I wrote most of my view in last months newsletter so I am not going to write a long one this time. For those of you who missed the AGM, all of my proposed motions were passed. We now have a program for each member to send a six pack to major out of province homebrew competitions. We have a BJCP exam in place, subsidized by the Guild, and have 8 members and 1 guest from Calgary signed up to take the course. We have a styles night tasting session and a group brew plan in place. All said and done - we are moving. We even have an executive, well we almost have an executive. We are lacking a competition chair. Given that we are running the largest and most important homebrew competition in Canada it is stunning that no one has stepped forward for the honour of running this event. This position gains you mega points towards advancing in the BJCP program and it is almost beyond belief that someone will not take the opportunity to grab this chance and get about 3 years worth of experience points in one go. Previous competition chairs have all volunteered to help anyone coming forward. If you are a BJCP judge or in our BJCP training program, we ask you to seriously consider taking on this position.

Meetings to Start at 7:30 SHARP!!

Given the amount of tastings and business planned by the new executive, it was announced at the September meeting that doors would open at 7:00 PM and the meeting would start promptly at 7:30 PM. We will organize the glasses and pour the beers for judging at 7:30 to 7:45 so if you want to participate you must be at Alley Kat by 7:30 or you will most likely not be served. Judges should be especially diligent as we need your participation to make these events a success. If you are entering beers they must be at the brewery and recorded by Neil by 7:30.

We hope the more disciplined approach to the meetings will match those we had in the past and create an atmosphere conducive to both learning and fun for all members.

Cane Exchange

In the last few months a few of our more experienced brewers noted that a number of members where bringing in beers that had a distinct if yet subtle lactic infection. This is almost certainly due to brewers not dilligently replacing their racking canes on an annual
basis. To combat this problem we have made arrangements for a cane exchange for current EHG members with two of our prominent sponsors. Both South Side Brew Crew and Harvest Brewing Company have agreed to give EHG members a brand new racking cane in exchange for your old cane and a purchase $10.00 worth of brewing product (that's about the cost of a bag of DME). I highly recommend that all members participate in this generous offer and toss your old canes.

BJCP Course

It is not too late to sign up for the BJCP training course. The cost is $50.00. We will be taking on participants until at least the October meeting, catching up after that point will prove to be progressively more difficult. In the first meeting we covered American Pale Ales and Amber and Dark Euopean Lager, with a discussion on the basics of judging beer and on mashing techniques. On Saturday October we will hold session number two. We will be tasting Stouts Porters and Bocks as well as tasting astringent vs bitter, sweet vs worty and oxidized beers. The discussion will cover topics related to profiling beers, why we boil wort and on the major malt varieties. Contact Roxy Hastings to register for this course.

Donations needed of Stout, Porter and Bocks for the October BJCP tastings. A single bottle would be greatly appreciated. Score sheets evaluating your beer will be returned to you. Bring donations to the October meeting and give to either Neil or Roxy.

October Tastings

Fruit Beers and other specialty beers

The Fruit Beer style is sponsored by the AHA and so the best Fruit Beer (BJCP Class 21) will be sent on to compete in the AHA Club only competition. Bring 3-4 bottles for the tastings and 3 more bottles in case your beer wins. Note - Lambics are not included in this class. Keg entries are fine as long as you can provide counter-pressure filled bottles or bottle primed equivalents. Be prepared to discuss your beer with the members. Winning recipe to appear in next months Worthouse News.

Group Brews

Brewers needed for:
Stout/Porter - November
English Bitter/Pale Ale - December - AHA sponsored event
Belgian Ale - January