Greetings Brewers!
Thank you everyone who tuned into our October Zoom Meeting! Also, the officers would like to extend a very special thanks to our meeting presenters, Erin Andersen, Dave Andersen, and Chuck Lysakowski!
Erin gave a presentation on how to approach food and beer pairing, while Dave took us deep on the styles of Belgian Saisons and Dubbels. Their presentation can be seen here.
Chuck shared a recent brewing experience with a stuck fermentation and led a discussion on tips what to do when your yeast quit on you. His presentation can be found here.
Future Meeting Locations:
****7th November - Learn to Homebrew Day (Becker Homestead)
24th November @ TBD (LVHB officer elections)
For everyone interested in sharing homebrew at an in-person meeting, our event next Saturday for Learn to Homebrew Day is the perfect opportunity. Come join us as we gather to brew and celebrate homebrewing! We'll be outdoors at the Becker's place, so there will be plenty of distance available to make it social. Brew with us, or just bring food and brew to share. The club will provide burgers/dogs and there's sure to be other tasty treats supplied by our members. More information below.
Meetings are open to anyone (21 and older) who home brews (beer, wine, mead) or is interested in learning about home brewing. Our club has over 30 certified judges and several members who have "gone pro" by opening their own brewery, meadery, or distillery! - So bring your latest craft creation and get some constructive feedback and/or accolades!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Learn to Homebrew Day - Saturday, 07 November
In 1999, Learn To Homebrew Day was established by the American Homebrewers Association to promote the most rewarding, and delicious activity of all time — homebrewing. On the first Saturday in November, thousands of people celebrate Learn to Homebrew Day. Homebrewers worldwide brew beer and learn about the hobby of homebrewing.
We'll be getting together at the Becker's place at 170 Covered Bridge Rd in Northampton.
The AHA has provided a recipe for a hoppy amber ale, but anyone interested in brewing is welcome to bring their brewing equipment and brew any recipe they choose. This is a great opportunity to check out the creative rigs and learn the processes for how our brewers make their delicious beers. Brewers typically get started around 9AM or so.
This event will be outside, so please plan accordingly. The club will provide burgers, dogs, etc., and we'd also ask those in attendance to bring some food and brew to share. As always, there will be a fire and shenanigans. Sign up on the events page and come join us!!!
LVHB JUDGES!!!
There are two competitions hosted by our neighboring clubs that are looking for BJCP judges from our club. All judging will be done remotely via zoom/etc, and we'll work out delivery of flights with the competition organizers. Stop with the excuses and sign up to judge for Motown Mash and Stoney Creek!!!
Officer Elections
Finally some elections that you're not tired of hearing about. November is the time for us to hold our elections for officers and nominations are open. Any member in good standing is eligible to run for any officer position. Bring your energy and leadership to this club that you love. To nominate someone or yourself for the ballot, please post in this discussion forum
New Brewery looking for crowd funding
Pilger Ruh Brewing, a new local (Pottsville, PA) brewery in planning is looking for some help getting the final stages of their renovations done. You may have met these guys at the Fegley's Craft Beer Festival last year, and they have invited our club to participate in their local Schuylkill County Brew Fest (cancelled due to Covid-19). Check out what they have planned and some of the awards available for helping them hit their funding goal.
Member Benefits
Keystone Homebrew Supply offers 10% off online and in-store purchases for LVHB members as well as a points based loyalty reward program. They offer weekly local delivery on Saturday at Bonn Place in Bethlehem (just place your order by Thursday). Keystone offers full sacks of grain as well as a large selection of brewing and wine making equipment. Also, for most local competitions they provide a drop off point so you don't have to mail in your entries! https://www.keystonehomebrew.com/ Hop and Grain offers members 20% off purchases on their online store, free shipping and flexible local pick-up options. You'll find them very accommodating, even if you require a special order. https://hopandgrain.us/
There's no excuse not to brew because you can't get ingredients or equipment! Thank you to the local shops that support our club!
We're not quite to the interest level for the next pallet buy - If you are interested, please complete the survey (not an committed order yet) on the members information page.
See all the benefits of membership as well as how to join here.
UPCOMING CLUB EVENTS
Holiday Party - TBD
We're in the process of planning our Holiday party for December. Details coming soon.
OUR BREWERS (are awesome)
Congrats to all of our brewers on their award winning homebrew!
As mentioned, there are a few upcoming competitions and we know our brewers will be winners, so stay tuned!
CLUB COMPETITIONS
Bracket Competition
Check out the latest on the bracket here. In January, we'll be judging the English Barleywine submissions from our 4 finalists.
Black is Beautiful
Please contact a club officer to receive your official labels! Labels will be provided free of charge for those participating in the contest. The donation page is now available as well.
Unfortunately, we're going to shelve the Iron Brewer and Clone Beer competitions for 2020. We hope we can put these together again in 2021.
UPCOMING BJCP COMPETITIONS
Full list is available here.
Stoney Creek Homebrewers Amateur Brewing Competition (SCH ABC) 13
11/10/2020 (Phoenixville, PA)
Entry Deadline: 11/01/2020
$8/entry (see entry limits)
Motown Mash 2020
11/19/2020 (Morristown, NJ Area)
Entry Deadline: 10/31/2020 (see limits)
$8/entry (see limits)
Monk Melee X
12/5/2020 (Hulmeville, PA)
Entry Deadline: 11/21/2020
$7/entry (see limits)
CLUB COMMUNICATION
The details for most of our happenings (news, events, etc.) will either be included in the monthly newsletter or will be found on the LVHB Website Club Info page. More random thoughts, photos, and links will be shared via the club Facebook page. Find photos of our brewing activities on Instagram! @lehighvalleyhomebrewers
LVHB T-Shirts
LVHB t-shirts are available for sale. Please see a club officer for more information and to purchase. Styles and pricing are as follows:
T-shirts - blue only, Short sleeve L-XXL
$10