Messages

1

The Pub / Re: 2011 NHC hotel rooms

« on: February 18, 2011, 04:46:39 PM »

Hey Eddie,
I emailed you with a suggestion.  Let me know if you have questions.
Gail

2

Beer Travel / Re: HELP!!! North side of Detroit and the World Cup!

« on: June 24, 2010, 08:04:32 PM »

I don't know of any that open that early, 11am is the earliest.  Not so sure about beer bars.  Most of the places that are open in the AM are those of the "fizzy yellow water" variety.  Closest brewpub to Farm Hills is Copper Canyon in Southfield (11 mile/696 and Telgraph) but I'm certain they don't open until 11 at the earliest.

3

Events / Re: Pics from NHC 2010

« on: June 21, 2010, 10:48:54 AM »

Thanks Luke, Jeff and Susan!

4

Events / Re: Pics from NHC 2010

« on: June 21, 2010, 06:50:50 AM »

Did anyone get pics of the bride and groom who joined our party in the Hospitality Suite after the banquet?  The reception they got from our group was a real example of the generous, friendly spirit of the conference.
Plus, they really seemed to enjoy the homebrew (two more converts...).

5

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Location for Brewery's in Grand Rapids MI?

« on: June 03, 2010, 01:17:54 PM »

From Fruitport, New Holland Brewing (especially if it's Hatter Days!) and Saugatuck Brewing might be closer than Grand Rapids (both are in or very near beautiful towns and Saugatuck also provides an AHA discount I believe).  Check out the Michigan Beer Guide (michiganbeerguide.com) for other possible breweries and brewpubs close by Fruitport.  Enjoy your trip to a wonderful part of the state.
Gail

6

The Pub / Re: AHA Conference

« on: June 02, 2010, 03:21:49 PM »

See you there, Susan...and glad to have you join in here!
Gail

7

Homebrew Clubs / Re: Any Michigan Homebrew Clubs?

« on: May 23, 2010, 07:07:01 AM »

I hear they make some good cider on the west side of the state.

http://www.primetimebrewers.com/

Ahhh, master of understatement.

I know it's a bit north of you, Dean, but Joe Short was facilitating the start up a homebrew club at Short's in Bellaire.  And if you still haven't gotten there, it's worth the trip.
The folks at Cass River meet in Frankenmuth (again, a little hike for you) and they're a great group:  mike01_rogers@yahoo.com

8

The Pub / Re: Spring is here and the Stanley Cup playoffs have started...

« on: May 10, 2010, 03:06:18 PM »

Brew-witch:  yep, you're right (sadly...).  We love our Wings here in Hockeytown.  Good luck to your team as they go forward.

9

The Pub / Re: Spring is here and the Stanley Cup playoffs have started...

« on: May 06, 2010, 04:36:14 PM »

One word for the Wings tonight...PLEEEEAAAASE...

10

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: What's Brewing This Weekend - 5/7 Edition

« on: May 06, 2010, 02:04:26 PM »

Anything going on there gents?

This non-gent is doing a lambic before the basement gets too warm for the initial fermentation.

11

Equipment and Software / Re: Really Basic Kettle ? from a newbie

« on: May 04, 2010, 04:10:20 PM »

Thanks for the input!  So the economy stainless pots are ok?  They never seem to get good reviews online, but all the brew stores seem to sell them.

Only problem I had with my 1st (economy) pot was scorching of the malt extract; since the bottom metal was so thin on mine, the heat was quite concentrated and burned the extract before I could even stir it (and it was off the heat).  I upgraded to an aluminum-sandwich bottomed pot and never had that problem again.  I still use that thick-bottom pot now, 9 + years later, when doing certain aspects of all grain brewing.
Good luck on your pending first batch!

12

The Pub / Re: Cival War Reenactment Photos.

« on: May 03, 2010, 04:53:27 PM »

 
One question:  who decides which "soldier" plays dead?

That's gotta hurt in a reenactment...

13

The Pub / Re: Cival War Reenactment Photos.

« on: May 03, 2010, 05:45:25 AM »

Great pictures, Cap.  
One question:  who decides which "soldier" plays dead?

14

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Must be some outstanding NHC beer entries out there.

« on: May 03, 2010, 05:42:03 AM »

OK one final question:

Why wouldn't score sheets be completed for the mini BOS and included in the packet that is mailed back to the entrant?  These would be higher ranked judges I presume who would provide even better feedback in a perfect world that is.......

Because there aren't score sheets done in mini-BOS or BOS rounds.  The only task is to choose 1st, 2nd, 3rd place of the best beers sent by the flight judges.
Best way to understand the process is to steward or even to judge (better yet, take the BJCP exam).  Comps generally need all the volunteers they can get.

15

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Town water contaminated just before bottling day

« on: May 02, 2010, 07:16:52 AM »

If you only started fermenting on Tuesday, you're only about 6 days into fermentation; I wouldn't bottle that early.  You'll find no problems waiting the week or so until you can use your water again and your beer will likely be better for it (yeast will have a chance to more fully break down byproducts of fermentation such as diacetyl--buttery aroma and flavor--and acetaldehyde--green apple--making a cleaner finished beer).  Everything I buy from my LHBS gets a good washing and then a good sanitizing on its first use since everything is coated with a fine layer of dust from the grain mill.  My new purchases are dirtier than equipment that is well used, including bottles.
Good luck on your first batch.  The wait will be worth it.