BARF Meeting Minutes

February 12th, 2009
http://www.barfclub.org/

Hello fellow Beer and Ale Research Foundation members. The meeting this month was again held at the Five Points Community Farmers Market. Their Deli stayed open late for those of us who hadn't eaten yet, and served fresh made excellent food.

Discussion Topics

• Membership for 2009 is due. $20 for the year will get you into some excellent company. You can pay in cash to Dan Tully at the next meeting, or via PayPal at http://www.barfclub.org. Membership Cards will be waiting for you at the next meeting, March 12th.
• Tech Talks and Style Discussions: If you are interested in giving a Tech or Style talk, either about brewing history, or your own personal discovery, do-it-yourself project, or technique, contact us at Officers@barfclub.org so we can schedule you!
  
  • Belgian Strongs and Yeast Health: JP Messier, Vice President, got us ready for this years December competition with a Style Discussion on Belgian Strong Ales. 

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    • Yeast - Any starter at all can increase your yeasts population and health, solving many yeast related flavor issues. Also, aerate that wort!

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    • Belgian Strongs - These big beers are known for their spicy yeast characteristics, high alcohol levels, and medium bodies, achieved by the use of Belgian Candi sugars to increase alcohol without adding infermentables.
      

• The Competition: The Porters  are done! Coming in 3rd for 2 BrewerPoints, tied, were JP Messier and Ivan Ash. 2nd place for 3 BrewerPoints was Collin Kightlinger. Top Spot and 4 BrewerPoints went to Matt Sharp's Mocha Porter. All other participants got feedback on their entry, and 1 BrewerPoint. If you are looking to become a better brewer, there's no better way than the formatted feedback you can get from participating.
  
• The second round of the Competition: IPAs will be up in April. Get started now to let all those hops mellow and combine! We are taking entries on April 2nd in BJCP Guidelines 14a English IPAs and 14b American IPAs. (Pages 33 and 34, BJCP Guidelines)
  
• The Pub Crawl:  Was a huge success! We had 50+ participants, and everyone made it home safe and sound. The T-shirts can still be purchased for $10, although we mostly have XL and larger sizes.
  
• The official website: Check out http://www.barfclub.org/forum/ for a place to discuss brewing, commercial beer, your latest equipment find, or just to vent. You can probably even get a little Tech Support! We are slowly building steam to a nice active forum. See you there!
  
• The Bourbon Barrel Brew: The Barrel is clean and filled, and smelling like an IIPA.
  
  

Thanks Everyone, hope to see you next time!
-Elijah Roberts
BARF Club Secretary