Next meeting: FRIDAY January 18th, 7:00 pm
Note: the meeting day HAS CHANGED!
It was voted in November to schedule the meetings for
the third Friday instead of the third Thursday.

January 2002 Issue
Buy your new Alers t-shirt!

By Brian (I'd increase the gravity) Thatcher

Greetings Alers!

My first crack at the newsletter, I hope it goes over well. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. My entire family got together for Christmas at my sister's house in Oregon. Was a great time and got to see my two nephews, on slightly more than a year and one slightly less than a year old. Including the new additions we are up to 13 members now, 9 original, 2 wives and two youg'uns. Four of my brothers and sisters got together and we went for a jog together on Christmas Eve, had to get ready for dinner the next day.

The winter brewing season is upon us! I usually do most of my brewing during the fall and winter months. When spring comes around I will be spending most of my spare time on the bicycle training for rides like Seattle to Portland and the Everest Challenge and will need post ride refreshment. So I stock up now and enjoy the fruits of my labor all summer. I just picked up ingredients for two more brew sessions (an IPA and a Barley Wine) and I still have four beers in secondary fermenters. I think this weekend I will bottle on Saturday and brew on Sunday. My brother is coming over to give me a hand with it.

New 2002 Officers

Overlord - Duane (I can drink all of that) Roush
Vice-Overlord - Bill Shockley
Scribe - Brian (I'd increase the gravity) Thatcher: briant@peoplepc.com
Pillager - Heidi (still can't make gravy) Elston
WebMistress - Nancy (just email it to me) Johnson

Your Story Here!

You too can contribute to the Alers Newsletter. Submit you stories for inclusion. I would like to see the newsletter be more interactive where there are articles written by several members. Ideas include reviews of festivals you attended or a brewery/brewpub you went to, a beer recipe that you are particularly proud of or learned something new, Equipment reviews and other beer related stuff. Email it to me or present it to me at the next meeting. Thank you.

Holiday Ale Festival 2001

The Holiday Ale festival took place in Portland on Nov 30 - Dec 2 at the Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown. On tap were 28 seasonal Ales from West Coast Breweries, Mostly Washington and Oregon, with a few from California and Alaska. The event was held in giant tent erected for the event. The central tent had a clear plastic roof that had a view of the lighted tree in the square and the lights on the surrounding buildings (if you could see through the cascade of water running off it). Did I mention the weather? I thought I was going to have to boat in to the festival it rained so much that weekend, but once inside it was mostly dry. I showed up both Friday and Saturday and met up with my new friend John who I met at the Washington Cask Festival. He lives in Portland and had volunteered to pour on Friday evening, which looked like fun and I might try it next year.

As for the beers there were several that I would recommend, the entire list can still be found at http://www.holidayale.com/html/breweries02.html . The four I liked best were the two Imperial Stouts and two Barley Wines that were being served (go figure right). The first was Imperial Curmudgeon from Alameda Brewing. Cocoa nibs in the mash and semi-sweet chocolate in the boil coupled with low bitterness made a tasty combination. Old Fireside Barley Wine from the Laurelwood Public House had all the qualities I look for in a barley wine. Tilted Sleigh Imperial Stout from Wind River Brewing is brewed with espresso beans was also good as was the Old Battleaxe Barley Wine from Mt. Angel Brewing.

There were also several other beers I enjoyed for the first time. Hallucinator Old Ale from collaborator in Portland was cellared for more than a year. Stout Side Strong from Caldera Brewing was brewed with a touch of maple syrup. I also enjoyed the Stormwatcher's Winterfest from Pelican Pub, mash hopped and first wort hopped, how could it not be good (yes, I am a hophead too). Of course the better known ones were there as well, Snowcap, Celebration, Jubelale, Wassail, Winternacht among them.

A fun festival to attend. The tents get quite cozy at times with the evening crowds. There were also several craft vendors off to one side; one had nice looking woodworked boxes for presenting 750 ml bottles of wine. I thought they would be great for beer also if you could get them without the "wine" etched into the cover. On Saturday things got exciting, as they had set up several TVs around the tents to broadcast the Oregon-Oregon State football game.

What I've Learned About Beer - January 2002
(Inspired by the 'What I've Learned' features in the January issue of Esquire Magazine, I've decided to forgo the traditional 'Year in Beer' review this month and instead present a story modeled after these thoughtful Esquire features. To read some of the Esquire originals, please visit http://www.worldofbeer.com/features/ )

• Contrary to what some people think, there really is such a thing as bad beer. I've sampled a bunch of them.

• When you get a chance to taste something good, take it. Always.

• Bad beer and boring beer are two completely different things, although both are best avoided.

• Beer drinkers have been duped by mass marketing into the belief that it makes sense to drink only one brand of beer. In truth, brand loyalty in beer makes no more sense than 'vegetable loyalty' in food. Can you imagine it? "No thanks, I'll pass on the mashed potatoes, carrots, bread and roast beef. Me, I'm strictly a broccoli man."

• There is absolutely nothing wrong with fruit beer, but it should still let you know it's beer. If I want alcoholic fruit juice, I'll order alcoholic fruit juice.

• You can drink beer and not get fat. I mention this because people always seem surprised to discover that I'm not 350lbs.

• So-called 'malternatives' -- malt-based alcoholic beverages like ice teas, lemonades and such -- are better described by their original name: Alcopops.

• People who don't think that beer and chocolate go together have never tried a piece of flourless chocolate cake with a glass of Rochefort 8.

• Anyone can drink beer, but it takes intelligence to enjoy beer.

• Free beer is not necessarily a bargain.

• I'm mystified by people who think that liking beer precludes also enjoying wine. Does being a Jazz fan mean you can't also take pleasure in Reggae?

• I have no problem with people who choose not to drink alcohol -- I don't understand it, but I have no problem with it. I do have a problem with people who tell me that I shouldn't drink.

• A glass of an appropriate beer simply makes a meal taste better.

• If what you're drinking doesn't thrill you, stop drinking it.

Sierra Nevada Bierschnaps
May 1, 2001

Essential Spirits Alambic Distilleries is pleased to announce the latest addition to their family of spirits: Sierra Nevada Bierschnaps. In a partnership with Sierra Nevada Brewery, Essential Spirits micro-distills Sierra Nevada's California Pale Ale into a crisp refreshing 80 proof spirit.

"Bierschnaps originates in Europe offered as a fine spirit to welcome your
friends or to enjoy after a fine meal," says David Classick, master distiller. "We've refined the distilling method enabling us to capture the essence of Sierra Nevada's blend of fresh hops and malted barley in their renown California Pale Ale. The result is a smooth, slightly spicy sipping spirit. "

Bierschnaps translates to "liquor made from beer". It is typically served ice cold in 2oz pour. Garnished with a lime zest, this product also makes a great Martini.
"When I was introduced to Essential Spirits flagship product, CLASSICK Original American Bierschnaps, I was intrigued by the unique flavor and smooth taste." says Ken Grossman, President of Sierra Nevada. "I was inspired to partner with them and develop a Bierschnaps from the Sierra Nevada family of beers. The result, Sierra Nevada Bierschnaps, is a wonderful example of fine distilling a fine product."

Essential Spirits, located in Mountain View, California is a family business owned and operated by Andrea Mirenda and David Classick. Essential Spirits fine spirits are distributed by Frank-Lin Beverage (800-922-9363).

I had a chance to sample these at the Whiskeys of the World Expo last spring and wasn't sure about them. Of course I had just had a really nice single malt just before to I would like to try them again with a fresh palate. It might have been flavor shock. If I remember right I was able to taste the hop bitterness and it still had the aroma from the hops. Of course I could have been a little tipsy at the time also.

College Bars Pair Who Binged on Pet Food and Port
By David Sapsted
(Filed: 06/12/2001)

TWO Cambridge University students have been ordered out of their college rooms following the latest bout of high jinks involving the increasing number of drinking societies attached to colleges.

In the latest incident, two St John's students were punished after an end-of-term party at which a considerable amount of dog food was consumed, washed down with copious amounts of port. It is the second time in little more than a month that the 500-year-old college has encountered problems following drinking society functions.

At the beginning of November, the Rev Dr Andrew Mackintosh, the college dean, "named and shamed" seven undergraduates after what he described as a "crazy night" of revelry. Those who were named included five women.

On that occasion, a women-only drinking club called "The Sirens" had invited another drinking society into college. The evening ended up with food fights and drunken students running noisily around the college courts. Earlier in the term, the dean of St Catharine's College was moved to write to students warning them of the behaviour of a female drinking club known as "The Alley Catz".

Then a bar at Corpus Christi was closed for a week after an incident in which drunken undergraduates were alleged to have sexually harassed up to 20 female students.

Following the latest incident at St John's, a spokesman for the university said: "Disciplinary action has been taken against two undergraduates. They are being allowed to continue their studies but have been required to leave their rooms in college. This is part of the customary disciplinary process of the college and the college will make no further comment."

However, a member of the college staff said the situation had got out of hand. "We're fed up with the antics of these drinking societies. The latest one involved drinking port and eating dog food and it was disgusting. There was vomit everywhere and staff had to clear up after them yet again. It has got out of hand and people need to know what is going on there."

Artbeat Presents the Fourth Annual Issaquah Winter Microbrew & Blues Festival
Friday & Saturday, JANUARY 18 - 19
PICKERING BARN, by COSTCO, ISSAQUAH

The East Side's Winter MicroBrew festival returns this year to bring the beer aficionado an array of 50 MicroBrews, ciders brewed root beers and specialty items. Featuring seasonal winter brews, this popular event provides everyone with the chance to taste and explore the ever-growing Northwest MicroBrew industry with those who make it happen, the brew masters themselves.

Important news is the new location: Pickering Barn, site of the summer Farmers' Market, just opposite the Issaquah COSTCO. Accessible just northeast of Interstate 90, Exit 14. The address is: 1730 - 10th Ave. NW, Issaquah Blues and Folk Music will be performing throughout the event, featuring Watertown Blues. Hours are 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, January 18th; and 1 pm to 10 pm on Saturday, January 19th Admission includes 5 tastings with extra tastings available for $1. A complimentary tasting glass will be given to the first 500 patrons.

Admission prices are $12.50 at the door or $10 in advance, available at Issaquah Brew House; Wildfire Ranch BBQ; Kirkland: NW Brewwerkes, Mountain HomeBrew; Redmond: Bear Creek Brewery, Celtic Bayou Brewpub; Kent: Larry's Brewing Supplies.

Past Issaquah Winter MicroBrew Sponsors include: Issaquah Brew House, Columbia Distributors.

Those attending will learn about home brewing and how to get equipment and supplies. There will be displays for unique MicroBrew services. Also available will be specialty food items and delicacies.

For more information call Scott Randall; 425.252.3352 or David Shaw: 425.444.5052 or check the Artbeat Web Site: www.northweststages.org . Or contact Artbeat; artbeatshows@juno.com 
Proceeds benefit Artbeat, a Washington non-profit Arts Presenting organization.

Read a related story in the news: http://www.southcountyjournal.com/sited/story/html/79965

Interested in Becoming a Judge?
 

Dear Brewer or Brewster,

As a long time homebrew, and new member of the Brews Brothers I am interested in becoming a certified beer judge via the BJCP. I currently have myself and one other Brews Brother that is interested and was hoping to drum up some more support from the Impaling Alers (we need 5 test takers and a BJCP sponsor).

So, I was hoping you would be nice enough to poll you club and see if there is any support for another round of testing here in Seattle (new tester or re-testers I don't think it matters). I would be glad to help organize but cannot act as the sponsor because I am not certified!

Thank you,
Nathan Zorich
(206)547-1035
zorich@u.washington.edu

Upcoming Events

Great Alaskan Barley Wine Festival, January 18 -19
Anchorage, Alaska

Toronado Barley Wine Festival, February 16 -23
Toronado Pub, 547 Haight, San Francisco, CA.
www.toronado.com

6th Annual Elysian Winter Beer Festival, Saturday February 23
Elysian Brewing Company, 1221 E Pike St, Seattle.
www.elysianbrewing.com
Attended this one last year, had a great time and made several new friends.

Real Ale Festival, Chicago February 28 - March 2
To be held at Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 North Clark Street, Chicago.
www.realalefestival.com

3rd Annual Whiskeys of the World Expo, San Francisco, March 16
Enjoy and evening of tasting and nosing over 300 of the world's finest single malts, boutique bourbons and specialty spirits.
The Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., San Francisco, CA.
www.celticmalts.com

This one comes with a special recommendation from me. This will be my third year attending this and have really enjoyed myself in the past.