The Krewe of Chop & Brew gathers for a wet-hop brew day in St. Boni to wrap up this year’s series on “Growing Hops at Home.” We pick hops straight off the bine and stuff more than 10 pounds into a double-size batch of homebrew. Epic fresh hop usage ahead! Let us know about your experiences with fresh/wet hops in the comments below.
Category: homebrew
John Palmer Book Signing at Northern Brewer MPLS
“How to Brew” author John Palmer will be at Northern Brewer in Minneapolis on Monday, September 23rd from 5-7pm to celebrate the launch of his latest book, “Water.” “How to Brew” ranks right up there with “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing.” Stop by Northern Brewer’s Minneapolis location to get a signed copy of the book and talk water with John!
“Water chemistry is a complex and daunting topic- often the most difficult and least understood element of brewing even though it accounts for roughly 95% of your beer. Understanding your water is the final piece of the brewing puzzle. The ultimate challenge.”
Chop & Brew #12: Belgian Dark Strong Ales
Chop & Brew is joined once again by Wyeast brand manager Michael Dawson for a backyard brew session. The goal: a high-gravity Belgian Dark Strong Ale. We discuss what it takes to create a successful “big beer” while sampling a high-octane brew from Dawson’s homebrew cellar. Brewers, we’d love to hear your tips and techniques to high-gravity brewing. Leave a comment below this video.
Hackers Breach Midwest Supplies Website
I really hate covering the negative side beer news, but I think this one’s too important not to share.
According to Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal (with a hat tip to SC Magazine), Twin Cities homebrew supplier Midwest Supplies was hit by hackers who compromised the website earlier this summer. According to the articles, hackers had access to names, addresses and credit card information. Potentially affected customers were sent a letter and offered a coupon for $25. According to the letter (copy here), Midwest Brewing President David Kidd says that the company “conducted a full investigation and have taken extensive steps to prevent it from happening again.”
A quick Google search finds that there’s some understandably angry customers out there (Reddit, HomebrewTalk). Suffice to say that if you shopped online with them this summer, it’s probably a good idea to keep an eye on your credit card statements. Hell, no matter where you shop, online or otherwise, I think it’s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled.
Northeast Minneapolis Beer Fest and Homebrew Competition
For the third consecutive year, the East Side Neighborhood Services is proud to offer a beer fest in the historic Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood. The fest will take place on Saturday October 19th, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Historic Grain Belt Bottling House located at 79 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis. An ever-updating list of participating breweries can be found here.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. In addition to esns.org, tickets can also be purchased at North Loop Liquor on 2nd Ave downtown Minneapolis. All proceeds from the Brew Fest go to the ESNS, who provide community support and assistance in various capacities throughout northeast Minneapolis.
But wait, there’s more!
In addition, local homebrew club the Nordeast Brewers Alliance is holding the 2nd Nordeast Big River Homebrew Competition. This is a BJCP sanctioned competition for all BJCP beer styles (no mead or cider). There are also two additional categories, American Wild Ale and 100% Brett, so unleash the wild ales and bring out the funk! Registration opens Saturday August 24th at nordeasthbc.brewcompetition.com. Judges and stewards are welcome to sign up as well; judging will be October 12 & 13. Winners will be announced at the Nordeast Big River Brew Fest on October 19. Check out the promo from Chop & Brew here.
It’s always a great time in Northeast Minneapolis. Come for the art, stay for the beer!