News
In With the New: Club Elections x BlackStack
When: Friday, April 1 (not a joke) at 8:30 pm
Zoom information: meeting ID 882 5897 2798, password 488450
The MHBA is holding club elections Friday April 1 before our (Almost) Final Friday Social with the ur-murk merchants BlackStack. We will be voting on the following positions:
- president (currently Nick Aschbrenner)
- Vice-President (currently Josh Mahoney)
- Treasurer (currently Jon Hunter)
- Secretary (currently Matt Johnson)
- Member At-Large (currently Adam Bystrom)
- Member At-Large (currently Nathan Steigman)
Please help row our little Viking ship. The Minnesota Home Brewers Association needs you to help propel homebrewing in Minnesota into the future. Your voice matters.
What do these positions do? Well, the effort is directed along several focus areas:
- Social (led by Matt Johnson): responsible for planning monthly FFS, the holiday party, and other social activities like brewery tours
- Beer and brewing: responsible for Big Brew Day, Spring Homebrew Review, and Beer Dabbler Homebrew Contests
- Education (led by Nick): responsible for BJCP prep class
- Not Beer: responsible for the Club Cider Buy
Thank you to everyone who served on the Board! If you’re not in the room where it happens, here is a very brief highlight reel:
- Josh kept the club running and moving forward when I had to be out of the state for two months last year
- Jon not only stays on top of club finances, but he has nothing but good ideas. For example, we brought back the Beer Dabbler Homebrew Contests as a way to reach craft beer fans who want to take their hobby to the next level by making craft beer at home
- Matt, as the social organizer, is the reason why fun stuff has happened last year, from arranging the holiday party to getting some awesome social events lined up!
- Adam did a great job running our Spring Homebrew Review last year
- Nathan Steigman raises the profile of the MHBA with his competition dominance, is full of wisdom, and has made me a better person. And he made an awesome video for the club
- Dave Matson organized the cider buy last year and it was the best one yet
- Dave Royer is the technical wizard behind the MHBA that keeps up connected
After we get our leadership team voted in, we will be having an exciting Final Friday Social with BlackStack! If you’re able, pick up some of your favorite BlackStack beer to enjoy on the Zoom.
Big Brew Day and Wort Share with The Lab
When: Saturday, May 7 from 9 am to 9 pm
Where: The Lab (767 N Eustis St Suite 115, St Paul, MN 55114)
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is celebrating Big Brew Day on May 7 at The Lab in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
If you are an MHBA dues-paying member, you can buy five or 10 gallons of wort here. (Not a member yet, sign up now!) The wort type will be announced soon. Non-glass containers must be dropped off between 1 and 3 pm, and must be picked up between 4 and 5 pm. Glass containers will absolutely NOT be filled for your safety and ours. No exceptions.
If you want to brew with us:
- Please sign up here so we know how many to expect
- Bring your brewing system and make beer with us (LOTS of room!)
- Doesn’t matter if you’re all grain or extract – ALL are welcome!
- Beer may be purchased from The Lab
- Food truck will be onsite, or bring your own food
- Plenty of shelter is available in case of inclement weather for brewers and attendees
- RO water and Saint Paul water is provided
- Electricity is available (no 220)
- Grain disposal is available
- Homebrew sharing is permissible
Brave Noise Collaboration
The MHBA signed onto the Brave Noise Collaboration. What this means is we have a code of conduct and pledge to treat other people with respect.
It also means we get to brew beer and make a difference!
- Brew the all-grain or extract recipe (en español)
- The MHBA will donate a Tubman ($20) for every dues-paying member who brews Brave Noise in 2022 to the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Diversity in Brewing Scholarship to attend the Dakota County Technical College Brewing and Beer Steward certificate program
- You can make your own donations to their scholarship fund here
- Pledge to treat everyone with respect and let us know you brewed it here
Test Anxiety
Al Boyce is hosting a BJCP mead tasting exam on September 8 just prior to Valyrie’s Horn Mead Competition. It costs $40 if you’re new to the BJCP and $25 if you’ve already taken a BJCP tasting exam. You also have to get a passing score on the BJCP mead entrance exam. Only 12 seats are available so sign up ASAP!
Nick is hosting a BJCP written exam on October 15. To take it, you must have a BJCP beer tasting exam score at or above 80 and at least 10 judging points.
Let us know if you’re interested in taking either exam!
MHBA Flight Log
- Al Boyce was recently promoted to Grand Master IX judge by the BJCP (third highest-ranked BJCP judge in the world after Gordon Strong and Steve Piatz)
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- Alessandra Agrestini talks Italian Grape Ale
- False Bottomed Girls make us smart about beer color
- More craft brewers are eschewing extrema in favor of low-alcohol beers
MHBA Visit to Lupulin Brewery March 12, 2022
Lupulin was kind enough to host us for a fantastic time at the brewery. If you weren’t able to make it, you missed them walking us through the history of Lupulin, a tour of the facilities, and general Q&A. Thank you to Lupulin for the great time!
March Final Friday Social April 1
MHBA Visit to Barrel Theory Brewery April 23, 2022
Make sure to make it out to St. Paul on April 23 when Barrel Theory will be hosting the club for a visit!
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/4pF0ggPkt
Big Brew Day May 7th at “The Lab” in St. Paul
More details will be available soon, but the basics include:
- On premises brewing – bring your systems!
- Wort share – sign up (TBD) to purchase 5G for just $10 to take home and ferment.
MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is pleased to announce the first MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition. The club cider buy has long been a cornerstone of who we are collectively, and this competition strives to take our cider and cyser making to the next level by providing professional and high-level feedback.
Key details
- 100% of the cider you use MUST come from the 2021 MHBA club cider buy
- Full Core Press encourages entries in three categories: Standard Ciders (C1), Cysers (M2A), and Specialty Ciders (C2, including grafs)
- Entry and judge registration will open September 2022
- Judging will occur October 2022
- Awards will be in-person at the 2022 MHBA club cider buy
- Bring your ciders and cysers to the 2022 club cider buy for a fun bottle share!
Questions From the Community
No Questions Yet! Don’t forget that the Minnesota Home Brewers Association offers the Hive Mind as an option to ask questions from experts the community.
In order to submit a question, fill out the form here. The information is then anonymously sent to the experts who will provide their answer(s) based on years of expertise and studies. The answer(s) will then be collated and sent back to you – its that easy! At the end of every newsletter we will include the anonymous questions and answers for everybody else to see in order to spread the wealth of knowledge.
MHBA Honor Roll
- Josh Mahoney on winning Gold and Bronze for Braggot at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Kevin Meintsma on winning Silver in Semisweet/Sweet Mead, Silver in Cyser, and Bronze in Semisweet Fruit and Spice Mead at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Nathan Steigman on winning Silver in Sweet Berry Mead at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Adam Bystrom on winning Bronze in Semisweet/Sweet Mead at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Patrick Curme voted to be on the AMMA board
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- Learn about the new uprising trend of craft beer drinkers interest in lagers here
- Watch club member Al Boyce on Man Made Mead as he talks all about his experience in homebrewing, what the BJCP mead certification exam looks like and gives us tips on how to be better mead makers!
- AC Em Sauter at Pints and Panels talked about winter seasonal beer
- Chip Walton of Chop and Brew was on the BeerSmith podcast on the episode that released on Christmas Eve.
- Paige Latham Didora was on a panel for the North American Guild of Beer Writers discussing how the revelation of more than a thousand accounts of sexual harassment and assault, toxic workplaces and discrimination is affecting the beer industry – listen in here
MHBA Visit to Wooden Ship Brewing Feb 20, 2022
Thank you to Wooden Ship Brewing including Suresh and team for hosting the MN Homebrewers Association on February 20th. They took us on a tour of the facility, explained their philosophy and story, talked us through a tasting of Soup SZN (a light golden ale was brewed with large additions of ginger, lemongrass, coconut, turmeric, curry, thai basil, and scallions), and answered any questions we have. Make sure to stop by the brewery if you get a chance!
MHBA Holiday Party February 26th at Forgotten Star Brewing
Thanks to Forgotten Star for having the club at the brewery for this years holiday party. After multiple postponements we were able to gather for an evening of enjoying each others food, homebrew, and company. The club wouldn’t be what it is without all of its members, and appreciate seeing familiar faces and some new ones. Hope to continue seeing everyone throughout the year at future events. Special congratulations to Nathan Steigman for winning the inaugural “Ace” award for excellence in representation of passion in competitions and achievements over the past year.
Winter Beer Dabbler Homebrew Contest
Dan Peters (MHBA), Voodoo Bellman
Michelle and Andy Gerver (3M Homebrew Club), Jinx! NEIPA
Colin Maguire, Barrel Aged Bandito
MHBA Visit to Lupulin Brewery March 12, 2022
Lupulin Brewery will be hosting the club on March 12, 2022 to share in their brewing facilities and beers! More info to come.
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1qYagUYNZ
March Final Friday Social April 1
Craft Brewers Conference Seeking Volunteers (May 2-5)
The Craft Brewers Conference is looking for volunteers, see below note:
This year’s Craft Brewers Conference will take place May 2-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and your help is needed!
The Brewers Association is looking for awesome volunteers to pour at beer stations, assist at registration and help at the Welcome Reception. Enjoy the camaraderie of brewers from around the world while pouring select craft beer and helping the Brewers Association.
Please sign up for as many shifts as you can! You may see all opportunities, days and shifts at:
https://brewersassociation.
wufoo.com/forms/ wejrvjb1k53q2o/ Thank you for your consideration. Your help at this year’s Craft Brewers Conference is very much appreciated.
Cheers,
Carol Hiller
Operations/Volunteer Manager
Brewers Association
MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is pleased to announce the first MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition. The club cider buy has long been a cornerstone of who we are collectively, and this competition strives to take our cider and cyser making to the next level by providing professional and high-level feedback.
Key details
- 100% of the cider you use MUST come from the 2021 MHBA club cider buy
- Full Core Press encourages entries in three categories: Standard Ciders (C1), Cysers (M2A), and Specialty Ciders (C2, including grafs)
- Entry and judge registration will open September 2022
- Judging will occur October 2022
- Awards will be in-person at the 2022 MHBA club cider buy
- Bring your ciders and cysers to the 2022 club cider buy for a fun bottle share!
Questions From the Community
No Questions Yet! Don’t forget that the Minnesota Home Brewers Association offers the Hive Mind as an option to ask questions from experts the community.
In order to submit a question, fill out the form here. The information is then anonymously sent to the experts who will provide their answer(s) based on years of expertise and studies. The answer(s) will then be collated and sent back to you – its that easy! At the end of every newsletter we will include the anonymous questions and answers for everybody else to see in order to spread the wealth of knowledge.
MHBA Honor Roll
- Josh Mahoney on winning Gold and Bronze for Braggot at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Kevin Meintsma on winning Silver in Semisweet/Sweet Mead, Silver in Cyser, and Bronze in Semisweet Fruit and Spice Mead at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Nathan Steigman on winning Silver in Sweet Berry Mead at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Adam Bystrom on winning Bronze in Semisweet/Sweet Mead at Mead Madness Cup in Poland
- Patrick Curme voted to be on the AMMA board
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- Learn about the new uprising trend of craft beer drinkers interest in lagers here
- Watch club member Al Boyce on Man Made Mead as he talks all about his experience in homebrewing, what the BJCP mead certification exam looks like and gives us tips on how to be better mead makers!
- AC Em Sauter at Pints and Panels talked about winter seasonal beer
- Chip Walton of Chop and Brew was on the BeerSmith podcast on the episode that released on Christmas Eve.
- Paige Latham Didora was on a panel for the North American Guild of Beer Writers discussing how the revelation of more than a thousand accounts of sexual harassment and assault, toxic workplaces and discrimination is affecting the beer industry – listen in here
A note from the World Beer Cup – they are needing volunteers if you are interested!
Good day volunteers!
I am so pleased to invite you to fill out the volunteer interest form for the 2022 World Beer Cup®!
Please read this entire message carefully, as it contains a large amount of information.
World Beer Cup ® judging phase 3 (see details below)
You will have the opportunity to identify your interest in phase 3 in the attached link.
- PHASE 3 of 2022 WBC®judging, will be held (April 30 – May 2, 2022), in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. This phase will be held at theHyatt Regency Minneapolis at 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota. We will have approximately 28 tables for phase 3 over three days.
We would like to identify your level of interest as this will help us finalize staffing for phase 3 utilizing volunteers in Minneapolis. This being said, it is very important that you fill out the link below no later than February 27th, 2022. (Email confirmations will be sent no later than February 28th, 2022) Please note: you must be at least 21 years of age to participate. Additionally, please identify if you have any brewery or craft beer industry affiliations of any kind. The information you provide on affiliations will be reviewed to ensure there is no conflict of interest.
(Please ignore the date on the email you will receive after submitting your information via the link as it shows February 8th as the confirmation date and it should be February 28th)
Sign up here:
Here is the link: https://brewersassociation.wufoo.com/forms/zji9mex1antc1i/
Some other items of interest:
In 2018, 2,515 breweries from 66 countries entered 8,234 beers that were judged in 101 categories. As you know, we canceled the 2020 World Beer Cup due to COVID. At the 2022 WBC, ~10,000 entries from around the world will compete in 103 categories. Roughly 35% of the total judge panel will come from outside the USA.
A word about health and wellness as it relates to COVID-19: The entire 2022 WBC competition is configured to emphasize the health and wellness of all participants. Judging will take place over more days, with fewer tables per day, fewer judges per table and fewer total judges. All WBC competition participants (judges, staff, volunteers) will be required to be fully vaccinated. We will ask confirmed volunteers to provide proof of vaccination at a later date. (Please do not request this opportunity if you will be unable to provide proof of full vaccination in coming months). The protocol for PPE worn by judges and competition volunteers during judging will be determined based on COVID-related conditions at the time of the competition. We expect to meet or exceed all federal and state requirements at the time of the competition.
Phase 3 – All volunteers should plan to volunteer for all three days in this phase. If you are unable to volunteer for all 3 days, please identify on the form the days you are available to volunteer. For those volunteers that are able to commit to the 3 days, we will have a very special drawing on the final day for a surprise raffle item. More information to be provided.
2022 WBC Interest and volunteer confirmation timeline: Please respond to this interest form for the WBC 2022 no later than Sunday, February 27th, 2022. All confirmations for WBC volunteer positions will be sent out no later than February 28th, 2022. All schedule details and perks will be forthcoming, and it is important to note that these are full days starting at 7am and ending at approximately 5pm each judging day. We will provide a light breakfast, snacks throughout the day and a full hot lunch each day of the competition.
Please see below for the overview of the various volunteer opportunities:
Volunteer job categories are on the interest link (more information forthcoming by volunteer job type).
Stewards – Will work under the direction of a Table Captain in all aspects of serving beers to the judges, along with other various duties as needed to run this competition. Training will be provided. (note: we use very small trays and very small sample pours ensuring this is an easy task for even the non-experienced volunteer)
Back of House Team– These are our folks that do not mind getting physical and moving beers for a large portion of the day. Other duties to be outlined as needed as support for the competition. Training will be provided.
Administrative Team – These are our volunteers that care for not only filing comment cards, but all the other administrative duties as needed within the competition. Training will be provided.
If you are interested in joining us, please be sure to complete your form no later than Sunday February 27th, 2022.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me [email protected].
Thank you sincerely for your time and I very much look forward to hearing from you, and even more so meeting you in person as one of our amazing volunteers!
—
Steve Fletty
WBC Volunteer Coordinator
Read MoreReminder: MHBA Visit to Wooden Ship Brewing Feb 20, 2022
Wooden Ship Brewing will host the Minnesota Homebrewers Association for some fun! We will be touring the brewery and spending some time to learn about both Wooden Ship, how they make beer, and the great folks that run the brewery!
Please note, that in order to attend the event individuals need to be fully vaccinated per guidance provided by the brewery.
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1QDssyfRc
MHBA Holiday Party Re-Scheduled for February 26th at Forgotten Star Brewing
The holiday party is officially one and a half weeks away! Bring your homebrew to share, food to enjoy with others (beer/cider/mead infused to enter the competition), and your luck to win some awesome raffles!
Quick Info
- When: Saturday, February 26th – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Address: Forgotten Star Brewing Co., 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421 – the event space in a private room in the back of the brewery.
What’s Happening
- Setup will start around 5:00 pm and teardown at 9:30 pm
- Socializing will be from 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Buffet-style food service will begin at 7:00 pm
- Raffles with gift cards occurring throughout the night
What to bring
Food: Come with a potluck dish to share (bonus points for being prepared with a beer, cider, or mead). Make sure to bring serving utensils and an extension cord if needed. A “People’s Choice” award will be given for the best potluck dish with beer, cider, or mead as an ingredient with voting going on throughout the night. Plates, napkins, and silverware will be provided.
Beer/Cider/Mead to share: Bring any beer, mead, or cider that you wish to share. Bottles, growlers, and kegs are welcome. Don’t forget a small tasting glass—some plastic glasses will be available in case of emergency.
Remember to bring a tasting glass.
Family and Friends: This is a family-friendly event, so bring your significant other, kids, and/or any friends/family that have ever expressed an interest in homebrewing or beer. As this is one of the most attended gatherings of the year, it’s a great opportunity to get out and meet your fellow homebrewers. If you have not made it to a meeting or would like to join the club, the Holiday potluck is a perfect chance to try some great homebrew and delicious food, and exchange homebrew with others.
Winter Beer Dabbler Homebrew Contest is back
MHBA Visit to Lupulin Brewery March 12, 2022
Lupulin Brewery will be hosting the club on March 12, 2022 to share in their brewing facilities and beers! More info to come.
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1qYagUYNZ
MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is pleased to announce the first MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition. The club cider buy has long been a cornerstone of who we are collectively, and this competition strives to take our cider and cyser making to the next level by providing professional and high-level feedback.
Key details
- 100% of the cider you use MUST come from the 2021 MHBA club cider buy
- Full Core Press encourages entries in three categories: Standard Ciders (C1), Cysers (M2A), and Specialty Ciders (C2, including grafs)
- Entry and judge registration will open September 2022
- Judging will occur October 2022
- Awards will be in-person at the 2022 MHBA club cider buy
- Bring your ciders and cysers to the 2022 club cider buy for a fun bottle share!
Questions From the Community
No Questions Yet! Don’t forget that the Minnesota Home Brewers Association offers the Hive Mind as an option to ask questions from experts the community.
In order to submit a question, fill out the form here. The information is then anonymously sent to the experts who will provide their answer(s) based on years of expertise and studies. The answer(s) will then be collated and sent back to you – its that easy! At the end of every newsletter we will include the anonymous questions and answers for everybody else to see in order to spread the wealth of knowledge.
MHBA Honor Roll
- Patrick Curme voted to be on the AMMA board
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- Watch club member Al Boyce on Man Made Mead as he talks all about his experience in homebrewing, what the BJCP mead certification exam looks like and gives us tips on how to be better mead makers!
- AC Em Sauter at Pints and Panels talked about winter seasonal beer
- Chip Walton of Chop and Brew was on the BeerSmith podcast on the episode that released on Christmas Eve.
- Paige Latham Didora was on a panel for the North American Guild of Beer Writers discussing how the revelation of more than a thousand accounts of sexual harassment and assault, toxic workplaces and discrimination is affecting the beer industry – listen in here
- Good Beer Hunting writes about how a method that had fallen to the wayside for modern generations of brewers, decoction brewing, is finding new interest and popularity
- Louis Livingston-Garcia of Beer Dabbler talks with Beer Kulture, a non-profit focused on diversity and inclusion in the craft beverage industry, and the impact they are making
Reminder: Final Friday Social January 28th
Winter Beer Dabbler Homebrew Contest is back
Are you planning on going to the Winter Beer Dabbler on February 19? If so, you’ve entered a homebrew contest already! Register a beer, mead, or cider ahead of time and drop off your entry at the Dabbler. Judging will happen the following week. Entering makes you eligible to win medals and prizes ($100 Northern Brewer gift card for BOS, $50 for runner-up, and $25 for third place). It’s also a GREAT opportunity to get some feedback on how to take our homebrew to the next level. Sign up now and hopefully lots of MHBA members sign up!
Brew Day Jams
MHBA Holiday Party Re-Scheduled for February 26th at Forgotten Star Brewing
The holiday party is officially one and a half weeks away! Bring your homebrew to share, food to enjoy with others (beer/cider/mead infused to enter the competition), and your luck to win some awesome raffles!
Quick Info
- When: Saturday, February 26th – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Address: Forgotten Star Brewing Co., 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421 – the event space in a private room in the back of the brewery.
What’s Happening
- Setup will start around 5:00 pm and teardown at 9:30 pm
- Socializing will be from 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Buffet-style food service will begin at 7:00 pm
- Raffles with gift cards occurring throughout the night
What to bring
Food: Come with a potluck dish to share (bonus points for being prepared with a beer, cider, or mead). Make sure to bring serving utensils and an extension cord if needed. A “People’s Choice” award will be given for the best potluck dish with beer, cider, or mead as an ingredient with voting going on throughout the night. Plates, napkins, and silverware will be provided.
Beer/Cider/Mead to share: Bring any beer, mead, or cider that you wish to share. Bottles, growlers, and kegs are welcome. Don’t forget a small tasting glass—some plastic glasses will be available in case of emergency.
Remember to bring a tasting glass.
Family and Friends: This is a family-friendly event, so bring your significant other, kids, and/or any friends/family that have ever expressed an interest in homebrewing or beer. As this is one of the most attended gatherings of the year, it’s a great opportunity to get out and meet your fellow homebrewers. If you have not made it to a meeting or would like to join the club, the Holiday potluck is a perfect chance to try some great homebrew and delicious food, and exchange homebrew with others.
Reminder: MHBA Visit to Wooden Ship Brewing Feb 20, 2022
Wooden Ship Brewing will host the Minnesota Homebrewers Association for some fun! We will be touring the brewery and spending some time to learn about both Wooden Ship, how they make beer, and the great folks that run the brewery!
Please note, that in order to attend the event individuals need to be fully vaccinated per guidance provided by the brewery.
MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is pleased to announce the first MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition. The club cider buy has long been a cornerstone of who we are collectively, and this competition strives to take our cider and cyser making to the next level by providing professional and high-level feedback.
Key details
- 100% of the cider you use MUST come from the 2021 MHBA club cider buy
- Full Core Press encourages entries in three categories: Standard Ciders (C1), Cysers (M2A), and Specialty Ciders (C2, including grafs)
- Entry and judge registration will open September 2022
- Judging will occur October 2022
- Awards will be in-person at the 2022 MHBA club cider buy
- Bring your ciders and cysers to the 2022 club cider buy for a fun bottle share!
Questions From the Community
No Questions Yet! Don’t forget that the Minnesota Home Brewers Association offers the Hive Mind as an option to ask questions from experts the community.
In order to submit a question, fill out the form here. The information is then anonymously sent to the experts who will provide their answer(s) based on years of expertise and studies. The answer(s) will then be collated and sent back to you – its that easy! At the end of every newsletter we will include the anonymous questions and answers for everybody else to see in order to spread the wealth of knowledge.
MHBA Honor Roll
- Adam Bystrom runner up for Mead Maker of the Year
- Steve Fletty second runner up for Mead Maker of the Year
- Nathan Steigman received first for berry dry and 3rd for historical at Mazer Cup
- Adam Bystrom got 1st in fruit and spice dry and 2nd for cyser at Mazer Cup
- Paul S Johnson received 3rd for SHV sweet at Mazer Cup
- Josh Mahoney received third in braggot at Mazer Cup
- The club received second place in the club competition at Mazer Cup
- Kevin Meintsma won best in show for mead/cider at Hoppy Halloween
- Al Boyce won best Halloween Beer at Hoppy Halloween
- Nathan Steigman won second and third for Traditional Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won first for Spice and Specialty Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Nathan Steigman won second for Spice and Specialty Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won third for Cider and Perry at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won Best in Show – Mead at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won third in Bitters at Minnesota Mashout
- Soren Jensen won first in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won second in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Dave Matson won third in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Scott Haraldson won first in “Fruitsen and Spicen” at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won first in “Smoked, wooded, weizened, and specialty” at Minnesota Mashout
- Josh Mahoney won first in Mead – Traditional at Minnesota Mashout
- Adam Bystrom won first in “Mead – Pyser Cyment” at Minnesota Mashout
- Adam Bystrom won third in “Mead – CarMelo’s Mels’ at Minnesota Mashout
- Kevin Meintsma won first in “Mead – Fruit goes here” at Minnesota Mashout”
- Anthony Davis won third in “Mead – Fruit goes here” at Minnesota Mashout”
- Al Boyce won third in “Mead – Fruit does not go here” at Minnesota Mashout
- Josh Mahoney won first in “Mead – Wilford’s bain” at Minnesota Mashout
- Nathan Steigman won second in “Mead – Wildford’s bain” at Minnesota Mashout
- Nathan Steigman won third in historic and alternative ferment beer at Music City Brew Off
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- Watch club member Al Boyce on Man Made Mead as he talks all about his experience in homebrewing, what the BJCP mead certification exam looks like and gives us tips on how to be better mead makers!
- AC Em Sauter at Pints and Panels talked about winter seasonal beer
- Chip Walton of Chop and Brew was on the BeerSmith podcast on the episode that released on Christmas Eve.
- Paige Latham Didora was on a panel for the North American Guild of Beer Writers discussing how the revelation of more than a thousand accounts of sexual harassment and assault, toxic workplaces and discrimination is affecting the beer industry – listen in here
- Good Beer Hunting writes about how a method that had fallen to the wayside for modern generations of brewers, decoction brewing, is finding new interest and popularity
- Louis Livingston-Garcia of Beer Dabbler talks with Beer Kulture, a non-profit focused on diversity and inclusion in the craft beverage industry, and the impact they are making
Rescheduled: MHBA Visit to Wooden Ship Brewing February 20, 2022
Wooden Ship Brewing will host the Minnesota Homebrewers Association for some fun! We will be touring the brewery and spending some time to learn about both Wooden Ship, how they make beer, and the great folks that run the brewery!
Please note, that in order to attend the event individuals need to be fully vaccinated per guidance provided by the brewery.
Reminder: Final Friday Social January 28th
MHBA Holiday Party Re-Scheduled for February 26th at Forgotten Star Brewing
The holiday party is officially one and a half weeks away! Bring your homebrew to share, food to enjoy with others (beer/cider/mead infused to enter the competition), and your luck to win some awesome raffles!
Quick Info
- When: Saturday, February 26th – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Address: Forgotten Star Brewing Co., 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421 – the event space in a private room in the back of the brewery.
What’s Happening
- Setup will start around 5:00 pm and teardown at 9:30 pm
- Socializing will be from 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Buffet-style food service will begin at 7:00 pm
- Raffles with gift cards occurring throughout the night
What to bring
Food: Come with a potluck dish to share (bonus points for being prepared with a beer, cider, or mead). Make sure to bring serving utensils and an extension cord if needed. A “People’s Choice” award will be given for the best potluck dish with beer, cider, or mead as an ingredient with voting going on throughout the night. Plates, napkins, and silverware will be provided.
Beer/Cider/Mead to share: Bring any beer, mead, or cider that you wish to share. Bottles, growlers, and kegs are welcome. Don’t forget a small tasting glass—some plastic glasses will be available in case of emergency.
Remember to bring a tasting glass.
Family and Friends: This is a family-friendly event, so bring your significant other, kids, and/or any friends/family that have ever expressed an interest in homebrewing or beer. As this is one of the most attended gatherings of the year, it’s a great opportunity to get out and meet your fellow homebrewers. If you have not made it to a meeting or would like to join the club, the Holiday potluck is a perfect chance to try some great homebrew and delicious food, and exchange homebrew with others.
Reminder: MHBA Visit to Wooden Ship Brewing Jan 23, 2022
Wooden Ship Brewing will host the Minnesota Homebrewers Association for some fun! We will be touring the brewery and spending some time to learn about both Wooden Ship, how they make beer, and the great folks that run the brewery!
Always learning with the MHBA
MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is pleased to announce the first MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition. The club cider buy has long been a cornerstone of who we are collectively, and this competition strives to take our cider and cyser making to the next level by providing professional and high-level feedback.
Key details
- 100% of the cider you use MUST come from the 2021 MHBA club cider buy
- Full Core Press encourages entries in three categories: Standard Ciders (C1), Cysers (M2A), and Specialty Ciders (C2, including grafs)
- Entry and judge registration will open September 2022
- Judging will occur October 2022
- Awards will be in-person at the 2022 MHBA club cider buy
- Bring your ciders and cysers to the 2022 club cider buy for a fun bottle share!
Questions From the Community
No Questions Yet! Don’t forget that the Minnesota Home Brewers Association offers the Hive Mind as an option to ask questions from experts the community.
In order to submit a question, fill out the form here. The information is then anonymously sent to the experts who will provide their answer(s) based on years of expertise and studies. The answer(s) will then be collated and sent back to you – its that easy! At the end of every newsletter we will include the anonymous questions and answers for everybody else to see in order to spread the wealth of knowledge.
MHBA Honor Roll
- Adam Bystrom runner up for Mead Maker of the Year
- Steve Fletty second runner up for Mead Maker of the Year
- Nathan Steigman received first for berry dry and 3rd for historical at Mazer Cup
- Adam Bystrom got 1st in fruit and spice dry and 2nd for cyser at Mazer Cup
- Paul S Johnson received 3rd for SHV sweet at Mazer Cup
- Josh Mahoney received third in braggot at Mazer Cup
- The club received second place in the club competition at Mazer Cup
- Kevin Meintsma won best in show for mead/cider at Hoppy Halloween
- Al Boyce won best Halloween Beer at Hoppy Halloween
- Nathan Steigman won second and third for Traditional Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won first for Spice and Specialty Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Nathan Steigman won second for Spice and Specialty Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won third for Cider and Perry at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won Best in Show – Mead at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won third in Bitters at Minnesota Mashout
- Soren Jensen won first in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won second in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Dave Matson won third in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Scott Haraldson won first in “Fruitsen and Spicen” at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won first in “Smoked, wooded, weizened, and specialty” at Minnesota Mashout
- Josh Mahoney won first in Mead – Traditional at Minnesota Mashout
- Adam Bystrom won first in “Mead – Pyser Cyment” at Minnesota Mashout
- Adam Bystrom won third in “Mead – CarMelo’s Mels’ at Minnesota Mashout
- Kevin Meintsma won first in “Mead – Fruit goes here” at Minnesota Mashout”
- Anthony Davis won third in “Mead – Fruit goes here” at Minnesota Mashout”
- Al Boyce won third in “Mead – Fruit does not go here” at Minnesota Mashout
- Josh Mahoney won first in “Mead – Wilford’s bain” at Minnesota Mashout
- Nathan Steigman won second in “Mead – Wildford’s bain” at Minnesota Mashout
- Nathan Steigman won third in historic and alternative ferment beer at Music City Brew Off
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- AC Em Sauter at Pints and Panels talked about winter seasonal beer
- Chip Walton of Chop and Brew was on the BeerSmith podcast on the episode that released on Christmas Eve.
- Paige Latham Didora was on a panel for the North American Guild of Beer Writers discussing how the revelation of more than a thousand accounts of sexual harassment and assault, toxic workplaces and discrimination is affecting the beer industry – listen in here
- Good Beer Hunting writes about how a method that had fallen to the wayside for modern generations of brewers, decoction brewing, is finding new interest and popularity
- Louis Livingston-Garcia of Beer Dabbler talks with Beer Kulture, a non-profit focused on diversity and inclusion in the craft beverage industry, and the impact they are making
Holi
Out of an abundance of caution we will be postponing the MHBA Holiday party. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for details on future date / party.
Read MoreMHBA Holiday Party Scheduled for January 8th at Forgotten Star Brewing
The holiday party is officially one and a half weeks away! Bring your homebrew to share, food to enjoy with others (beer/cider/mead infused to enter the competition), and your luck to win some awesome raffles!
Quick Info
- When: Saturday, January 8th – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Address: Forgotten Star Brewing Co., 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, MN 55421 – the event space in a private room in the back of the brewery.
What’s Happening
- Setup will start around 5:00 pm and teardown at 9:30 pm
- Socializing will be from 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Buffet-style food service will begin at 7:00 pm
- Raffles with gift cards occurring throughout the night
What to bring
Food: Come with a potluck dish to share (bonus points for being prepared with a beer, cider, or mead). Make sure to bring serving utensils and an extension cord if needed. A “People’s Choice” award will be given for the best potluck dish with beer, cider, or mead as an ingredient with voting going on throughout the night. Plates, napkins, and silverware will be provided.
Beer/Cider/Mead to share: Bring any beer, mead, or cider that you wish to share. Bottles, growlers, and kegs are welcome. Don’t forget a small tasting glass—some plastic glasses will be available in case of emergency.
Remember to bring a tasting glass.
Family and Friends: This is a family-friendly event, so bring your significant other, kids, and/or any friends/family that have ever expressed an interest in homebrewing or beer. As this is one of the most attended gatherings of the year, it’s a great opportunity to get out and meet your fellow homebrewers. If you have not made it to a meeting or would like to join the club, the Holiday potluck is a perfect chance to try some great homebrew and delicious food, and exchange homebrew with others.
Reminder: MHBA Visit to Wooden Ship Brewing Jan 23, 2022
Wooden Ship Brewing will host the Minnesota Homebrewers Association for some fun! We will be touring the brewery and spending some time to learn about both Wooden Ship, how they make beer, and the great folks that run the brewery!
Always learning with the MHBA
MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition
The Minnesota Home Brewers Association is pleased to announce the first MHBA Full Core Press Cider Competition. The club cider buy has long been a cornerstone of who we are collectively, and this competition strives to take our cider and cyser making to the next level by providing professional and high-level feedback.
Key details
- 100% of the cider you use MUST come from the 2021 MHBA club cider buy
- Full Core Press encourages entries in three categories: Standard Ciders (C1), Cysers (M2A), and Specialty Ciders (C2, including grafs)
- Entry and judge registration will open September 2022
- Judging will occur October 2022
- Awards will be in-person at the 2022 MHBA club cider buy
- Bring your ciders and cysers to the 2022 club cider buy for a fun bottle share!
Questions From the Community
No Questions Yet! Don’t forget that the Minnesota Home Brewers Association offers the Hive Mind as an option to ask questions from experts the community.
In order to submit a question, fill out the form here. The information is then anonymously sent to the experts who will provide their answer(s) based on years of expertise and studies. The answer(s) will then be collated and sent back to you – its that easy! At the end of every newsletter we will include the anonymous questions and answers for everybody else to see in order to spread the wealth of knowledge.
MHBA Honor Roll
- Adam Bystrom runner up for Mead Maker of the Year
- Steve Fletty second runner up for Mead Maker of the Year
- Nathan Steigman received first for berry dry and 3rd for historical at Mazer Cup
- Adam Bystrom got 1st in fruit and spice dry and 2nd for cyser at Mazer Cup
- Paul S Johnson received 3rd for SHV sweet at Mazer Cup
- Josh Mahoney received third in braggot at Mazer Cup
- The club received second place in the club competition at Mazer Cup
- Kevin Meintsma won best in show for mead/cider at Hoppy Halloween
- Al Boyce won best Halloween Beer at Hoppy Halloween
- Nathan Steigman won second and third for Traditional Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won first for Spice and Specialty Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Nathan Steigman won second for Spice and Specialty Mead at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won third for Cider and Perry at Hoppy Halloween
- Kevin Meintsma won Best in Show – Mead at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won third in Bitters at Minnesota Mashout
- Soren Jensen won first in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won second in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Dave Matson won third in “Belgians – non-churchy” at Minnesota Mashout
- Scott Haraldson won first in “Fruitsen and Spicen” at Minnesota Mashout
- Erik Nelson won first in “Smoked, wooded, weizened, and specialty” at Minnesota Mashout
- Josh Mahoney won first in Mead – Traditional at Minnesota Mashout
- Adam Bystrom won first in “Mead – Pyser Cyment” at Minnesota Mashout
- Adam Bystrom won third in “Mead – CarMelo’s Mels’ at Minnesota Mashout
- Kevin Meintsma won first in “Mead – Fruit goes here” at Minnesota Mashout”
- Anthony Davis won third in “Mead – Fruit goes here” at Minnesota Mashout”
- Al Boyce won third in “Mead – Fruit does not go here” at Minnesota Mashout
- Josh Mahoney won first in “Mead – Wilford’s bain” at Minnesota Mashout
- Nathan Steigman won second in “Mead – Wildford’s bain” at Minnesota Mashout
- Nathan Steigman won third in historic and alternative ferment beer at Music City Brew Off
Hearing Voices
The following is a curated list of what we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about in the world of beer, mead, and cider this week:
- AC Em Sauter at Pints and Panels talked about winter seasonal beer
- Chip Walton of Chop and Brew was on the BeerSmith podcast on the episode that released on Christmas Eve.
- Paige Latham Didora was on a panel for the North American Guild of Beer Writers discussing how the revelation of more than a thousand accounts of sexual harassment and assault, toxic workplaces and discrimination is affecting the beer industry – listen in here
- Good Beer Hunting writes about how a method that had fallen to the wayside for modern generations of brewers, decoction brewing, is finding new interest and popularity
- Louis Livingston-Garcia of Beer Dabbler talks with Beer Kulture, a non-profit focused on diversity and inclusion in the craft beverage industry, and the impact they are making