April,
2005
Mystic Krewe of Brew
April,
2005
Mystic Krewe of Brew
Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2005
The April meeting was held at the Columbia Tap Room. President Calvin Moorman called the meeting to order with Vice President Jason Hayes, Treasurer Mike Owings and Secretary Larry Hartzog in attendance.
The president initiated the toast to beer purity and welcomed guest Ralph, Erin Pierce (who later became a club member) and old time member “In Absentia” Ernie Busby. Mike Owings presented the Treasurers’ report and provided it for members to for review. Prior to expenses the treasury had $2,332.00 and the books were closed after expenses with a balance of $2,229.50 as of the current date. The treasurer’s report was reviewed and accepted by the membership. Larry Hartzog noted minutes had been provided to members through the MKOB announce site. The secretary made a call for questions, additions, corrections or clarifications of the minutes. No comments were received and the membership accepted minutes as presented electronically and Larry provided the hard copy to the president.
Old Business: Anniversary party gets ok for the Moorman Brew Shed but discussion of dates and type of event was deferred to a later date.
New business: Larry took final orders for T- Shirts. A club Pub-crawl was discussed for New Orleans. Everyone agreed it would probably be an 8-hour event. Ideas ranged from just pub visits to a combination of pub visits and brewery tours. South shore members would like to include a pick up stop at Lakeside Shopping Center. Larry explained that the contact he had made needed to know the time, date and hours needed before we could get a firm price for the bus. Larry and Calvin agreed to work on the pub-crawl options and explore vanpool options as well. Larry suggested that club members pay a per head price in advance that would be returned if members show up for the pub-crawl.
Zea's U.K. Competition will be held May 21. Patrick O’Neil called for help with judging. Judges need to be at Zea’s for 8AM. Bagels and etc. will be served for those who help with the judging. Patrick explained that judges should hold off on beer and strong or spicy foods prior to judging. As noted last month entries must be turned in to Zea’s by May 7. No fee must use 3 plain brown bottles.
Calvin asked for final commitments for brewers and help with the WYES Beer Tasting Saturday, June 4 from 6-8pm.
Dis and Dat: Several of the MKOB members attended Brewmeister Heinrick Orylick’s grand opening for his Heiner Brau Brewery in Covington on May 1st. The brewery and brew museum are in place but no beer is currently being produced due to delays in receiving equipment. Heinrick wanted to reserve May 1st the traditional day for rolling out the MAI Bock in Germany as his opening day. Thanks to brewmeister Gary Fritze of Gordon Biersch, all enjoyed Mai Bock and Schwartz bier. Heinrick encouraged all brewers or people interested in brewing to come by and learn about the brewing process. He eventually hopes to have an authentic German beer garden where you bring the food or order from nearby restaurants and drink his beer.
Thanks to Dan Stein for his part as one of the Soldiers in the “BEER WARS” Check out Dan’s post below: GOOD BEER IS COMING YALL.
The climate is changing before our eyes.
You see the beer selections at Martin Wine Cellar and other stores -- like Cork and Bottle, Bacchanal, and Whole Foods.You also see the beer selections at area bars improving: DBA, The Delachaise, Cafe Decatur, Cooter Browns, The Bulldog.
You see a front page article in the Lagniappe section of the Times Picayune devoted completely to beer. Things are definitely changing . . . for the better.
1. New Beers in the Market
We are now reaping the benefits of Glazer's big trade with Crescent Crown. You should recall from an earlier beer mail that Glazer gained local distribution rights to several solid breweries (most notably Anchor and Sierra Nevada). Glazer has taken advantage of this opportunity and brought in some seasonal beers and other beers that have not seen our market in a while.
Already in the market for a couple weeks:
Sierra Nevada Summerfest -- Lager
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/3558/?sort=topr&start=0
http://ratebeer.com/Ratings/beer/beer-Ratings.asp?BeerID=369&Show=0&SortedBy=2
Sierra Nevada Wheat
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/282/?sort=topr&start=0
http://ratebeer.com/Ratings/beer/beer-Ratings.asp?BeerID=368&Show=0&SortedBy=2
NEW IN THE MARKET STARTING TODAY:
Anchor Liberty Ale
Anchor Porter
Our prayers have finally been answered.
As you have probably noticed, Glazer has also brought Flying Dog to the market:
Tire Bite Golden Ale
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/68/2151/?sort=topr&start=0
http://ratebeer.com/Ratings/beer/beer-Ratings.asp?BeerID=687&Show=0&SortedBy=2
In-Heat Wheat
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/68/2249/?sort=topr&start=0
http://ratebeer.com/Ratings/beer/beer-Ratings.asp?BeerID=10811&Show=0&SortedBy=2
Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/68/1213/?sort=topr&start=0
http://ratebeer.com/Ratings/beer/beer-Ratings.asp?BeerID=683&Show=0&SortedBy=2
There are also some assorted 12-packs that contain the India Pale Ale, among other beers.
Bravo to Glazer for stepping up.
2. Glitch in Distribution Fixed
As I mentioned in my last Beer Mail, the distributor of several of my high end Belgian beers (http://www.specialtybeer.com/) dropped the ball. Fortunately, another distributor, International Wine and Spirits stepped in and picked up the beers.
If you have not tried these beers (http://www.specialtybeer.com/), you must try some of them. You have no idea what you are missing. Although a little pricey, several of these beers are the world's best for their styles.
3. Raise your glasses
http://www.slate.com/id/2117896/?GT1=6443
Tangible proof that we are winning?
4. Domestic Craft Brews
Thank you for your suggestions.
I got some solid leads (i.e. Avery). I forwarded them to International Wine and Spirits.
Let's cross our fingers.
5. Scratching Backs
One of my favorite beer salesmen, Paul Calecas, arguably the most knowledgeable beer salesman in the city, left Glazer for International Wine and Spirits. International's beer portfolio is on the eclectic side.
Although Paul was handed certain accounts, he really needs to add more accounts to make a decent living. If you know of any new bars or stores or existing bars or stores whose beer selection needs a face lift, please drop me a line.
I especially expect to hear from you guys on the Northshore who are always carping about your beer selection. This is your chance to get some good beers on your side of the Lake.
6. Inventory
I need to move the following beers:
Anchor Xmas (4 cases -- we ordered too much).
Fantome Ete and Fantome Automne -- Let me know if you are interested in these beers. I will grab some from upstairs -- some that have not been cooked under the store lights.
Cantillon -- The store -- without my input -- recently put all the Cantillon beers on the closeout rack and marked them down close to cost. If you like these beers, now is you chance to purchase them.
Kasteel Tripel and Donker
Auctions and Raffles: Thanks again to Jim Boucher for the Scotch and Patrick O’Neil for the 25 # of two row for the auction. The raffle went well with Larry winning the Scotch and Casey being the proud winner of the two row.
Show and tell: None
Great beers were enjoyed by all. The beers ranged from Belgian golden ales, Dortmunder, IPA, amber ales, wee heavy Scottish ales, chocolate raspberry stout, and many others. Sorry if I left any out but all were good. I really have to get those beer sign up shets before I have enjoyed to many beers.
For T-Shirts & Dues send money to:
2005 Dues ($20.00) are due. If not attending meeting make checks payable to MKOB and send to
Mike
Owings
MKOB Treasurer
18 Glen Loop
Covington La. 70435
BEER TRIVIA: In 1965, a Belgian royal decree mandated that lambics must contain a minimum of 35% wheat. It also ordered that labels state the name and location of the brewery.
Fermentably Yours,
Larry Hartzog