Homebrew Tasting, or competition?

[lesslimited]

OK, I know there are at least a few other homebrewers going to Moab, and I know there are several who have been talking about starting homebrewing, and it seems like almost everyone enjoys drinking homebrew... :cheers:

So, how about either just a tasting, where all beer aficionados could sample various homebrewers efforts (and non-brewers could bring their favorite regional microbrews to share)?

And/or we could do a friendly inter-chapter competition, where we pick one or two styles of beer, various chapter's homebrewers brew them, and we try to find some impartial judges?

Would anyone be interested in this, perhaps in conjunction with the Wednesday night BBQ, or another night?

[OT]

Sounds like a great idea.
I think we should have it at the top of Gold Bar Rim.
Just a thought.:D

[DrMoab]

Sounds like a great idea.
I think we should have it at the top of Gold Bar Rim.
Just a thought.:D
I think it sounds like a good idea also but I'm betting the powers that be will tell us either no or make it totally unofficial.

Either way...The ICs in!

[lesslimited]

I believe the Okie is joking, but you never know with him :D

I have un-official word from one of the powers what be, that what we do after wheeling, in the evenings, is our own business (and save some homebrew for him :D )

[DrMoab]

I have un-official word from one of the powers what be, that what we do after wheeling, in the evenings, is our own business (and save some homebrew for him :D )
That works for me....We have a member who cooks up a mean homebrew...Don't know how it will compare but we will see...I tried to call him and tell him to get ready but he is on flaming goarge fishing....Lucky bastard

[lesslimited]

So, all the beer-lovers are out wheeling this weekend, or what?

Thought we'd have more interest than this...

[Geepfreak]

I don't homebrew, But I am more than willing to be a Judge between the different style of brewing! :D :D

[Kejtar]

So, all the beer-lovers are out wheeling this weekend, or what?

Thought we'd have more interest than this...
put me down as a judge :D

[lesslimited]

I didn't figure we'd have any shortage of volunteers for tasting, but how about some more brewers?

Remi? Quit messing around with your jeep, there's still plenty of time to assemble your brewing setup, and brew a few batches between now and October.

If we get enough interest in this, I'll bring a 5 gal keg and the Co2 tank.
Otherwise, I'll just fill my Mr Beer bottles again...

[DrMoab]

I didn't figure we'd have any shortage of volunteers for tasting, but how about some more brewers?

Remi? Quit messing around with your jeep, there's still plenty of time to assemble your brewing setup, and brew a few batches between now and October.

If we get enough interest in this, I'll bring a 5 gal keg and the Co2 tank.
Otherwise, I'll just fill my Mr Beer bottles again...
Don't bring a Keg to Utah....they are illegal here. :(

[lesslimited]

Oops, did I say keg? I meant a 5 gallon soda container ;)

[Bent]

I think it sounds like a good idea also but I'm betting the powers that be will tell us either no or make it totally unofficial.

Either way...The ICs in! I may be over thinking this, isn't it a class 3 felony to cross into Utah with a beverage containing alcohol?:laugh3:

[Kejtar]

I may be over thinking this, isn't it a class 3 felony to cross into Utah with a beverage containing alcohol?:laugh3:
I only bring with me liquids which help my digestive system :D

[DrMoab]

I may be over thinking this, isn't it a class 3 felony to cross into Utah with a beverage containing alcohol?:laugh3:
Dont know but if thats the case it would sure make it easy for us to win Ehh? :D

[Brendan_91XJ]

I wish I still had my brewing equipment!!
If any one would like to donate some equipment I could probably get a couple of batches going for the trip :laugh3:

[Captain Ron]

Remi, you got any equipment? Get it over here!

--ron

[Kejtar]

Remi, you got any equipment? Get it over here!

--ron
I got all the tasting equipment :D and for the brewing, well I keep meaning to start, but somehow everytime I am ready to start spending money on that, I break something on the jeep :(

[Captain Ron]

Damn, starting from scratch then.

Ready, Set, Go...

--ron

[lesslimited]

After Moab last year, I sent Remi a bunch of equipment recomendations, and links to homebrew suppliers and forums, but the one I've been getting supplies and info from lately is http://www.northernbrewer.com/

They have good prices on equipment and supplies, and their forums have at least as much brewing info as NAXJA has XJ info. And they seem to be nicer to newbs :laugh3: This would be a good place to start, and I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can (not that I'm any kind of expert, but I have been doing it for about two years, and have learned quite a bit from the brewing god, Beezil :D )

[Kejtar]

After Moab last year, I sent Remi a bunch of equipment recomendations, and links to homebrew suppliers and forums, but the one I've been getting supplies and info from lately is http://www.northernbrewer.com/
Yup, still got them :cheers:

[lesslimited]

Yup, still got them :cheers:

Then get off yer butt, and start brewing!
Just $100 or so to get the basic brewing equipment and get a batch started, then $150 or less for kegging equipment next month when the beer is ready. Or you can bottle, which is kind of a PITA, but does make it easier to bring to parties (or NAXJA events)

[Kejtar]

Then get off yer butt, and start brewing!
Just $100 or so to get the basic brewing equipment and get a batch started, then $150 or less for kegging equipment next month when the beer is ready. Or you can bottle, which is kind of a PITA, but does make it easier to bring to parties (or NAXJA events)
I'll see how much $ I have left after I come back from my vacation in August :D And then, maybe ;) Cause at this point Amex is considering sending me greeting cards :D

[XJhammer]

Just don't bring kegs to utah. It's a big fine and they "take it" from you.

[Kejtar]

Just don't bring kegs to utah. It's a big fine and they "take it" from you.
And afterwards they "empty" it out at the police station :)

[Captain Ron]

Ok, the student phase has begun.

Got a Q. The soda type kegs look like the ticket for storage, but is it a problem getting them into Utah? Think they'll check to see if they are soda?

Be nice to know before I start buying stuff.

--ron

[lesslimited]

Last I know, they're not searching all vehicles entering Utah.
Maybe if they see California plates they will, though :laugh3:
I'm not going to advocate breaking the law, even if it's a retarded law, but has anyone actually looked into this? I mean, almost everyone brings beer without problems, so how is a 5 gal soda keg different from 5 cases (which is what I brought last year)? It's not like we're selling it, which I could see them having a problem with.

Kegging is so much easier than bottling that unless you're brewing only for the event, it's a no-brainer, except for a little more expense, and the need for larger fridge space. Some homebrewers will do both, as it is convenient to just grab a few 1-2 qt bottles to share at a party or family dinner. Beezil has gone back to partial bottling for that reason.

HTH :dunno:
:cheers:

[DrMoab]

Last I know, they're not searching all vehicles entering Utah.
Maybe if they see California plates they will, though :laugh3:
I'm not going to advocate breaking the law, even if it's a retarded law, but has anyone actually looked into this? I mean, almost everyone brings beer without problems, so how is a 5 gal soda keg different from 5 cases (which is what I brought last year)? It's not like we're selling it, which I could see them having a problem with.

Kegging is so much easier than bottling that unless you're brewing only for the event, it's a no-brainer, except for a little more expense, and the need for larger fridge space. Some homebrewers will do both, as it is convenient to just grab a few 1-2 qt bottles to share at a party or family dinner. Beezil has gone back to partial bottling for that reason.

HTH :dunno:
:cheers:
You are right, its a totally stupid law that really hurt bars who sold kegs back in the 80's when they outlawd them. No, you won't get searched in your car or jeep(most likely) but remember you are comming to Utah. That means Mormons, and there are lots of mormons camping too. Wouldn't take much for one of them to call the cops if they see a keg. OH and the bored Moab Local cops would LOVE to have something fun like that to break up. Most likely you wouldn't get a ticket but you would loose your keg and more importantly...YOUR BEER! ! !

[Kejtar]

You are right, its a totally stupid law that really hurt bars who sold kegs back in the 80's when they outlawd them. No, you won't get searched in your car or jeep(most likely) but remember you are comming to Utah. That means Mormons, and there are lots of mormons camping too. Wouldn't take much for one of them to call the cops if they see a keg. OH and the bored Moab Local cops would LOVE to have something fun like that to break up. Most likely you wouldn't get a ticket but you would loose your keg and more importantly...YOUR BEER! ! !
well.... if you hear a siren coming into the campground, just hook yourself ot that keg and drain it dry :D

[lesslimited]

well.... if you hear a siren coming into the campground, just hook yourself ot that keg and drain it dry :D

:D
If there's one thing we know about NAXJAns, it's that we can rapidly consume beer!

[Geepfreak]

Last I know, they're not searching all vehicles entering Utah.
Maybe if they see California plates they will, though :laugh3:
I'm not going to advocate breaking the law, even if it's a retarded law, but has anyone actually looked into this? I mean, almost everyone brings beer without problems, so how is a 5 gal soda keg different from 5 cases (which is what I brought last year)? It's not like we're selling it, which I could see them having a problem with.

Kegging is so much easier than bottling that unless you're brewing only for the event, it's a no-brainer, except for a little more expense, and the need for larger fridge space. Some homebrewers will do both, as it is convenient to just grab a few 1-2 qt bottles to share at a party or family dinner. Beezil has gone back to partial bottling for that reason.

HTH :dunno:
:cheers:
I do agrre that the Keg law is stupid.. But, just make sure your home brew is not of Highpoint qualities, as then it will be considered "Bootlegging" and you will see JAIL time as a recourse.... You can NOT bring highpoint or Liquor into the state of Utah, unless you moved here from out of state, and paid an administrative fee, and brought no than 2 liters of said alcohol.

[Kejtar]

I do agrre that the Keg law is stupid.. But, just make sure your home brew is not of Highpoint qualities, as then it will be considered "Bootlegging" and you will see JAIL time as a recourse.... You can NOT bring highpoint or Liquor into the state of Utah, unless you moved here from out of state, and paid an administrative fee, and brought no than 2 liters of said alcohol.
Highpoint as in high alcohol content? Damn... someone make sure they don't look into my cooler :D

[Geepfreak]

Highpoint as in high alcohol content? Damn... someone make sure they don't look into my cooler :D


yup, anything over 3.2% by weight.

[Kejtar]

yup, anything over 3.2% by weight.
Damn.... I don't drink anything legal than. Oh well... all my bottles will be relabeled :D

[Geepfreak]

Damn.... I don't drink anything legal than. Oh well... all my bottles will be relabeled :D
:cheers: :D

[DrMoab]

I do agrre that the Keg law is stupid.. But, just make sure your home brew is not of Highpoint qualities, as then it will be considered "Bootlegging" and you will see JAIL time as a recourse.... You can NOT bring highpoint or Liquor into the state of Utah, unless you moved here from out of state, and paid an administrative fee, and brought no than 2 liters of said alcohol.
Not that we are trying to discurage you in anyway I mean...by all means...bring beer...lots and lots of beer.

[lesslimited]

I'll see if my customer that works at the hospital can get me some of those "Urine Specimen" labels :laugh3:

[rokclimbertx]

well, i think i'm in on the tasting... have a few bottles with me...

[Captain Ron]

Ok, got some decent equipment from Northern Brewer, which so far seems to be one of the better suppliers. Should have everything in place to start later this week.

I went with Glass Carboys, gonna do a primary and secondary. I was thinking about jumping right into full grain and mashing, but it'll take a few weeks to get that all put together, so the first batches will be extracts.

Polarware kettles, with and without spigots and thermwells can be had at McMaster Carr, They are not listed as such, but thats what they are. If you have a biz account with them, it's much cheaper than the retail price. I probably saved 200 bucks over 3 of them.

Anyone using counterflow chillers?

--ron

[lesslimited]

Ok, got some decent equipment from Northern Brewer, which so far seems to be one of the better suppliers. Should have everything in place to start later this week.

I went with Glass Carboys, gonna do a primary and secondary. I was thinking about jumping right into full grain and mashing, but it'll take a few weeks to get that all put together, so the first batches will be extracts.

Polarware kettles, with and without spigots and thermwells can be had at McMaster Carr, They are not listed as such, but thats what they are. If you have a biz account with them, it's much cheaper than the retail price. I probably saved 200 bucks over 3 of them.

Anyone using counterflow chillers?

--ron

Good job!

NB is a good supplier, and their forums have lots of good info.

Glass carboys are the way to go, just be careful handling them. Did you get your Pro-Mash software yet? Excellent way to share recipes, and instantly see the effects of making changes. It's great for extract brewing, but is awesome for all-grain - and the all-grain vs extract is kinda like the longarm vs short-arm debate here. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and proponents of each will hasta :D
Each method will produce excellent beer, all-grain equipment costs more but ingredients are cheaper. It also takes longer to brew, but that gives you more time to drink while brewing :cheers:

I'll look into the McMaster kettles - after Moab I may go to all-grain.

A 50' roll of 1/2" copper tubing, wrapped around a paint can with a couple hose fittings soldered to the ends will do a great job of chilling a 5-10 gallon batch. If you want to get fancy, and/or your water is not very cold, you can make 2 coils and immerse the first one in a bucket of ice water.


:cheers:

[Captain Ron]

I was surprised at NB's pricing on stuff. I tried to find vendors for things like carboys, kettles, coolers, valves... that kind of thing, that I already have accounts with, or that I could set-up biz accounts. NB's pricing on a majority of stuff was still better, not everything, but an awfull lot.

I'm picking up ProMash today, before I start the first batch.

I'm preparing for 3 batches partial grain now. I do intend to do all grain, might be able to have a batch or 2 for Moab. I think the first one will be an infusion mash, although step mashing does not sound that tough.

I found a set of the fittings for a Phil chill... my project today, after I weld the tail cone on my t-case :D

--ron

[DeweyXJ]

hasta I bring high point home all the time :wave: Besides, Bootlegging is an old & time honored tradition in this country :sunshine: I say as long as you're not DUI or your junk isn't totally illegal you wont get a second glance.

As to using a 5 gallon soda cilinder- BRILLIENT!!! :cheers: I doubt any of the local Do-gooder types even know you can get beer into one of those things.

Bring it on!!

[stewie]

dont do kegs, too obvious in a camp site. do the bottle route, draws less attention. i doubt someone is going to be going arround looking for "strong beer" stickers on all the cases. if your still worried, peel some of them off of off cases of beer that i know all you utah'ns have laying arround and bring them with you to slap on the home brewed stuff.

[Captain Ron]

John, what style(s) are you doing? What style is the Scott Free? I'm assuming you'll be bringing some. :D

Anyone else? Other chapters?

I'm running out of fermentation time for some styles...

Maybe we could preview the names and statistics of everyones creations.

--ron

[lesslimited]

Well, the Scott-Free is probably somewhere between American pale ale and IPA for hops profile. My last batch that we had at Brewfest II was a little on the sweet side, probably due to over-steeping the grains, so I'll need to adjust that a bit. I did an all-grain nicely hopped blonde ale with Beezil's help and equipment, that is ready to be kegged, but if it's as good as we hope, the 10 gallons will probably be gone before October, especially if he comes over! I also have an oatmeal stout ingredient kit from Northern Brewer that I need to brew soon, and would be good by October.

So basically, I don't know what I'll be bringing, yet, but I know it won't taste anything like Bud Light :D

:cheers:

[Roxtar]

You are right, its a totally stupid law that really hurt bars who sold kegs back in the 80's when they outlawd them. No, you won't get searched in your car or jeep(most likely) but remember you are comming to Utah. That means Mormons, and there are lots of mormons camping too. Wouldn't take much for one of them to call the cops if they see a keg. OH and the bored Moab Local cops would LOVE to have something fun like that to break up. Most likely you wouldn't get a ticket but you would loose your keg and more importantly...YOUR BEER! ! !Mormans?
You're worried about Mormans?
It's the naxja whistle-blowers I'd be concerned about.