Bubblings from the Fermenter
Mark Tumarkin

The May meeting was a lot of fun. It was held at Wayne and Sue's house and we had about 17 people (including Karrie Comatas--who joined HB as our newest member, welcome Karrie!). We seem to be getting 17-20 people at most meetings. This actually seems to be a good size for the meetings. However, I'd still like to get some of you other folks who don't seem to come, to show up as well. Try it, you might like it.

This months style competition was Open and we got 6 entries. James, Fred and Ray served as judges. Thanks guys! Check the points report for the winners and current point standings. Sue gave an informative presentation and tasting on Fruit Beer styles. I think it is safe to say that fruit beers are not generally our favorites. At least it was safe to say that until Ray and Selina presented us with a selection of lambic fruit beers they had brought back with them from their trip to Belgium. Peche, Fraise, Framboise, Cassis, Kriek; not a bad one in the bunch. Those Belgians do know how to brew! Hope it gave y'all some inspiration for our Fruit Beer style competition coming up in July.

We also had the chance to try some other fine brews. Erin brought a couple of Young's beers from their England trip--a fine chocolate stout and an interesting elderberry lager. Dr. Bob brought a pale ale from Great Lakes Brewing that was very nice. He also brought Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. I have read great things about this beer, but unfortunately this one was not at it's best. It was a little oxidized and stale. Still, it was a good beer and I'll look forward to the chance to try a fresher sample.

We had about 14 or so people on our Canoe Brews Cruise, the years first big event. A good time was had by all, and it served as a warm-up for our upcoming Pub Crawl/Road Trip, which will be Saturday, June 19th. We have reserved the bus and paid our deposit, so the trip is on! We will be leaving Market St Pub at 10 AM, and heading to A1A Brewpub in St. Augustine for lunch. Then up to Ragtime on Jacksonville Beach, and from there to the brand new Seven Bridges for dinner. After dinner, we'll head over to River City to sit on their incredible deck till we're ready to head for home. It promises to be a great trip and you don't want to miss it. About twenty people have signed up, and half of those have paid already. The charge is $10 for brewers and $15 for guests. We need to know how many brewers are going, and how many spots this will leave available for guests. So please, contact Wayne or me as soon as possible and get your reservations in. We are also hoping to have our new club t-shirts ready for sale before this trip.

The June meeting will be at Dave and Julie Williamson's house (address and directions coming soon). I won't be able to attend, as I will be at the American Homebrewers Association's National Convention in Kansas City. I'm really looking forward to it, especially since I have an entry in the final round of the National Homebrew Contest, which will be held at the Convention. So Ray Badowski, our Secondary Fermenter, will ably chair that meeting. The style for the competition is German Wheat beers, hope you have a good one ready! Ray will also be doing a presentation and tasting on Brown Ales, so plan on being there.

Don't forget to call soon with your reservations for the Pub-Crawl. Be on the bus for a great time. See y'all there and keep those carboys bubbling.