Local homebrewer Al came to share that he would like to donate his homebrew equipment to the Sudzers, including keggles, cooler mash tun, carboys, and corny kegs. Robert C will send out a spreadsheet later this month to allow members to claim one item apiece on a first come, first served basis, and Al will bring the equipment to the April meeting for distribution.
Congratulations to 2022 Sudzers Homebrewer of the year Mikael Hakansson, who gets to be the proud keeper of the very large Sudzers cup trophy, featuring a new engraved nameplate with his name, for the next year (and he got to take it home on Caltrain, which must have been fun!)
Mikael also presented our off-flavor of the month, eugenol, which gives beers a spicy or clove flavor. May be desirable in some styles, but certainly not all.
Derek W shared details about the upcoming Santa Clara County Fair homebrew competition, which will be held in July, and which the Sudzers organize with The Grain Trust. Judging will be conducted on Saturday, July 22 at the Fairgrounds. Mark your calendars now if you might be interested in judging or stewarding (no experience necessary, although it helps), and a formal call for judges will go out in the next few weeks.
Steins has decided to cancel their homebrew competition for this year, although we may help them organize it for 2024.
Robert C provided an informative presentation (with tasting samples) of the IPL/Cold IPA/West Coast Pilsner/Hoppy lager styles. Slides will be shared on the Sudzers website when available.
Allen M and Chris T shared stories of the adventures in brewing and canning this year’s club brew, a Dark Winter Ale/Biere de Noel/Biere de Garde based on Robert R’s recipe. An allocation of three 16 ounce cans was distributed to each 2023 paid Sudzers member at the meeting. For remaining members, allocations will be available for pickup at the April and May meetings, after which you will need to make arrangements to pick your cans up from Derek in Redwood City. If you would prefer to get your cans from Derek rather than waiting for the club meeting, please email him at derek@sudzers.org.
Homebrew tastings:
| 1 | Derek W | Plan Bee Batch 5 | Honey Kolsch |
| 2 | Kevin S | JAKs strong bitter | strong bitter |
| 3 | Mikael | JB3 | Cold IPA |
| 4 | Kevin S | Afternoon Delight | Session IPA |
| 5 | Adam | Hoppy brown lager | Brown lager? |
| 6 | Derek W | Boonoonoonoos Stout | Tropical Stout |
| 7 | Derek W | Cherry Apple Cider | Cider |
| 8 | Club Brew | Biere de Noel | Dark Winter Ale |