Kalamazoo Libation Organization of Brewers

A big "thank you" to everyone who attended this past weekend's brewing demos at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. And even bigger thanks to Geoff Groff, Mark Pangle and Dan Jeska who brought their gear and showed everyone the in's and out's. Last but not least, thanks to David Curtis and the crew at Bell's for hosting the event.

Check out some pictures from the event on Bell's Flickr gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bellsbreweryinc/sets/72157627951646067/with...

The folks at the Kalamazoo Bee Club are hosting another "How to Make Mead" program this Wednesday, November 9th.

You will learn about making mead, you will have an opportunity to taste various flavors of mead, and you can purchase a bottle or two to take home for the holidays if you like. Last year 116 people attended the program about mead.

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At this program you will:
Learn a little about the history of mead
Find out how honey turns into mead
Learn what is needed to make mead at home if you have an interest
Taste several flavors of mead from Bardic Wells Meadery

A hearty congratulations goes out to member Geoff Groff on his recent win at the 2011 Bell's Homebrew Competition. He won with an IPA that included smoked malts, paradise seeds, rose hips and Habanero peppers. Besides receiving the honor of having the best judged beer from 129 entries, Geoff will also get the opportunity to re-brew his beer at the Bell's downtown brewery and have it served at the Eccentric Cafe.

Also included in the honorable mentions was member Nelson Tansey and the team of Adam Majka and Chris Elston. Nelson submitted a beer that was dry hopped and contained brown sugar. Adam and Chris brewed a "harvest ale" using homegrown hops and Michigan honey.

Read all about the other award winners here:

http://bellsbeer.com/news/54-And_the_winners_of_Bell___s_2nd_Annual_Home...

If you pre-ordered a shirt for this year's KLOB Roast, they will be available for pick up at the November and December meetings.

After a some revisions, the "homebrew law" is set for a final senate vote. According to Chris Frey (FORD) and represenative Doug Geiss, that vote could take place as soon as next week. This is (hopefully) the final push to get in touch with your Michigan state senator and let them know you support this bill.

http://legislature.mi.gov/(S(ilr2jr2cf0turejurcnt1i45))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectName=2011-HB-4061

It's fall and that means one thing: hard apple cider! If you've never made cider before, it's a very easy process that is even easier than making beer. One of the best places to get fresh cider in the Kalamazoo area is Husted Farms on M43. They are offering a 10% to folks buying more than 4 gallons.

http://www.hustedfarmmarket.com/

We're one step closer! I received this email from the Brewers Association.

June 24, 2011

Dear AHA, Brewers Association and Support Your Local Brewery Members,

House Bill 4061, to allow homebrewers to bring homebrew into brewpubs and restaurants for club meetings and competitions, passed the Michigan State House of Representatives on June 23 by a vote of 105 to 5. Thank you to everyone who contacted their representative to help make that happen.

The next step is for the bill to go to the Michigan State Senate, where it has been assigned to the Regulatory Reform Committee. Please help get this bill passed by contacting the members of the Regulatory Reform Committee and politely urging them to support HB 4061.

Contacting your legislators' offices is quick and easy, and your call or email could mean the difference between passage and defeat for this bill.

Senate Regulatory Reform Committee Members:

Bert Johnson, Dist. 2: senbjohnson@senate.michigan.gov, 517-373-7748

Tory Rocca, Dist. 10, 517-373-7315

Randy Richardville, Dist. 17, SenRichardville@senate.michigan.gov, 517-373-3543

Rebekah Warren, Dist 18, senrwarren@senate.michigan.gov, 517-373-2406

Joe Hune, Dist. 22, SenJHune@senate.michigan.gov, 517-373-2420

Rick Jones, Dist. 24, SenRJones@senate.michigan.gov, 517-373-3447

Phil Pavlov, Dist. 25, 517-373-7708

Arlan B Meekhof, Dist. 30, SenAMeekhof@senate.michigan.gov, 517-373-6920

Thanks for your support of Michigan homebrewers!

Charlie Papazian
President
Brewers Association

Gary Glass
Director
American Homebrewers Association

Let's make this a reality!

I received this from representative (and avid homebrewer) Doug Geiss who has been spearheading this bill:

Thanks Chris, Gary, Phil and all Homebrewers!!

House Bill 4061, aka Don't Mess with Homebrewers Bill, passed out of the Regulatory Reform Committee yesterday. There were 0 "No" votes, 1 "pass". (The pass vote is from a member who always advocates for "transparency", so I joked that the beer could be in clear bottles....)

So, the next step is to the House floor, hopefully next week. The House Majority Floor Leader, Jim Stamas, voted for the bill in committee. We have a strong advocate to get this over to the Senate.

I do have a commitment from the Senate Majority Leader, Randy Richardville, to support the bill once it reaches the Senate.

How can you help? Send a note to your Representative and Senator saying you urge them to vote for HB 4061.

Those in Sen. Richardville's district (Monroe) can send a simple "Thank You" note for his support of HB 4061. (Kathy/Mike!!!)

We're pushing to get this done in the next two weeks, so help me help you!!

-Doug Geiss (Homebrewer since 1993.)
888-737-4342 (office)

P.S. On the same day Phil Wilcox testified before the committee, he received his license from the State of Michigan. Phil and Crispy Frey (and Gary Glass!) have gone above and beyond on this issue. Support the Jackson Brewery when it opens - Phil is one of us!!

First, I want to pass along a huge "thanks" from Chris Frey (FORD) for the strong response to the initial survey that was sent out last month. He said they received numerous entries from our club played a big part in getting this legislation closer to reality.

If you didn't already receive an email from AHA, the bill to legalize sharing homebrew at breweries and brew pubs will be heard by the House Regulatory Reform Committee TOMORROW. It's important that each and every one of us contact the members of that committee and let them know we support this bill. You can see a full list of all the committee members at the following link:

http://maildogmanager.com/page.html?p=0000015Fu8vsEV22tZ1urrlJSwamLZ30gj...

Pass this information to all your friends, family and co-workers that also support homebrewing. Given the timeframe, we ask everyone to take action ASAP. Let's try and get this bill passed!