Volume 8 Issue 6
By Mark Mykkanen

As the year begins to spin into warmer weather, we find our monthly gatherings becoming smaller. The month of May brought 8 of us together sharing primarily commercial brews followed by selections of wine.

I started the evening out with a sampling of Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale produced out of Chico, California. A well respected hoppy red at 5.6% abv.

Next Jim K. shared Canada's Sleeman Honey Brown Lager (http://www.sleeman.com). This sweet but smooth brew topped 5.2% abv, "except where prohibited by law."

Mike F. moved us on to Gluek's Honey Bock. From the Gluek Brewing Co., Cold Spring, MN. Anyone know where that is? This brew was described as dark and sweet with that familiar bock flavor.

Mike didn't stop there, to our surprise he passed around a vintage of Pete's Wicked Winter Brew (http://www.peteswicked.com). An amber ale with nutmeg and raspberry flavor.

Richard announced that "The End of the World" was near as he popped the top of a unique (and now unavailable) La Fin Du Monde. With it's triple fermentation this Belgian-like beer had a sophisticated sharp taste. Warmed to 9% abv, this clearance item is no longer in stock/made. Perhaps it can be purchased directly from Chambly, Canada (http://www.unibroue.com/products/fin.cfm).

Owen once again shared his Apple Wine, this time with a 90 day supply of sugar (~3 tbsp) to sweeten it a bit. Very nice Owen! Pssst...somebody pass the sugar packets. :)

Lastly, Tim shared a Vintner's Reserve Bordeux. Aromatic, created with Canadian grapes, this batch contains no sulfates! This red's journey began in November 2000 and was bottled in July 2002. This wine also won a gold medal, judged by Dennis of Semplex, at the Anoka County Fair.

After the tasting, we discussed plans for the coming months. It was discovered that we have a slight surplus of funds that could be used soon. Several ideas were mentioned, including:

• Brewery Tours
• Recruitment mailings (~$20)
• Brew & BBQ day
• Round of hor'dourves at a meeting

Our recently acquired member, Terry Lehn won the door prize. A graduated cylinder donated by Owen.

Don't forget that BYO magazine is available at the Anoka County Library, complements of Rum River Wort Hogs!