We would like to pursue the AHA’s Research and Education Fund stipend for our yeast experiment. Jeff F. reported receiving only 15 of the 44 report sheets from the experiment, so more are needed before the request can be written up. Dan T. and Kevin C. will help Jeff with the write-up to send to the AHA.
Our American Craft Beer Week Brewing Demonstrations will be held on May 18 at Blue Ridge Hydroponics and Homebrewing Co. Harry applied for an ABC license on behalf of the Guild, and is still awaiting a response. Demonstrations will carry on regardless, but tastings hinge on whether we receive the license in time. Assuming we get it in time, we will need volunteers to bring and pour beers, check IDs, bring food, etc. Bryan S., Harry M., and Joe H. volunteered to brew. If you’re not on that list and want to brew, please let me know. Chris and Fran will supply the ingredients.
Registration for the Beertopia Homebrew Competition closes on May 10. If you’re interested in entering beers, go to http://www.biglickbeertopia.
The organizers of the Strings and Spirits Festival, June 1 in Rocky Mount have asked the Guild for volunteers to pour beer. In exchange, volunteers will receive free admission, a t-shirt, and a glass. Contact Wendy Funk at elevenvines@gmail.com if you’re interested.
Kevin C. reported that the Guild officers had met with Paul M. at Mac and Bob’s recently to discuss pros and cons of incorporation, and unanimously agreed that this was something we should pursue, in order to protect the membership against legal action at future tasting events, festivals, or competitions the Guild may sanction. An email will be forthcoming discussing these pros and cons, and a vote will be held soon.
John M. once again organized a luck of the draw Kentucky Derby pool, which I heard through the grapevine was won by Joan B. Congrats Joan!
Bryan S. gave a report of the Gnarly Hops and Barley Festival in Culpeper. They had a good time, and there were lots of breweries in attendance.
Harry M. gave an update on Microfestivus. The Square Society will be looking for our assistance in judging the beers and by all accounts this is the best way to experience the festival. The festival will still be held at last year’s location in front of the library regardless of whether Elmwood Park construction is finished.
The Hill City Homebrew Club in Lynchburg is hosting an all IPA competition on July 20. Paul M. would like us to scope it out and ask questions as to what obstacles they had and how they overcame them, in the event the Guild holds a similar competition in the near future. http://hopsanity.
Joe H. was able to obtain some Triskell hops, a rare French hop similar to Strisselspalt. He will bring 1 oz bags to the next meeting to distribute to those interested.
