heBrewsLeader
heBrewsLeaderUpcoming Events
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The Raffle Needs Your Help
The number of prizes for the membership meeting raffle has fallen to dangerously low levels. The raffle is one of our main sources of income to pay for parties and other BJCP expenses. If you have any beer-related stuff taking up space that you no longer need or would be willing to donate as raffle prizes please bring it to the Oct meeting.
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JRHB plans to make memorial donation in the name of Ted Warren
The board voted at the September board meeting to make a club donation in the name of Ted to one of the charities endorsed by the Marines. We know that Ted would certainly approve of the choice.
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Hallofest Party Update
We are still in the process of determining the location of the annual Hallofest party. As soon as we have a date and time set we will send out a special announcement.
Beer drinkers beware: 4 percent of U.S. hops crop burns
YAKIMA, Washington (AP) -- Federal investigators were set Tuesday to begin an investigation into a fire that ruined about 4 percent of America's yield of hops, used as flavoring in the brewing of beer and ale.
The fire started shortly before noon Monday in a 40,000-square-foot (3,600-square-meter) warehouse operated by S.S. Steiner Inc., one of the four largest hop buyers in the Yakima Valley of central Washington. By mid-afternoon flames engulfed most of the building, sending up plumes of smoke and a pungent aroma.
Municipal fire crews, aided by regional firefighters, ripped away metal siding to shoot water directly onto the hops.
Based on an industry official's estimate of the quantity of hops in the warehouse, the loss could amount to $3.5 million to $4 million. The impact on brewers and beer prices was unclear early Tuesday. Company President Paul Signorotti would not comment.
The United States produces 24 percent of the world's hops, and about three-fourths of the U.S. crop comes from the Yakima Valley. Hops were a $77 million crop in Washington state in 2004. More than 40 families grow hops in the valley, which is dotted with orchards, vineyards and farms.
Fires have long been an expensive danger at hop warehouses, largely because of the potential for spontaneous combustion from heat buildup in bales of resin-loaded varieties.
"That's just a possibility that we'll look at," East Valley Deputy Chief Mike Riel told the Yakima Herald-Republic, "but it is very high on the list."
No one was in the warehouse when the fire started, Riel said.
With the fire under control Monday night, authorities told the newspaper an investigation into the cause would be led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Steiner is part of the Steiner Group of Germany, one of the largest international hop growing, trading and processing companies in the world. The Yakima branch manages Steiner's North American buying and processing, according to the company Web site.
Besides being one of the largest growers in the valley, Steiner is one of three large merchants that buy from other growers in the area. The others are John I. Haas Inc., the grower-owned cooperative Yakima Chief and Hop Union, which specializes in sales to craft brewers.
The fire destroyed or ruined about 10,000 bales, each weighing about 200 pounds (90 kilograms) and likely worth $1.75 to $2 a pound, Ann George, administrator of the Washington Hops Commission in nearby Moxee, told the Herald-Republic.
Seventeen varieties of hops are grown in the United States, including aroma varieties which are added for flavor or fragrance and the bitter alpha varieties.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.
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Alcohol use helps boost income: study
People who consume alcohol earn significantly more at their jobs than non-drinkers, according to a US study that highlighted "social capital" gained from drinking.
The study published in the Journal of Labor Research Thursday concluded that drinkers earn 10 to 14 percent more than teetotalers, and that men who drink socially bring home an additional seven percent in pay.
"Social drinking builds social capital," said Edward Stringham, an economics professor at San Jose State University and co-author of the study with fellow researcher Bethany Peters.
"Social drinkers are out networking, building relationships, and adding contacts to their BlackBerries that result in bigger paychecks."
The authors acknowledged their study, funded by the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank, contradicted research released in 2000 by the Harvard School of Public Health.
"We created our hypothesis through casual observation and examination of scholarly accounts," the authors said.
"Drinkers typically tend to be more social than abstainers."
The researchers said their empirical survey backed up the theory, and said the most likely explanation is that drinkers have a wider range of social contacts that help provide better job and business opportunities.
"Drinkers may be able to socialize more with clients and co-workers, giving drinkers an advantage in important relationships," the researchers said.
"Drinking may also provide individuals with opportunities to learn people, business, and social skills."
They also said these conclusions provide arguments against policies aimed at curbing alcohol use on university campuses and public venues.
"Not only do anti-alcohol policies reduce drinkers' fun, but they may also decrease earnings," the study said.
"One of the unintended consequences of alcohol restrictions is that they push drinking into private settings. This occurred during the Alcohol Prohibition of 1920-1933 and is happening on college campuses today. By preventing people from drinking in public, anti-alcohol policies eliminate one of the most important aspects of drinking: increased social capital."
The researchers found some differences in the economic effects of drinking among men and women. They concluded that men who drink earn 10 percent more than abstainers and women drinkers earn 14 percent more than non-drinkers.
However, unlike men, who get a seven percent income boost from drinking in bars, women who frequent bars at least once per month do not show higher earnings than women drinkers who do not visit bars.
"Perhaps women increase social capital apart from drinking in bars," the researchers said in an effort to explain the gender gap.
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AHA Club-Only Competitions
From time to time, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) sponsors competitions based on a particular style. These competitions are open only to AHA-affiliated homebrew clubs. Each club holds a competition on the particular style. The winner’s brew is sent off to be judged with the winners from other homebrew clubs around the country. Bring in five bottles – two for the local competition and three to send off if you win. Note that all competitions will use the new BJCP Guidelines – go to www.bjcp.org for complete descriptions.
When the entry dates are set, we will include the competitions in the Upcoming Events listing. Winners earn Homebrew Club of the Year points for their club.
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Anger over Church advert which puts Jesus' face on beer glass
Can you spot Jesus's face on this empty pint glass?
An advertisement featuring the face of Jesus as a 'miraculous' apparition on a beer glass has caused anger among critics who say it undermines anti-binge drinking campaigns.
The image of Jesus in the froth left on the sides of an almost empty pint glass next to the words 'Where will you find him?' will spearhead the Churches' Advertising Network (CAN) festive campaign to encourage church-going this Christmas.
The poster makes reference to the worldwide trend for finding holy images in everyday objects from the face of Jesus in a frying pan, to Christ on a fish finger, the Virgin Mary on a toasted cheese sandwich and even Mother Teresa in a cinnamon bun.
The creators of the new poster said it was aimed at provoking "thought and debate" among young people about where and how people find God. It would be accompanied by a series of radio advertisements in which young people talk about their spiritual beliefs.
But the Rev Tom Allen, a 'mission priest' who works with young people criticised the message the image was giving out: "On the day when a Government commissioned report suggests that rather focus on drugs education, schools and youth work bodies should be educating young people about drink, CAN launch this particularly obtuse poster," he said on his website.
However, CAN chairman Francis Goodwin said he hoped the poster and radio advertisements would spark a debate about God.
The campaign will use the youth forum website myspace.com to encourage discussion. He said: "The message is subtle but simple - where is God in all the boozing at Christmas?
"For many, Christmas is just drinking and partying and God is excluded, yet many young people are interested in finding deeper meaning and exploring faith.
"We hope the link to myspace will offer another venue for them to discuss their feelings and debate the issues."
The image of Jesus on a beer glass is the latest in a series of controversial images created for CAN, a group of Christians of all denominations working in the media and advertising.
Previous campaigns include a poster depicting Jesus as the revolutionary leader Che Guevara and one suggesting Mary was having a "bad hair day" when she discovered she was pregnant.
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Beer Humor
Not So Tough
A nun in full black habit is walking past a bar when a drunk stumbles out, sees her, and punches her square in the nose. Before she can scream, he lands a sloppy one-two and an uppercut. When she goes down, he starts kicking her with his scuffed business shoes. As a crowd gathers, the drunk stops, staggers back, and slurs, "You're not so tough, Batman!"
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ONE SUNNY DAY IN IRELAND
One sunny day in Ireland, two men were sitting in a pub, drinking some Guinness, when one turns to the other and says "You see that man over there? He looks just like me! I think I'm gonna go over there and talk to him."
So, he goes over to the man and taps him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir" he starts, "but I noticed you look just like me!"
The second man turns around and says "Yeah, I noticed the same thing. Where you from?"
"I'm from Dublin" came the reply.
"Me too! What street do you live on?"
"McCarthy street"
The second man replies, "Me too! What number is it?"
"162" the first man replies.
"Me too! What are your parents names?"
"Connor and Shannon"
The second man, almost dumbfounded says, "Mine too! This is unbelievable!"
So, they buy some more Guinness and they're talking some more when the bartenders change shifts. The new bartender comes in and goes up to the other bartender and asks "What's new today?"
"Oh nothing much, the Murphy twins are drunk again though."
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A guy walks into a bar, sits down next to another guy and immediately notices the guy has a very large Bic cigarette lighter. The first guy says "Wow, cool lighter... where did you get it?"
The guy replies "A genie from a bottle granted me one wish."
"Great, can I try it?"
"Sure." The first guy rubs the bottle and the genie appears.
"You are granted one wish" says the genie.
The guy says, "I want a million bucks!"
"Done" says the genie and disappears. A few minutes go by and suddenly the bar door swings open and pouring in come ducks. Thousands and thousands of ducks falling all over each other through the bar door.
"I can't believe this," says the guy who had just placed his wish, "I asked for a million bucks, not a million ducks!"
The second guy then says, "Do you really think I wished for a 12" Bic?"
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BJCP Style of the Month
Each month the BrewsLeader will be featuring one beer from the new BJCP style guidelines. This months selection is a nice thick beer for those cold winter nights that are coming soon.
9E. Strong Scotch Ale
Aroma: Deeply malty, with caramel often apparent. Peaty, earthy and/or smoky secondary aromas may also be present, adding complexity. Caramelization often is mistaken for diacetyl, which should be low to none. Low to moderate esters and alcohol are often present in stronger versions. Hops are very low to none.
Appearance: Light copper to dark brown color, often with deep ruby highlights. Clear. Usually has a large tan head, which may not persist in stronger versions. Legs may be evident in stronger versions.
Flavor: Richly malty with kettle caramelization often apparent (particularly in stronger versions). Hints of roasted malt or smoky flavor may be present, as may some nutty character, all of which may last into the finish. Hop flavors and bitterness are low to medium-low, so malt impression should dominate. Diacetyl is low to none, although caramelization may sometimes be mistaken for it. Low to moderate esters and alcohol are usually present. Esters may suggest plums, raisins or dried fruit. The palate is usually full and sweet, but the finish may be sweet to medium-dry (from light use of roasted barley).
Mouthfeel: Medium-full to full-bodied, with some versions (but not all) having a thick, chewy viscosity. A smooth, alcoholic warmth is usually present and is quite welcome since it balances the malty sweetness. Moderate carbonation.
Overall Impression: Rich, malty and usually sweet, which can be suggestive of a dessert. Complex secondary malt flavors prevent a one-dimensional impression. Strength and maltiness can vary.
History: Also known as a “wee heavy.” Fermented at cooler temperatures than most ales, and with lower hopping rates, resulting in clean, intense malt flavors. Well suited to the region of origin, with abundant malt and cool fermentation and aging temperature. Hops, which are not native to Scotland and formerly expensive to import, were kept to a minimum.
Ingredients: Well-modified pale malt, with up to 3% roasted barley. May use some crystal malt for color adjustment; sweetness usually comes not from crystal malts rather from low hopping, high mash temperatures, and kettle caramelization. A small proportion of smoked malt may add depth, though a peaty character (sometimes perceived as earthy or smoky) may also originate from the yeast and native water. Hop presence is minimal, although English varieties are most authentic. Fairly soft water is typical.
Vital Statistics:
OG: 1.070-1.130
IBUs: 17-35
FG: 1.018-1.030+
SRM: 14-25
ABV: 6.5-10%
Commercial Examples: Traquair House Ale, Orkney Skull Splitter, McEwan's Scotch Ale, MacAndrew's Scotch Ale, Belhaven Wee Heavy, Broughton Old Jock, Scotch du Silly, Gordon Highland Scotch Ale, Founders Dirty Bastard
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The WeekEnd Brewer
Homebrew & Wine Supplies
4205 West Hundred Road
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 796-9760
www.weekendbrewer.com
We are now building brewing equipment to order
15 Gallon Convert Beer Kegs with
1/2" Stainless steel full drain nipple.
25, 45 and 65 Gallon Stainless Steel kettles, Mash tuns.
Also Full Stainless Steel false bottom.
Call for more information on in-stock items
New Items
1) New 1056 DRY Yeast; 1056 Dry Yeast in the 11.5 gram packs. As many of you may know, breweries for months have used this yeast in half kilo packs. This is the same yeast as the Y1056 from WYEAST but in dried form. #21330 @ only $1.80.
2) MUNTON'S CARBTABS™, Anytime the brewing process can be simplified, it’s a good thing, and that’s what you’ll find with the new CarbTabs™ from Munton's. Made from a combination of dextrose, Munton's dry malt and heading powder, these convenient tablets let you control the amount of carbonation in your beer by the number of tablets you use in each bottle. CarbTabs™ sell for $2.49 per bag.
3) American Hop Plugs, New Fresh Crop - U.S. Hop Plugs Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Crystal, Chinook, Fuggles, Goldings, Hallertau, Northern Brewer, Simcoe, Tettnang, Vanguard, Warrior 1/2 Ounce Hop Plugs in a 2 ounce Foil vacuumed bag.
4) Flaked Rice Returns, Typically yields 1.030 - 1.035 gravity Lb/ gallon. Use 15 or less percent of the total grain.
5) HEADING LIQUID is a solution of propylene glycol alginate and distilled water added at the time of bottling to improve the head retention of homemade beer. The 1/3 fl. oz. pouch is good for six gallons and sells for $2.00.
6) 'One Step- Cleaner' New Two Pound and Five Pound Size. 2 Lb. Bag $ 7.25 ( $3.63 per Lb.) 5 Lb. Tub & 18.35 ( $3.67 per Lb.)
7) From Five Star Chemical NEW 52 pH STABILIZER ™ Being able to repeat the brewing process is the key to producing consistent, high quality beer. Of all the ingredients in beer, water is the most misunderstood component. The quality, hardness and pH of the water affect enzymatic activity, solubility of salts, proteins and sugars, as well as hop usage. Now you have the ability to control the pH of your brewing water with this new product from Five Star Chemical. 52 pH Stabilizer™ is a proprietary blend of food-grade phosphate buffers that locks in your mash and kettle water at a pH of 5.2, regardless of the starting pH. In addition, it also reduces scaling and mineral deposits on all your equipment. Brewers are going to love this product, so be sure to include it on your next order! One Pound #35252 and sells for $13.50
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River City Cellars
Beer, Wine and Gourmet Foods
2931 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-1375
www.rivercitycellars.com
10% Discount to Members of
James River Homebrewers
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The BrewsLeader is the official e-publication of
James River Homebrewers
PO Box 486
Richmond, Virginia 23218-0486
Monthly Meetings
All meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at The Legend Brewery, 321 West 7th Street, Richmond, Virginia. Homebrew tasting at 6:30, meeting at 7:00. We are grateful to Tom Martin and the rest of the Legend staff for their gracious hospitality.
Officers and Board of Directors
President: George Hatchell xxx-xxxx
Vice President: Jules Letellier xxx-xxxx
Treasurer: Mike Hinkle xxx-xxxx
Secretary: Keith Shelton xxx-xxxx
Member @ Large: Denise Pierce xxx-xxxx
Competition Coordinator: Tony Brock
Directors
Glenn Edwards
Bob Henderson
Dan Mouer
Ted Warren
Web Site
www.jrhomebrewers.org
Submit Articles
Articles or other items of interest from the membership are welcome and should be submitted to the Secretary. Email to xxx@xxx.xxx.
Dues
Membership dues are $20 per calendar year. Dues will be prorated on a quarterly basis.
Inclement Weather Policy
If the Richmond city Schools are closed due to inclement weather on the day of a regularly scheduled Club meeting, the meeting will be cancelled, and re-scheduled for the following Wednesday – this will be confirmed by e-mail.
Remember
Drink Responsibly -
Don’t Drink and Drive!
Members and guests at James River Homebrewers meetings and events are individually and solely liable for any and all actions attendant to or resulting from their participation
