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Although the snow in December kept the SCBG from meeting on the originally designated date, the cold of a January night did not faze the thirty-one members who attended the "December in January" make-up meeting at the home of Will and Jen L. Thanks to our host and hostess for welcoming the group for the last meeting of the year for the third year in a row.
Will L. reported ending membership at 53 members and a bank balance of $454.69. The president reminded everyone that it is time to pay 2010 dues. Dues are $15 for an individual and $20 for a family. Road Trips/Fests: John M. mentioned he had been in Baltimore over Thanksgiving and explored a couple of beer bars. Pratt's Ale House is a brewpub directly across from the Convention Center so it has a touristy feel although they do make some good English style beers. The second place was Max's Taphouse in the Fells Point area. This is a super beer bar with 80 quality beers on tap. It was also mentioned by Doug that Brewer's Art is also a good place. American Homebrewers Conference: June 17-19 at the Sheraton Minneapolis South. You can go to the AHA website for more info. David Houseman - AHA Board of Governors, Grand Master BJCP Judge, Competition Director, Co-Author of BJCP Study Guide and more attended a Special Meeting of SCBG members on December 27th. He gave a discussion on how to judge a beer followed by a practical exercise on a dozen beers supplied by SCBG Members. Future Meeting Sites and discussion: January 23: Harry(CyberDave will present the commercial tasting and brewing tips for Cream Ale. Bryan S. will act as back-up in case the gov'ner has other plans for Dave.) February: Chris M. (Doug will present the Tech Talk on six Off-Flavors from our brand new Seibel Sensory Kit) March: John M. (Cream Ale Competition) April: Chuck G. May: James B (Big Brew) June: Beth D. (At the Lake) July and August: John S. and Doug M. will decide who hosts which month when we get closer to the date. Will L, Chris McD and Kevin C. were the nominees for the 2010 president position. Ballots were counted by Pat K. and John M. At the end of the evening, it was announced that Will L. was elected president and Chris M. will act as vice-president. Bryan S. led interested parties in a beer gift swap. Because one could "steal" another person's beer, there was some good humored wrangling before all gifts were claimed. Fourteen beers were presented for the Imperial Anything competition. The beers were judged under the "Specialty Beer" criteria. Each brewer needed to identify the base beer of the submission and could provide a comment on what made the beer "imperial." At the end of the evening, trophies were awarded to the following: 3rd place to Bryan S., 2nd place to Beth D. and 1st place to Carrie & Justin C. Congratulations to the winners and thanks all the judges and to Beth, James and Joan for helping Kathy with stewarding duties. With the judging completed, the total scores for each brewer were tallied and Bryan S. was named the Brewer of the Year. He was presented with a tee shirt specially made for the occasion and at a later meeting he will receive the plaque with his name engraved on it for the third time. Chuck will post the final standings on the SCBG Web site. All brewers who submitted a beer for competition were eligible for the drawing of a gift certificate to the Blue Ridge Hydroponics and Home Brew Supply Store. Will L. was the winner of the certificate. Many thanks to BRH owners Chris and Fran A. for providing prizes this year. |
