Posts

Holiday Party Rescheduling and January Final Friday

January 10, 2022

Reminder: Final Friday Social January 28th

We are back for 2022! Join the MN Home Brewers Association for a night of fun.
Grab your favorite stouts from some local craft breweries to socialize and talk about the stouts you are drinking. If you have got a few that you are excited about, share them!
https://fb.me/e/18tTkzRfZ
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85865727589?pwd=RkJzQlhmZkY2Y29rcHh2VnNacnkvdz09 Meeting ID: 858 6572 7589 Passcode: 578059

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

The MHBA has been at the forefront of beer education for over ten years with one of the most effective BJCP prep courses available. This year, five students took the BJCP Beer Exam Prep Class and ten sat for the exam at Summit Brewing Company on December 11. Because the class was virtual this iteration, students participated from Mankato, Milwaukee, and even Cincinnati!
You can learn more about the course here. If you want to sign up to be contacted about future offerings of this class, please let the MHBA Education Committee know here! As at least some future versions may be virtual, you don’t need to live in the Twin Cities area to participate!

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
Read More

MHBA Holiday Party Postponed

January 4, 2022

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 More

Happy Holidays from MHBA

December 28, 2021
It has been a long and busy year for MHBA. From Final Friday Social Virtual calls every month getting to learn from professional brewers, visiting Schells and Starkeller, and members winning MANY awards. We hope that you have been able to enjoy the holidays and the year with those you love – whether that is a good friend or family.

MHBA 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

The MHBA has been at the forefront of beer education for over ten years with one of the most effective BJCP prep courses available. This year, five students took the BJCP Beer Exam Prep Class and ten sat for the exam at Summit Brewing Company on December 11. Because the class was virtual this iteration, students participated from Mankato, Milwaukee, and even Cincinnati!
You can learn more about the course here. If you want to sign up to be contacted about future offerings of this class, please let the MHBA Education Committee know here! As at least some future versions may be virtual, you don’t need to live in the Twin Cities area to participate!

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
Read More

MHBA Holiday Party in One Month!

December 7, 2021

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.
Facebook Link: https://fb.me/e/2mYBFUity
Read More

Who is Ready for some Holiday Spirit (and Holiday Party details)

November 22, 2021

MHBA Holiday Party Scheduled for January 8th at Forgotten Star Brewing

Hold the date for the annual holiday party! Event details will be posted on Facebook as well: https://fb.me/e/2mYBFUity.

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!

Beer Casting Call

Do you have homebrew, especially REALLY BAD homebrew, you’re willing to share? There is a BJCP tasting exam on December 11 and we need beer for the exam. The BJCP strongly recommends using homebrew whenever possible, and this is a great way to get rid of that beer you’re about to dump because it turned out so bad! The following requirements apply:
  • It must credibly be a BJCP classic style 1 through 26 (no fruit or spices unless intrinsic to the style)
  • I need ~64 oz of the same kind of beer … 60 oz minimum = (12 examinees + 3 proctors) x 4 oz/person
  • Good, average, and really bad beers are welcome!
  • I’ll need to know what style it is, what you expect it to score (13-50), how old it is, and if it has any notable flaws (e.g. buttery or phenolic)
  • If you have a beer you’d like to share, please email Nick at [email protected]. If your beer is used for the exam, I’ll buy you a local crowler!
Click https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88149406336… to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

 

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

  • Nathan Steigman won Best Of Show and a 1st place medal in the Specialty Mead category at the FOAM Cup in Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • 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:

  • 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
Read More

The Snow won’t hold back the Medals and Events!

November 14, 2021
Reminder: Final Friday Social November 19, 2021

Free for all! Have a question about making beer, want to share some thoughts that have been bothering you, or just want to have some fun with fellow homebrewers? Come join and socialize with other homebrewers of the club!

Beer Casting Call
Do you have homebrew, especially REALLY BAD homebrew, you’re willing to share? There is a BJCP tasting exam on December 11 and we need beer for the exam. The BJCP strongly recommends using homebrew whenever possible, and this is a great way to get rid of that beer you’re about to dump because it turned out so bad! The following requirements apply:
  • It must credibly be a BJCP classic style 1 through 26 (no fruit or spices unless intrinsic to the style)
  • I need ~64 oz of the same kind of beer … 60 oz minimum = (12 examinees + 3 proctors) x 4 oz/person
  • Good, average, and really bad beers are welcome!
  • I’ll need to know what style it is, what you expect it to score (13-50), how old it is, and if it has any notable flaws (e.g. buttery or phenolic)
  • If you have a beer you’d like to share, please email Nick at [email protected]. If your beer is used for the exam, I’ll buy you a local crowler!
Click https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88149406336… to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.
MHBA Final Friday Social with Boom Island Brewing Recap
Thank you Jesse and Boom Island Brewing Company for joining the Final Friday Social and discussing some amazing brews (which was your favorite?) and sharing some Belgian brewing (and more) knowledge with those that attended.
MHBA Club Cider Buy Recap

It was great seeing everybody yesterday for the Learn to Brew / Cider Buy! Lots of new and old faces, along with some fantastic cider, egg bake, and of course home brew. Thank you Barley Johns for hosting and of course Pine Tree Orchards for some lovely cider. What are you doing with your share?

MHBA Back Channel Brewing Trip Recap
Thanks Back Channel Brewing for hosting the MN Homebrewers Association for a great time. A lot of stories and knowledge shared with the homebrewers, in addition to having some fantastic beers! If you weren’t able to make it out with the club, take a trip and visit Josh, Marc, and the amazing crew at the brewery. And look forward to more details being released about the Holiday Party in January!
MHBA Holiday Party Scheduled for January 8th at Forgotten Star Brewing

More details to be added later, but hold the date for the annual holiday party! Event details will be posted on Facebook as well: https://fb.me/e/2mYBFUity.

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

  • 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:

  • 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
Read More

Reminder: MHBA Learn To Brew / Club Cider Buy Nov 6!

October 30, 2021
Don’t forget about the MHBA Learn to Brew / Club Cider Buy  on November 6th
Join the Minnesota Home Brewers Association for our annual cider distribution and homebrew demonstrations at Barley John’s Brewpub. All MHBA club members are encouraged to BRING A FRIEND who might want to Learn to Brew to this event. This is a FREE event, open to anyone who is interested.
Of course, a big part of your yearly event is the purchase and distribution of fresh pressed cider from Pine Tree Orchards that you can use for your hard ciders, cysers and fruit beers. All MHBA members in good standing are able to purchase cider here: https://mnbrewers.com/cider-payment/
Barley John’s will be making their annual “Cider-Buy Eggbake”. It’s so delicious, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a couple of pieces and wash it down with a pint of Barley John’s beer and support our wonderful hosts!
Read More

Successful Schells Trip and Upcoming Final Friday, Cider Buy, Brewery Trips!

October 24, 2021
Reminder: MHBA Final Friday Social with Boom Island Brewing on October 29th
Dreaming of touring countryside of Belgium? Well take a small sip of the experience and join us this Friday as Jesse from Boom Island Brewing Company joins us for our Final Friday Social!
And don’t forget to pick up the three beers he will walk us through:
– Witness, Witbier: With its light, hazy blond col­or and fluffy white head, this is a clas­sic Bel­gian-style Wit­bier. Slight tart­ness opens into a refresh­ing smooth­ness, with faint flo­ral notes that linger on the back.
– Hoodoo, Dubbel: Rich and com­plex malt fla­vors com­bine with low hop bit­ter­ness to make this a clas­sic Bel­gian-style Dubbel. Extra points if you detect a hint of banana and clove fla­vors hid­den in its seduc­tive aroma.
– Bell Rock, West Coast IPA: Burst­ing with dank hop aro­mas of grape­fruit, cit­rus and pine. Well-bal­anced and exceed­ing­ly drink­able, this IPA is tai­lor-made for any adventure.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88573684305…
Meeting ID: 885 7368 4305
Passcode: 502702
MHBA Club Cider Buy on November 6th
Join the Minnesota Home Brewers Association for our annual cider distribution and homebrew demonstrations at Barley John’s Brewpub. All MHBA club members are encouraged to BRING A FRIEND who might want to Learn to Brew to this event. This is a FREE event, open to anyone who is interested.
Of course, a big part of your yearly event is the purchase and distribution of fresh pressed cider from Pine Tree Orchards that you can use for your hard ciders, cysers and fruit beers. All MHBA members in good standing are able to purchase cider here: https://mnbrewers.com/cider-payment/
Barley John’s will be making their annual “Cider-Buy Eggbake”. It’s so delicious, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a couple of pieces and wash it down with a pint of Barley John’s beer and support our wonderful hosts!
More information will follow as we get a few things ironed out.
MHBA Back Channel Brewing Trip on November 13th at Noon
Back Channel Brewing will be hosting the MN Home Brewers Association to share their facilities, brews, and good times!
https://fb.me/e/15o05G99V
MHBA Holiday Party Scheduled for January 8th at Forgotten Star Brewing

More details to be added later, but hold the date for the annual holiday party! Event details will be posted on Facebook as well: https://fb.me/e/2mYBFUity.

Successful MHBA Schell’s Brewery Visit
Schell’s and Starkeller graciously hosted MHBA this weekend for a fun day of history and tasting. The club was walked through the history of how the brewery came to be and given a technical tour of the brewhouse, their operations, and given time to ask any quesiton we would like (can you guess what is their favorite beer to brew?). We were then given a tasting of some of their beers along with some time in the new bier halle. Afterwards, the club went over to Starkeller for a tasting of their sours with a lovely appetizer board (cheese, pretzels, and cheese dip – what more can you ask for!), with time to ask questions from how did they get the fermenters in to what type of wood is used.
Thank you to Schells, Starkellers, and all of the individuals who made the day personalized and special for MHBA. I know that I can’t personally wait to bring the family for a return trip!
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

 

  • Nathan Steigman won 1st: dry traditional, 1st: sweet traditional, 2nd: historical, and 3rd: historical at Michigan Mead Cup
  • Adam Bystrom won 2nd: semi-sweet traditional and 2nd: cyser at Michigan Mead Cup
  • Matthew Weide won 2nd: fruit and spice at Michigan Mead Cup
  • Josh Mahoney won 3rd: cyser and 3rd: melomel at Michigan Mead Cup
  • Nathan Steigman for being second overall in heavy medal rankings and single-handedly putting MHBA in third place in the club competition at Orpheus MeadFest. He won the following medals: 1st-historical, 2nd-trad sweet, 2nd-fruit and spice, 2nd-historical, 3rd-historical
  • Adam Bystrom earned SIX medals at Valkyries Horn (2nd-semisweet trad, 2nd-cyser, 2nd-pyment, 3rd-SHV, 2nd-braggot, 2nd-historical, HM-fruit and spice)
  • Nathan Steigman won three medals at Valkyries Horn (1st&3rd-historical, 3rd-braggot).
  • Paul Johnson won one medal at Valkyries Horn (1st-cyser).
  • Josh Landy won one medal at Valkyries Horn (2nd-healthy hydromels).
  • Anthony Davis won one medal at Valkyries Horn (3rd-fruit and spice).

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:

  • 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
Read More

Reminder: Schells Trip This Weekend

October 18, 2021

Hello everyone!

As a reminder we have the Schells trip this upcoming weekend on October 23rd! They are kindly hosting the MHBA for a visit to the main facility and a tasting from the brewery, with potentially some extra time afterwards at the Bier Hall to enjoy a drink. Then, we will be heading over to Starkeller to appreciate their sour program.

We are meeting at the brewery in the Bier Hall at 11am. Please try to be punctual as it is a busy weekend for them with it being MEA weekend. When you arrive, look for the club and be ready for a fun time with Schells!

If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out over the FB event or via email to [email protected].

Read More

MHBA Members Racking up Awards

October 7, 2021
Reminder! MHBA Schell’s Brewery Visit on October 23rd
Schell’s is hosting the MHBA for a visit, tour, and tasting!
We will start off at 11am meeting at the brewery in the Bier Hall for a guided tour of the Schell’s facility and a tasting done with someone (TBD) from the brewery who can answer any questions we have. Afterwards, we can stay for a drink at the Bier Hall.
Once done with the tour, tasting, and any extra pints at the Bier Hall we will head over to Starkeller for some beers and snacks!
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by emailing [email protected] so that we can let the brewery know an estimated number of attendees.
https://fb.me/e/1TEOiBSpf
MHBA Final Friday Social with Boom Island Brewing on October 29th
More details coming soon!
https://fb.me/e/1OxHBiu4v
MHBA Club Cider Buy on November 6th
oin the Minnesota Home Brewers Association for our annual cider distribution and homebrew demonstrations at Barley John’s Brewpub. All MHBA club members are encouraged to BRING A FRIEND who might want to Learn to Brew to this event. This is a FREE event, open to anyone who is interested.
Of course, a big part of your yearly event is the purchase and distribution of fresh pressed cider from Pine Tree Orchards that you can use for your hard ciders, cysers and fruit beers. All MHBA members in good standing are able to purchase cider here: https://mnbrewers.com/cider-payment/
Barley John’s will be making their annual “Cider-Buy Eggbake”. It’s so delicious, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a couple of pieces and wash it down with a pint of Barley John’s beer and support our wonderful hosts!
More information will follow as we get a few things ironed out.
MHBA Back Channel Brewing Trip on November 13th at Noon
Back Channel Brewing will be hosting the MN Home Brewers Association to share their facilities, brews, and good times!
https://fb.me/e/15o05G99V
MHBA Holiday Party Scheduled for January 8th at Forgotten Star Brewing

More details to be added later, but hold the date for the annual holiday party! Event details will be posted on Facebook as well: https://fb.me/e/2mYBFUity.

Nordeast Brewers Alliance Homebrew Competition 2021

The Nordeast Brewers Alliance homebrew club is hosting our BJCP-sanctioned homebrew competition again with entries due in November and remote judging the first weeks of December. We look forward to your participation!

With so many variables, we are focusing on a completely remote competition again to keep the planning simple and set proper expectations. Entries require three bottles (two for the judging pair; one for Best-of-Show). After the bottle sort in early December, judging kits will be set up for pick-up in the Minneapolis area.

Registration site: https://nbabrewcomp.com

A few key dates:

  • Account and judge registration is open today through November 30

  • Entry registration is open November 1 through November 30

  • Bottle sort will happen around December 1-4; judges will be contacted with flight and judging partner information

  • Judge pick-up will happen around December 3-5 in the Minneapolis area; if you want to judge remotely or that weekend does not work, please let us know and we can make accommodations

  • Judging will be complete by Friday, December 17 with Best-of-Show judging around December 17-19. Winners will be announced after the BOS judging and awards will be shipped the following days.

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

  • Nathan Steigman for being second overall in heavy medal rankings and single-handedly putting MHBA in third place in the club competition at Orpheus MeadFest. He won the following medals: 1st-historical, 2nd-trad sweet, 2nd-fruit and spice, 2nd-historical, 3rd-historical
  • Adam Bystrom earned SIX medals at Valkyries Horn (2nd-semisweet trad, 2nd-cyser, 2nd-pyment, 3rd-SHV, 2nd-braggot, 2nd-historical, HM-fruit and spice)
  • Nathan Steigman won three medals at Valkyries Horn (1st&3rd-historical, 3rd-braggot).
  • Paul Johnson won one medal at Valkyries Horn (1st-cyser).
  • Josh Landy won one medal at Valkyries Horn (2nd-healthy hydromels).
  • Anthony Davis won one medal at Valkyries Horn (3rd-fruit and spice).

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:

  • 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
Read More