FLOPS Meeting Minutes – August 20th, 2015
Opening Toast – Dave Gillespe
Champagne cost too much. Whiskey’s too rough. Vodka puts big mouths in gear. This little refrain should help to explain why it’s better to order a beer.
Secondary Fermenter, Katherine McGraw presiding.
Officer Reports
Primary – Ash Goodwin
Not present.
Secretary – Chris Abel
July’s meeting minutes are now up on flopsclub.com. July’s minutes are approved.
Secondary – Katherine McGraw
Treasurer – Shaun Servoss
Not present.
Hop Scheduler – Brad Schmidt
Not in attendance.
Information on BJCP sanctioned homebrew competitions can be found on the AHA website at, http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/aha-events/calendar/
Local competitions
Brewtober Chilifest featuring both chili and homebrew is coming up on October 17, 2015, starting at 5 p.m. ending at 9:30 p.m.
Little Rocktoberfest is coming up on Saturday, September 19th at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Central Arkansas Fermenters. We have 3 beers and are looking for 3 additional homebrewed beers to represent FLOPS. The club is constructing a jockey box for future participation in competitions, festivals and conferences thanks to the efforts of Jason Wright and Keith Lynn.
Brew Master – Tim Keltner
Nothing new to report. Still looking to get a brew kettle. The equipment list for individuals wishing to borrow equipment to aid in the transition from extract to all grain has been updated on www.flopsclub.com. I am looking for someone to replace me in the upcoming election so if you are interested put your hat in the ring at the September meeting.
Ambassador at Large – Keith Besonen
Keith recently visited the newly, as of July 25, 2015, opened Black Apple Crossing cidery. Black Apple Crossing claims to be Arkansas’ first cidery. Keith reports that they had 4 ciders on tap and may brew beer in the future.
On a recent trip to Minneapolis, MN Keith visited the new Surly Brewing location, a grand modernist beer hall, on a Saturday night and was quite impressed with the venue and the beers. He brought samples of Surly’s Overrated IPA.
Keith also toasted our founder Dr. John Griffiths, a Cambridge educated geologist, who left us 10 years ago. Cheers, Dr. John.
Education – Kat McGraw
See BJCP item below.
BJCP Style Guide – Spice, Herb and Vegetable Beers. Style #21
A wide open category that might be hard to compete in as you never know what you will be up against. It was recommended that if you utilize adjuncts with oils that you use a pre dried form to avoid getting oil in your beer. A sample of Urban Chestnut’s Winged Nut Ale, a beer brewed with chestnuts was provided. Thank you for the sample, Kat.
Old Business
Homebrews needed. Reminder that Brewtober Chilifest featuring both chili and homebrew is coming up on October 17, 2015, starting at 5 p.m. ending at 9:30 p.m. Soliciting brews with free admission for 2 and chili samples as well as a chance to take the Brewtoberfest brewers crown. Please talk to Tom Maddock if interested.
Little Rocktoberfest brewers need to commit. Jason Wright reports that the construction of a traveling FLOPS club beer tap tower/jockey box is underway. Jason is looking for a small focused group of individuals willing to put in the time to bring this project to fruition. FLOPS is also looking for club members willing to donate a beer for Little Rocktoberfest. We believe we have a Pliney the Elder clone, a porter and a Flemish Red and are looking for up to three more beers. A Corny, eighth, sixth or slim quarter would be preferred. Please let Ash or Jason know if you intend to brew for FLOPS.
Club Social. The club met for the Long Promised Party out at Cathy and Jack McAuliffe’s place in Lincoln. Beer served ranged from homebrew, an attempt to reproduce a solstice party tradition beer known as Old Toe Sucker (barleywine), produced by Jack McAuliffe, James Spencer and Andy Sparks, as well as commercial beers by Bentonville Brewing and Russian River. Thank you Jack, Cathy and all who contributed to make it a great day. Several individuals suggested that we should make the party an annual club event, possibly not in the heart of the summer heat, that we could grow into a regionally if not nationally recognized event.
Brewer of the Year. Keith Lynn reports that Matt Milliren is the clear leader. Points will continue to be accumulated through December 31. Please let Keith know if you have done anything point worthy such as enter an AHA sanctioned homebrew competition, signing in during a meeting
Brewery Reports
Apple Blossom Brewing Co – Marcus reports that they are holding a brewing competition open to anyone in the state to be judged on the 12th of September. Please consult the brewery’s website for details regarding entry guidelines.
Bentonville Brewing –
Bike Rack Brewing –
Black Apple Crossing – The grand opening was July 25th.
Columbus House Brewery –
Core Brewing – Opening a new tasting room in Fayetteville near the Phat Tire in the mall area.
Fossil Cove –
Foster’s Pint & Plate –
Ozark Beer Company – The good folks at Ozark are releasing a Berliner Weiss with three syrups in the next month.
Saddlebock – Dave Gillespie reports that he is working out at Saddlebock and that the new brewer has helped improve consistency and quality.
West Mountain –
Opening Soon?
JJ’s is in the planning stages, location to be determined.
New Province – http://www.newprovincebrewing.com/ opening Fall 2015.
War Eagle Brewing?
New Business
Andy Sparks reports that his homebrew store, The Home Brewery of Fayetteville, is going to mark it’s 20th anniversary with a celebration at the store to be followed by a party at Fossil Cove. Music, food, demos and of course homebrew will be available at the store during its regular hours, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. If you show up at the store you will be given a ticket for the after party at Fossil Cove.
Officer elections will be held in September. At least a couple of officers are looking to step down. If you are interested in holding an officer of the club please be prepared to announce your intentions at the August meeting. Notable upcoming officer vacancies: Primary Fermenter and Brew Master. Any position is up for grabs as it is an election.
Club Social – The next club social will be held on August 12th at 3 p.m. at Black Apple Crossing Cidery in Springdale.
Dave Gillespie – Has a bumper crop of Cascade hops. Anyone interested in a bag or two of hops please contact Dave. He has more at home if you are willing to pick them.
Home Brewer Reports
None this month.
Awards
Brewer of the Month – Alan Gann for his Strawberry Wheat.
Ass of the Month – Ash Goodwin
August’s Beer Board
Matt Milliren Belgian Pale Ale
Todd Gill Rose Petal Porter and a Belgian Style Brown
Alan Gann Strawberry Wheat
Ron Schmidt 13A 90 Minute IPA & 13B Brown Porter
John Alexander Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Clone
Roger Wesselink Kolsch
Robert Bacon Dry Mead
Randy & Amy Germann Doppelbock & a London Pub Ale
