This is a follow-up email to the many announcements we made at the July meeting as well as a few new bits of information.
Mead Day
Many thanks to Trevor K for a rousing presentation on the styles of and process of making mead. If his presentation caught your attention and you want to try mead out yourself, then you should check out AHA Mead Day!
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/events/mead-day
The event takes place on August 6th and it's main focus is to get homebrewers together to learn about and create mead. Similar to Big Brew, there are few hand-selected recipes that you can try.
Currently, KLOB does not have a formal event planned but, if there is interest, we would be more than happy to organize one. If you would like to volunteer a location (your home, a local business, etc.) or attend, please let us know! Go to the club discussion board and give us your feedback:
Plant-It Earth Hops
I received an email from Jon Dickinson of Plant-It Earth Hops making our club, and homebrewers in general, an offer:
"Here’s the idea – you and your club will be able to come directly to the hop farm to select bines you’re interested in purchasing. We’ll cut them down and you’ll be able to actually pick them yourself – or take the entire bine with you to pick when you choose."
You can read the full details here:
If you are interested, "hop" on the discussion board and let us know so we can possibly organize a group of us to go out there and make a large purchase.
Hop Growing Co-Op
At the July meeting, we had Evan Meffert of Bell's Sustainability Team told us about a local group on the northeast part of Kalamazoo who are interested in a hop growing co-op. He has since relayed his contact information to me (see below). If you believe this is something you would be interested and are willing to put in the work to make it happen, contact him and get involved!
269-250-8801
269-382-3820
emeffert@bellsbeer.com
Free Beer
Now that I have your attention...the Art of Beer Festival is looking for volunteers. The event takes place on Saturday, August 13th from 1pm to 5pm. They are looking for volunteers to help serve beer from one of the many brewery booths that will be featured. Some of the breweries include Arcadia, Dark Horse, Founders, Greenbush, Jolly Pumpkin, Paw Paw, Short's, the Livery and many more. If you think you'd be interested in helping out in exchange for free admission to the event, get in touch with Quinn Tabbert (qtabbert@lakemichigancollege.edu).