Next meeting: Thursday, July 19th

Annual campout information!

July 2001 Issue

by Kevin Fawcett
with contributions from Brian Thatcher, Duane Roush, and Heidi Elston
Mastered on the Web by Nancy West Johnson

The March of the APHIDS! by K Fawcett Hey, beer geeks, homebrewers, and hopheads!!! The heat finally made it to town! It has sure been wonderful barbecue weather the past few weeks and my grill has gotten plenty of use. Unfortunately, it has also been a bad year to this point for those who grow their own hops. This year’s is the worst aphid infestation we have seen in recent years. Caroline and Eric both report large populations. I have had to go the non-organic route and spray with chemicals in order to control mine, and they are just barely under control. I happen to have four birch trees in my yard, two in front, two in back. This makes for large aphid condos. Aphids LOVE birch. The result is a constant rain of aphid honeydew any time there is the slightest breeze.  Eric has all but given up on his crop and says: “We’ll try again next year.”

Garlic, Chives, Anise, Coriander, Nasturtiums, and Petunias will repel Aphids.

Ladybugs, or lady beetles, are a very beneficial group of insects; a single lady beetle may consume as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.

I’m sad to see this. His were some really great brewing hops. I am of the belief that it is just the season and things will be better next year. For me, it’s about time to nuke the hops again before cones start to develop.

I have stuck with products that are approved for use on vegetables and reportedly break down to safe consumption levels in about fourteen days. After cones begin to grow there is really nothing we can do but hope for the best.

June Meeting Recap

And while we’re speaking of hop cones.....Ralph Olson from Hop Union made an appearance at last month’s meeting along with his trusty slide projector and treated us to the ultimate hop education. 

Did you know.... 

• Yakima grows 70% of all U.S. supplied hops for the brewing industry? Oregon grows about 20% of them and Idaho the remaining 10%. 
• Our water storage reservoirs are extremely low this year and the battle over water rights has already begun. It remains to be seen if this will significantly impact the hop growing industry. 

Ralph talked about several different aspects of hop growing,  much of it that relates well to home grown hops. For example, if you wish to choose hops to grow in our temperate zone, choose varieties that do well here. Kent Goldings, Fuggles, and Saaz are wonderful noble hop varieties but they are not large producers. Unless you have a lot of land available to grow hops you would be better off picking one of the many varieties developed for growth in Washington and Oregon. Cascade, Chinook, Willamette and Mt Hood are all good choices. So are Ultra, Liberty, Crystal and Santiam. Most of these are triploid versions of varieties that have been grown for centuries. For example, Mt Hood is a triploid Hallertauer. Without getting too deep into the genetics, this merely means the plant has been altered to contain three sets of chromosomes instead of two. This makes the growing plant think that it is part male when it really is not, therefore causing it to produce large volumes of clusters in anticipation of “becoming pregnant” (Ralph’s choice of words). Any triploid variety should be a good producer in Western Washington. 

Again, let me warn you, if you are attempting to grow hops here, you WILL encounter the aphid somewhere in your journey. These little bugs are extremely hard to control once they get a foothold. The best defense is regular methodical inspection of your plants followed by treatments with insecticidal soap or pesticides, in the worst case scenario.

Perfectly good brewing hops can be grown here, but it takes some attention to detail to control the critters and, in some seasons (like this one) it is nearly impossible. I have been lucky so far this year and caught the critters in time, but the season is NOT over yet.

Ralph also said that triploid hops are usually fairly disease resistant, another good reason to choose them. Ralph is a great guy to BS with and loves to talk about hops. Hopefully we can talk him into returning next year. 

Second Annual Washington Brewfest!
by Brian Thatcher

The Washington Summer Microbrew Festival took place on June 16th and 17th. I had the pleasure of attending both days to enjoy some finely crafted beers. The weather decided to cooperate, with the sun drifting in and out of the clouds creating a warm atmosphere. There were about 45 brewers represented, most serving up two beers at their respective stand. Even though I decided only to try beers I haven’t had before, there were plenty of those to temp my thirst. It helps to have friends willing to trade samples throughout the day to increase the number of beers experienced.

I decided to start the day with a taste of Traditional Mead from Ambrosia by Kristy. There was also the Spiced Mead being served. The sweet honey flavor helped to reenergize the body after the morning bike ride. Then it was time to sample the two Belgian Style Trippels, Bete Blanche from Elysian and Trippel Vision from Heads up. The Bete Blanche has a blonde color and is quite drinkable, while the Trippel Vision is darker and has a nice fruity flavor. I also had a chance to try the Pike’s Naughty Nellie’s Ale and Rogue’s Yellow Snow. Both were nicely balance, flavorful and I could envision throwing back a couple of pints of either one sometime.

By far the two most popular styles represented were India Pale Ale and Porter (accounting for 1/3 of the beers there). Being two of my favorite styles, I was not about to complain. I had several samples of each style and really couldn’t complain about any of them. I really liked the Snoqualmie Falls Steam Train Porter (already a big fan of the IPA). The Flying Pig In a Pig’s Eye Smoked Porter was also quite tasty. Also sampled the Porters from Pacific Crest, Orchard Street, Lunar and Harmon. On the IPA side there were several I thought were tasty, however in my humble opinion the standouts were from La Conner, Diamond Knot and the very bitter 10th anniversary IPA they were serving at Big Time (can’t get enough of those hops). Others of note were from Lunar, Maritime Pacific, Pacific Crest, and Harmon.

There were many other beers being poured that were worthy of noting. The Pilsners from Elysian, La Conner, and Leavenworth were all balanced with nice hoppiness. The Hefeweizens of Diamond Knot and Flying Pig both had nice banana aromas and were quite refreshing. The Blind Pig Dunkel Weizen from Leavenworth was very drinkable, and I also enjoyed the Aviator Dopplebock from the Anacortes Brewery. The Huckleberry Ale from Coeur d’Alene Brewing is a nice summer refresher and their Lakeside British Ale would make a smooth drinking session beer.

Besides the beer (yeah right!) there was live music throughout the day, craft booths, food vendors and a kid’s lawn. There was also the brewer’s keg toss where they attempted to toss a pony keg into wading pools. All in all an enjoyable experience and I’m looking forward to the next one.

Our V.P., Duane Roush, was also there and gave me some detailed info on a few beers. Here are his impressions:

• Coeur d’Alene Lakeside British Ale, a Nut Brown made with Kent Goldings finishing hops.
• Fish Tale River Run rye ale made with 10% rye. Dry and refreshing!
• Bighorn Brewing Maibock, a nice malty brew hopped with Perle and Hersbruker.
• Anacortes Brewing’s Czech Pils with Saaz hops. Nice, crisp, clean beer.
• Alpine Brewing from Orville had an Amber, Marzen-style lager made with Perles. Duane says “Real nice beer“.
• The Rock IPA Sledge hopped with Chinooks and Cascades and pitched with Chico yeast. Also an Imperial stout weighing in at 9% that Duane says was the best beer there. Both were brewed by Brews Bro Ted Palmer.
• LaConner Brewing had a nice IPA and Czech Pils. I have tasted both of these brews recently and must agree with Duane’s perception of their quality. Very nice stuff!
• Wards Cider from Canada had a VERY good peach cider for the non-beer drinker (and beer drinkers as well!)
• Elliot Bay Brewing’s Alembic Pale (another gold medal winner from last year) keeps getting mentioned by beer drinkers (and well it should). Duane also mentions “Orange Infusion”, one I have not heard of. He said it was quite different.
• Snipes Maibock with Saaz and Spalt brewed by Joe Curulla was the “perfect beer” , very drinkable with a nice malty character.
• Redhook Chinook was a nice beer with a slight smoky flavor.
• Lunar Brewing IPA (once again) hopped with Chinook and Cascade and sporting the grapefruity aftertaste. This is another beer that keeps popping up popular at festivals, brewed by our friend Frank Helderman.
• Harmon Brewing IPA with Amarillo hops is a nice hoppy 5.8% ale, and their ABF Gold medal winner Puget Sound Porter is still good. 
• Pacific Rim Oldstock Ale (my favorite Pacific Rim beer) contains Nugget, Cluster, Willamette, Cascade and Tettnanger hops. Duane calls it a real nice beer.

There was one brew that “just plain sucks” according to Duane, but in keeping with my policy of not raining negativity on breweries, it shall be the “beer not mentioned here”.

The festival was apparently twice the size of last year’s and had four times as many bathrooms (a plus). Good food vendors, live music, Scottish games, Dunk the brewer (Oh man, am I sorry I missed that one!!!), and the traditional “keg toss”.

I heard rumblings that members from Larry’s Brewing Supply were winners in that one.

Duane also reports there will be a Cask Conditioned Ale Festival (YAHOO!!) again this year in Seattle. This time it will be held at the Alki Room at Seattle Center, October 27th with two sessions from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Over forty different beers are on the schedule as of this writing.

Alers campout at Buck Lake is this weekend !! 
(the 20th, 21st, and 22nd)
by Heidi Elston

Here are updated directions:

• Take South I-5 to Olympia
• Exit 104 (N-101, Aberdeen, Port Angeles)
• N-101 to Shelton, Port Angeles exit (North, Hwy-3, Shelton, Bremerton)
• Go towards Shelton off exit.
• When you get to Shelton follow the N-3 signs through town

• About 7.5 miles to Pickering Rd (Turn right) (Jarrel Cove, Hartstine Island)
• About 1.5 miles to E Lake Phillips Rd (Turn right).
• 1 mile to E. Phillips Lake Loop Rd (turn left) (first intersection, big sign, picture of lake)
• About 1/2 mile (on left) the Buck Lake Campground sign (turn left).
• Stop at gate to sign in as an Impaling Aler.

or

• South I-5 to SR-16. North-16 past Sedgwick Road to Gorst.
• Take Shelton/Belfair exit (South-3)
• About 24 miles to Pickering Rd (turn left) (Jarrel Cove, Hartstine Island)
• About 1.5 miles to E. Phillips Lake Rd (Turn right).
• 1 mile to E. Phillips Lake Loop Rd (turn left) (first intersection, big sign, picture of lake).
• About 1/2 mile (on Left) the Buck Lake Campground sign (turn left).
• Stop at gate to sign in as an Impaling Aler.

Inside the campground follow Buck Lake Blvd., the first left around the lake, and go around the left side of the big fire pit.

At the corner of Buck Lake Blvd. & Wallace Way there will be cars parked. Park there and walk up the hill to the group site and to get further directions about setting up your stuff (or drive in and get yelled at for driving too far!).

Don’t forget to bring plenty to eat and lots of beer! And be sure to break as many campground rules as possible. We wouldn’t want to be too nice and get invited back again next year!

Witness the power...
by K. Fawcett

I was lucky enough to be invited to the East Coast last month by an old friend I just met. He said I could stay free of charge at his place and we would go fishing two days on the Chesapeake Bay. I couldn’t pass it up!! After two long, boring airline flights, I arrived in Baltimore (they say “Balmore“ there) and immediately found my friend, Dangerous Dan!! We headed off to his place in the 150% humidity and 90+ temps and settled in for the night. 

The next morning we drove the 40+ minutes to Tilghman Island, one of the most beautiful places on Earth (as is most of Maryland), boarded Captain Keith’s “My Decision II” and headed out in the bay. The striped bass were plentiful and we soon had limits all around plus a few bluefish and croakers (little bastards that croak like a frog). After a long HOT day on the water I was informed it was customary to buy the Capt. a drink at the bar after fishing. No problem! If it were NOT customary I would have insisted on it anyway. 

Needless to say, the East Coast is Busch-land. The most common beers found here are the 10-oz (no shit!) Budweiser and Busch Lite, neither very much to my liking. Upon entering “The Bridge,” a small but very friendly bar I sat down on a stool and looked for something familiar. There in front of mine eyes lay evidence of the awesome power of the Anheuser-Busch machine. Alongside the customary Bud taps were two handles plainly labeled with familiar colors and script, Redhook ESB and Redhook IPA!!! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would travel just about as far from Seattle as is possible in the continental US and still find a Seattle brew on tap. There it was, the result of Budweiser marketing.

Our friend, Gina, the bartender at "The Bridge" in Tilghman Island, MD. (note the Rehook taps!)

Normally I would not get real exited about Redhook on tap, but after 24 hours in Busch-land it was a huge relief!! Finally a beer I could stomach, and not just ESB but IPA as well!! Gina, the bartender, was very nice and quite accommodating to us thirsty souls. 

We proceeded to buy Capt Keith as many Buds as he wanted plus Dan and I beat the crap out of everyone in the bar at Eight-ball. In the process of imbibing and monopolizing the pool table, several hearty fishing buddies became mighty hungry. Now, it seemed awful stupid to order fish off of the menu when we had a whole cooler full of the stuff (fresh) out in the truck. I called for the chef (known only as “cook.” He turned out to be a right nice bloke fresh in from England) and asked if he would mind cooking up a few fresh fillets in any style he chose. He immediately agreed and we were off!! More and more I began to like this place. Everyone was so laid back. 

The next day we were treated to another trip, this time on Dan’s brother-in-law’s boat. Capt. J. C. turned out to be a right nice guy and much the same scene followed (except I got skunked , oh well!) and we headed back for Dan’s house to crash. I need not tell you I was getting very sick of local brew at this point. I asked Dan to stop at the local mini-mart. He said: “You won’t find any microbrews in there.” Much to my surprise (and Dan’s also) I found a six pack of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot barleywine and another of Pale Ale. I was in heaven!! West coast brew in a mini-mart on the East Coast!! Too cool! The total combined for both sixers came to twenty three bucks!! I was flabbergasted. Looking down at two six packs that cost the same as ten gallons of homebrew I bit the bullet. It was better than Busch!! With no homebrew in sight and Busch-land all around, I had no choice. I guess on the East Coast Sierra Nevada is considered an import. Dan never could get used to barleywine, though he did down a few pale ales. There’s hope for him yet!

The next day it was time to run Kevin back to the airport but I insisted on seeing downtown Baltimore first. It is surprisingly similar to Victoria, BC, with the downtown area surrounding a small, inland harbor. After giving up hope of ever finding a microbrewery in this God-forsaken place, I inadvertently stumbled upon Capitol City Brewing Co. All was not lost. This small (about 12 barrel) brewery was just what the doctor ordered. Their IPA was a little weak for my liking, but very much to style, resembling the British versions. Their Prohibition Porter was quite good with a roasty flavor, almost black in color and a mild maltiness well balanced with a touch of hops. Capitol also brews a pale ale, amber, kolsch, alt, bitter, nut brown and stout. All that I tasted were very drinkable beers. When on the East Coast be sure to visit on of the Capitol City Breweries located in Baltimore, Capitol Hill in Washington DC, downtown DC, and Arlington, VA.

What good time, and we found West Coast beer on the East Coast!!

-Kev