Tech Meeting Wed June 2, 2010

[BrewHound]

Hey all as many of you have seen in some of the threads on the forum, it is time again for our monthly tech meeting. I appologize for the miscommunication between the board. Unfortunately we were unable to have the last CAB meeting when this would have been decided (which was partially my fault as I was sick when we would have had it). However, we are a go for the Tech meeting tonight, I repeat we are a GO!

This meeting will consist of a sample judging of commercial Irish Red beers. For those of you who are considering helping out in the club compitition this coming weekend this is a good chance familarize yourself on some classic examples of Irish red's and get a little practice before the actual judging.

based on last events turnout and cost of beers for the judging. There is a $4 cover for this meeting. This will recoupe the cost of the beer for the meeting. This price is based on $24 for 3 six packs with an estimated attendence of 6 people 24/6 = 4. If more show up we will adjust the cover accordingly.

NOTE: Please do not bring any of your Irish Reds entered into the competition, as this could potential taint judges that will be judging your competition beer later in the week.

Meeting Info

Place: Jeremy Orchuk's House
Address:
1205 Waldenwood LN NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Date: Wed June 2nd, 2010
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Approximately)
Topics: Sample Judging
Phone: (319) 491 - 7268

Hope to see you all tonight!

[carrisr]

Thanks again to Jeremy for hosting and providing the program last night. I found it very useful. I now more fully appreciate how challenging and often surprising judging beers can be. I also feel like I have a better feel for what and Irish Red should be, since it was a style that I don't normally drink.

I really look forward to more tech meetings. I really want to become better at evaluating (and expressing those opinions) beer. I also want to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about styles.

[BrewHound]

Yes, I thought it was good as well, and learned more about the style as a whole.

For those who were not in attendence last night. We sampled and did blind judgings on 4 commercial beers as follows.

Samual Adams Irish Red
Busted Knuckles Irish Red
Smithwick's Irish Red
Killian's Irish Red.

The standings were as follows:

#1 Smithwicks Irish Red (BJCP example)
#2 Killian's Irish Red Ale (by small margin over 3rd place 1 or 2 points on average)
#3 Samual Adams Irish Red
#4 Busted Knuckles Irish Red (Way to hoppy to be an Irish Red)

I was happy to see that out of the 4 beers that we unanimously choose the BJCP example as the winner for the night.

Also a big suprize was the Killian's Irish Red. This was my college beer of choice, when I was not peticular about what I drank. Going into this I was sure that this was going to come in dead last. However, was extremely surprized when it did so well. While the taste of the beer was a bid subdude, it is an amazingly good Irish Red in comparision to the others tasted.

After thought

After last night, I was wondering, and if this is getting to be to much please let me know. I was looking up information for the BJCP certification and different recommendations towards gaining your certification. One thing that many recommended was a study group. So I was wondering if there was anyone in the club interested in forming a study group with the intention of taking the test sometime in the coming year. I know we already have a social meeting and tech meeting now. However, this would not be a club event, but rather a group of people trying to help each other study to pass the test and would probably be once or twice a month on a non-reoccuring night. Just a thought.

[tony b]

Let me throw my props in too - nice job last night CJ. (btw - thanks for the aerator).

It was surprising how "Busted" the Knuckles was - more of a weak Am Pale Ale than an Irish Red. Not a bad beer really, just not anywhere close to style.

Only downside was it was a late night. Rough morning at work.

[carrisr]

After last night, I was wondering, and if this is getting to be to much please let me know. I was looking up information for the BJCP certification and different recommendations towards gaining your certification. One thing that many recommended was a study group. So I was wondering if there was anyone in the club interested in forming a study group with the intention of taking the test sometime in the coming year. I know we already have a social meeting and tech meeting now. However, this would not be a club event, but rather a group of people trying to help each other study to pass the test and would probably be once or twice a month on a non-reoccuring night. Just a thought.

I'd be interested in a study group. I think Matt also said he was considering working towards the exam.I'm not sure if I want to go all the way to taking the test, but I'm certainly interested in learning more about it.

It looks like the next open exams are in December. Of course you don't have to take the exam to study. I'll have to do some searching, but I know there are study kits that you can use to doctor beer, and I thought I read somewhere that study groups can get them for free if you are taking the exam. If not, there might be an AHA discount.

Big T, could you steer us in the right direction?

[HowBrewed]

I would be interested. It would be a good way to learn each style and how they differ. Heck, if I did take the test, and passed, it would be a great experience.

[Matt F]

I would also be interested. We should see who is serious about it at the next meeting and get together at another time to plan our strategy. I intend to take the test; it is only a matter of time. I have never met a test I couldn't conquer. I hear the BJCP is tough, but I feel up to the task. Always did well on tests my entire life and they usually were not about something I like. Do you really think I find finance that interesting? I have a masters degree in that subject. Just pays the bills and is useful in everyday life.

[BrewHound]

What is a good night for people we should do the study night on either the 2 or 4th week of the month to not conflict with beer meetings?

I am good with all nights Mon, Tues, Friday, Sat, Sun are best for me

[Matt F]

I will check with my calendar/wife soon.