Charlottesville Area Masters of Real Ale

Hey guys,
At the last meeting (July), I volunteered to discuss schwarzbiers at our next meeting.  Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to back out for this month. In fact, I won't be able to attend the August 5th meeting at all as I'll be in western Maryland then.  My brother who lives in California is visiting the east coast and I haven't seen him in a year and a half.  I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, but I just got word of his plans today. Any chance I could do schwarzbiers at September's meeting?  Again, sorry to throw this at you without more notice.
-Greg

I'm sorry to hear that, Spidey.  I'm sure we can do it in September, or later.

I'll throw this one out to the group, does anyone want to tackle a style for next month? (8/5/08)  Is there a style that you've brewed that is your passion?  Let us know quick if you are up to the challenge.

where and when are the meeting held? also do you allow guests to sit in your meeting?

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the Court Square Tavern (right off Charlottesville's Downtown Mall) unless we decide to change it the month before (plenty of notice is given.)  The next meeting is next Tuesday the 5th of August.

We welcome all new comers whether they are new to brewing, the club or both.

How about discussion some "fallish" beers in prep for the end of summer.  Something like Altbier, Kolsch, etc.

That would be of interest to a newbie like me.

I've already done a style so I don't wanna usurp the privilege, but I'll suggest that we discuss either Wiezenbock or Spiced Holiday Ale---and yes, I just brewed both of those. The reason I'm suggesting it is pretty much the reason I just brewed them: it's getting to be that time of year to brew these styles, IMHO. My taps have been flowing with golden- / yellow-colored low-ABV beers for the better part of the summer and fall calls for some deeper hues and richer beers. Come October, I'm ready for something like a Weizenbock; come mid-November, I start jonesin for some holiday beers. And those big-assed beers (my holiday ale started at 1.094) need more time to mellow and age before they're drinking well---this is doubly important when you have spices in the beer.

Just a thought. We could also discuss some nice fall-winter lagers like Vienna Lager or Bock/Dopplebock.

Great suggestions Evan and Will, and that is the way we are heading for this month. 

We want to talk about fall beers and what kind of things we ought to be brewing right now.  It is still miserably hot outside, but some of the beers that seem the least appetizing right now will taste wonderful if we brew them now and drink them when the leaves start to fall.

Please think about what beers you like to make for the fall and winter, and the secrets to your success.

Thanks to the folks who came out to our August meeting.  While fewer than usual, we had a nice discussion about the Albermarle County Fair results, feedback on beer in general, and what beer people are brewing in preparation for the fall and winter ahead.  I found the discussion on feedback to be very interesting, including why the "your beer is great" comments are not particularly helpful.