Topics

1

Homebrew Competitions / NHC regional experiences

« on: April 07, 2013, 10:18:38 am »

There have been a lot of changes, new locations, and more interest than ever before.
So, I'm interested in hearing how they are going!

I can report that the Kansas City Bier Meisters did a great, great job of organizing a successful judging weekend in KC.  I know they are exhausted now but I hope they consider hosting a regional in another year or two.  Some solid and some excellent beers from around the country, and judging done by around 5pm yesterday.  Sufficient lighting and not overcrowded.  The food was great and plentiful, thanks.  Quite a few judges made really long drives to help out.  Janis even flew out to help!  Yeah I did some b****ing about a few long flights, but that is practically my calling card.   

Looks like Category 16 is the most popular these days.  People love their Belgian Specialties...

How are the others regions going?

cheers--
--Michael

2

Homebrew Competitions / NHC Competition question...

« on: December 04, 2012, 01:14:08 pm »

so I'm brewing as fast as I can for NHC 2013.  I see February 26th is shown as the day we can start registering entries.  I also know we have to pay shortly after registering.
My concern is that I may be paying for entries before they are ready, and as such before I know if they are any good. 
Therefore my question is:  After I pay, can I still edit my entries?  In other words, if I register/pay for an entry and two weeks later decide it isn't very good, can I change that entry to a category I've got on hand that *IS* good?

(I assume this was never a problem until recent years when the contest started filling up in record time...)

thanks in advance...this is the first time I'll enter; looking forward to it.
cheers--
--Michael

3

Homebrew Competitions / NHC Widow suggestions?

« on: June 07, 2012, 08:37:41 am »

I can't be the only one whose wife is coming to Seattle but not attending the conference...looks like I'll skip the seminars on Friday but while I'm judging on Thursday and going to seminars on Saturday I'm hoping she can find something to do.

any familiar with Bellevue and can offer suggestions, preferably within walking distance?

thanks--
--Michael

4

Equipment and Software / aroma from rubber stopper?

« on: May 08, 2011, 09:02:14 am »

**No, I did not push the stopper into the carboy.**   

I bought some new stoppers a couple months ago.  I don't remember who I purchased from but they are the tan, size #10, Vintage Shop brand.  I noticed a lot of rubber aroma when I opened the package but didn't think too much of it.  However, I have detected a rubber aroma in my first 3 beers made with these stoppers.  Fermentation issues or autolysis, right?

Skeptical of the stopper being to blame, I submerged one in a tupperware container of RO water and sealed it, with another container of just water beside it.  24 hours later I can smell the stopper as soon as I open the container even though it is completely submerged, and there is a strong bitter/rubber flavor in the water.  I can still taste it 20 minutes later.

We've all read multiple posts of people who DID push their stopper into the carboy, and the responses usually say "you won't be able to detect it" or something to that effect. 
So my question is:  What is wrong with this stopper?  Just a bad batch?  Has anyone else experienced this, and if so did it go away over time or did you do anything to de-gas them?

I have now put one of the stoppers on an Erlenmeyer flask of water and I'm betting in a couple weeks I'll at least be able to smell them in the water.

I'm not using them any more either way, but any thoughts?

cheers--
--Michael