Volume 8 Issue 5
By Mark Mykkanen

As the recently elected President of our club, I would like to thank all the members for lending their time, effort, money, etc., to form the enjoyable monthly gathering it is today. I look forward to bringing a new perspective with new ideas and planning for the coming year. Please do not hesitate to offer any suggestions that you have, I would like to hear from everyone how we can continue to make our club more enjoyable and fun.

It was a lively crowd of thirteen that attended our April meeting. Selections of homebrew dominated the evening, followed by three commercially produced brands and two sweet wine/aperitifs.

Our first brew of the evening was a Cooper's Pale Ale kit brought in by a new visitor, Brian Schachtele. His 2nd batch, it was described among us as clean and refreshing. Well liked. Hope to see you at the next meeting Brian!

Mike Frantz shared Extra Gold Lager (slow-brewed) from the Coors Brewing Company - Golden, CO. Although it seemed crisp and clean, I felt it was rather weak. I'm not sure what everyone else thought. Good lawn mowing beer nonetheless.

Tim brought in Summit's Grand. A bohemian Style Pilsner with a crisp bitter taste. Developed by Brewmaster Horace Cunningham. More info about this beer can be found at http://www.summitbrewing.com/grand.html. Speaking of Summit, perhaps we could organize a tour of the brewery this summer. Any takers?

Next was my opportunity to share my latest creation of Honey Amber. It seemed pleasing to most everyone. Words such as strong, warm, and honey-scented were used to describe this batch made from 3# Plain Light DME, 3# Plain Amber DME, 1 can amber extract, 2# Clover Honey, 1oz Kent Goldings, 1oz Fuggles, 1oz Cascades, and a packet of Windsor dry yeast.

Wade shared another sampling of his "PorterFest". Half Porter, half Oktoberfest, this beer was dark, bold, and likeable.

Our recently elected Treasurer, Peter, not present this meeting, offered a sampling of his Novice Dark in his stead. Dark in color, this caramel noted brew was well received. Owen expressed that it has a long finish.

Paul, following the progression of dark beers, shared a Stout composed of Mutton's Irish Stout, Mutton's Black and was primed with a nice flavor of molasses. Everyone commented highly about the molasses flavor. Very interesting indeed!

Owen shared a delicate Apple Wine from a 2-gallon batch. Was a tad under sweetened albeit everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Richard presented one of the most appreciated beverages of the evening. A fruity Raspberry mead. Approximately 4 months old, made from 1 can raspberry concentrate, 12 lbs. of Costco honey, and a sweet mead yeast. Way to go Richard!

Lastly, John Carter shared Delirium Nocturnum, well known by some, this Belgian Ale from the Huyghe Family Brewery tasted bitter and sharp with a familiar Belgian taste.

The door prize, drawn by our guest Brian, selected Paul as the winner of a nice brandy snifter.