Times they are a Changing

Welcome to a new FROTH that wants to be read on your phone, your laptop or your home computer. No more pinch and zoom. As always, I’m interested in hearing your feedback at the next meeting.

Three Cheers for West Sixth

The August BOCK meeting was held at West Sixth, where members dabbled, sipped and sniffed beers, meads and ciders of all types. Thanks to the great folks at West Sixth for being awesome in all ways possible. And last checked Adam Stitzer’s West Sixth Brewoff Brett Saison was still on tap and tasty. Go check it out if you haven’t already!

Mash Madness

The inaugural bracket-style brewing competition, Mash Madness, gets underway at the next meeting on Sept 10, when styles will be assigned. Registration is open until Sept 7. There will be a one-time $10 registration fee per individual or team. The first three rounds will be based on BJCP style guides, with round 1 consisting of American Ales. Rd 1 turn in will be at the November meeting. Rounds will conclude every two months with a judging session at a BOCK meeting. This is sure to be an interesting and fun event for the next few months. Signup form is here. Read the full rules right here, and the full list of styles per round right here.

Some Science for Ya’ll

A perk of judging Beer and Sweat this year was an informative presentation given by Jose Pizarro, a representative from Lesaffre, the parent company behind Fermentis and Safale dry yeast. It was a convincing argument for using dry yeast for standard ales and lagers. Two main reasons are shelf life and ease of pitching. Dry yeast has a shelf life of several years with little degradation of viability, and despite what the internet says, does not require re-hydration prior to pitching. The deck shows results from numerous experiments to support this. So if you are looking for another way to simplify brew day, skip the starters and just toss in some dry yeast in the wort. Here is the slide deck for you to download.

Officer Elections

At the December meeting the club will be holding that final officer elections of the year. Up for election will be Secondary Fermenter (VP), Scribe and Event Coordinator. The current officers have been taking efforts to make this transition smooth. Please give consideration to running for one of these positions. The club thrives on participation from all members. Also up for election will be another Director position, which is a non-officer position with voting rights in officer decisions. If you have any questions about any of these positions grab an officer and ask away.

BJCP Classes

The wait is almost over. There will be another round of BJCP training classes starting in October, provided again by the brave and tireless Ben Hoh. The classes will occur once a month for approximately 12 months, culminating in the survivors taking the online test, and then a proctored tasting exam. Participation in the class will cost $100 for first-timers, which covers all costs associated with class materials and exam cost. It will be $75 for second-timers. Seat priority will be given to first-timers. Wait for details to be made available soon.

Barrel Project

The last of the previous year’s Barrel-aged Barleywine has been dumped, freeing up the barrel for purchase within the club. Be on the lookout for the announcement of this barrel being available for purchase at the next meeting.

BOCKtoberfest

The annual fall celebration known as BOCKtoberfest is scheduled for October 13th, the weekend before the Iron Mash. This event has become known as the big bash of the year, with Dirk Franzen once again, hosting the event at his property. Bring beer, a tent and your endurance for a night of eating, tasting and hanging. And be sure to thank Dirk for bravely hosting this fantastic event for a second time.

Iron Mash

The annual BOCK Iron Mash will be held at Rock House Brewing on October 20th, a Saturday. The event was moved from a Sunday based on popular vote held at the last meeting. Details will be announced as we get closer.

Beer and Sweat

Once again Beer and Sweat proves itself to be a highlight of the competition season. Not only does the keg-only competition deliver consistently solid entries, but the streamlined judging and after-party make for a night to remember…mostly. Congrats to BOCK’s own Dirk Franzen for bringing home a 2nd-place medal in the American Ale category with an American Pale Ale.

Adult Learning Center

The Adult Learning Center at the Midway Branch of the Woodford County Library has asked BOCK to give an educational presentation on homebrewing. The presentation will take place on January 17th at 6:30 PM. If you would like to give the presentation or participate in creating the presentation, please see Ben Hoh.

KY State Fair

Congrats to all the winners of the KY State Fair’s homebrew competition. Thanks to everyone who entered for representing BOCK at the State level. The full list of winners can be found here.

Mirror Twin Twingrass Brew-off

Mirror Twin’s second-annual homebrew competition is happening on September 8th, this Saturday at 8 AM. Signups are on the day of the event. Entry cost is $20, which covers your base malt, a beer and a lunch from rolling oven. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winning brewers. Turn-in will be on Oct 21. See the Facebook event page for more details.

Winner’s Circle