
Sharron Burgess,
Recording secretary
