January 2010

Happy New Year Everybody!!

Well, here is the first newsletter of the year, the first since Alan gave up the mantle, and the first using the mailing list software I installed on the WSB server. Hopefully this doesn't end up in everyone's spam box, or worse yet blocked by their ISP. I set it up so everyone receives the HTML version of the newsletter. If you prefer plain text, use the link at the bottom to update your preferences.

-Brad Ginn

January Meeting Info

This month's meeting will be our annual Barleywine Meeting. Once again it will be held at Mary Earl's house on the Sunday of Martin Luther King Day weekend, which makes it the 17th this year. The meeting will go from Noon to 6 pm.

Bring any barleywines or strong/old ale type beers you'd like to share. As always home brewed beer of any style (but especially barleywines) are welcome.

Feel free to bring potluck type dishes that require minimal preparation/cleanup, and I'm sure Vic will be slaving away in the kitchen like he always does. At least I hope he will be.

If we are lucky, it will be 60° and sunny like last year and most of the meeting will be held outside. Remember that? Crazy.

We need hosts for upcoming meetings, starting with February. If you are interested in hosting, send me an email and we'll coordinate the details.

I've installed a new feature on the website. It is a recipe calculator and recipe/brew log storage database. It is called BrewBlogger and is free, open source software developed by a homebrewer named Geoff Humphrey. The software is pretty feature-rich and includes customizable databases of grain, hops, adjuncts and other ingredients, a full recipe calculator as well as other tools/calculators (bitterness, brewhouse efficiency, alcohol, strike temp, etc.). It allows you to create and store recipes, then import the recipes into a brew log to keep track of your brew session.

Anyway, check it out here. You'll have to register as a user to use the calculator and logging features, but you can view recipes and brew logs that are already in the database without an account. To register, just click "Join" in the menu bar and follow the directions.

If you have any problems with the software or have a feature request or suggestion for improvement, let me know. I've already customized it a little bit to (I think) make the navigation a little more intuitive and I wouldn't mind tweaking it more if required.

January is shaping up to be a big month for beer lovers. Of course the highlight is our barleywine meeting, but the next two weekends promise some great beer experiences as well:

2010 Belgianfest

Saturday, January 23, 2010
Session 1: 12-4pm
Session 2: 6-10pm

The Engine Room @ Georgetown Studios
5890 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108

Belgian style beer featuring Washington breweries

2010 Sixth Annual Strange Brewfest

Where the Wild Brews Are

At Water Street Brewing, 639 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA

Saturday January 30th (1-9PM)
Sunday, January 31st (1-6PM)

Over 30 Northwest Breweries
Live Music ALL Week-end
Sunday, at 3'ish - World Twang is Here with Tapwater
Costume Contest
Zany Games & Entertainment: fire dancers, jugglers, chainsaw carvers and much much more

Come as your own Wild Thing!

$25.00 Entry Fee (at the door)
avoid the lines - advance tix available at the Brewery on January 20th

Here are more upcoming beery events in the region:

Northern Lights Brewers Night @ Green Frog Cafe (Wednesday, January 13th, 6-9 p.m.)
Green Frog Cafe
902 N State St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 756-1213
www.acoustictavern.com
The fine folks from Spokane's Northern Lights Brewery will venture forth across the frozen Plains and over icy mountain passes to bring their tasty creations to the Wet Side. Come join these brave explorers and celebrate with special prices and free stuff.

Ellensburg's WinterHop BrewFest (Saturday, January 16th, 12-5 p.m.)
Downtown Ellensburg, WA
(509) 925-2002
www.ellensburg-chamber.com/events
Come and join 20 northwest breweries in several locations for a fun January Saturday event. Locations are in historic downtown Ellensburg. Tickets go on sale on December 1st.

Big Al Local Hero Vertical/Release Party @ Naked City (Tuesday, January 19th)
Naked City Taphouse
8564 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 838-6299
www.nakedcitybrewing.com

The Belgianfest (Saturday, January 23rd, 12-4pm & 6-10pm)
The Engine Room at Georgetown Studios
5890 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108
www.washingtonbeer.com

Elysian Brewers Night @ Green Frog Cafe (Wednesday, January 27th, 6-9 p.m.)
Green Frog Cafe
902 N State St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 756-1213
www.acoustictavern.com
Come join Seattle's powerhouse Elysian Brewery at the latest in the Green Frog's Brewers Nights. Expect a bunch of tasty beer (and possibly some surprises) from one of the PNW's leading breweries. As you might have guessed, there will also be free stuff.

Pike Old Bawdy Vertical Tasting (Sunday, January 31st)
Pike Brewery & Pub
1415 1st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
www.pikebrewing.com