F.O.R.D Crest Ye Olde Brew News F.E.R.A. Crest
October 2000 Fermental Order of Renaissance Draughtsmen Vol. 8 No. 10
In this issue:
October's Meeting

The next meeting will be held back at Sisko's in Taylor on Tuesday, October 24. Sisko's is located on Monroe (between Telegraph and Southfield), just south of Vanborn. Their address is 5855 Monroe and their phone number is 313-278-5340. Sisko's also has a website at http://www.siskos.com/. The competition for this October is stout. As usual, the thirsty hard-core who want dinner will start arriving around 5PM, people will drift in for an hour or so, and we will start our meeting around 6PM.

Message from the President
Al Czajkowski

Thought I would give everyone a heads up on my status. The first phase of my cancer treatments went extremely well. The original source tumor is no longer visible and the swollen lymph node has reduced almost to normal size. The doctors tell me that this type of response is the indicator of a full cure. I the gods are smiling on me, I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers which I am sure are helping. The current phase of my treatment is the roughest. I am receiving 3 more doses of Chemo along with daily (m-f) radiation. The radiation is the hard part, I have the equivalent of a serious sun burn on the inside of my throat. It makes swallowing extremely pain full. To combat the pain I have prescriptions for 2 types of morphine and the legal prescription extract of marijuana. I have yet to see how well it will hold me over, the pain is supposed to keep getting worse until the end of treatment on November 10. For now it is tolerable and I am continuing my work duties. Once this phase is complete I will get two more doses of another chemo drug in January and February, then go on a monitoring protocol. (if you don't like preaching, turn your filter on now) If you didn't know, the cancer I got is basically a smokers cancer. Based on what I'm going through, I can unequivocally say that just the chance of being afflicted with this illness is not worth any enjoyment anyone gets from any kind of smoking..... (end of preaching) Any way, thanks to everyone who is keeping the club going in my absence, the first round at the next meeting I get to (which may well be March next year), is on me....

Competition Results
Jim Racine

The winners from August's Lawnmower Beer Competition are:

Lawnmower Beer
Place Name Style
1 Kim and Bob Barret Honey Ale
2 Tony Tantillo Cherry Wheat
3 Tony Tantillo Wheat

September's Octoberfest and Vienna, Best of Fest competition gave the following results.

Octoberfest
Place Name Style Points
1 Jim Rice Octoberfest 36
2 Mike Arend Octoberfest 35

This October's competition will be stout, BJCP categories 12C & 16A-D .

12C. Russian Imperial Stout

Aroma: Fruity esters, reminiscent of dark fruit, merged with intense roastiness and maltiness. Hop aroma is usually also present.

Appearance: Very dark reddish-black color; opaque.

Flavor: Intensely fruity and malty, backed up by balancing roastiness and prominent hop bitterness and flavor. A "burnt currant" character may be present, along with a suggestion of cocoa or strong coffee. Alcoholic strength should be evident, along with a deep, complex malt flavor. The finish can vary from relatively dry to moderately sweet, usually with some lingering roastiness and warming character.

Mouthfeel: Very full-bodied and rich, with intense flavors and perceptible alcohol presence. Carbonation is relatively low.

Overall Impression: An intensely flavorful beer. Roasty, fruity, and bittersweet, with a notable alcohol presence. Dark fruit melds with roasty, burnt, almost tar-like sensations.

History: Said to be popular with the Russian Imperial Court.

Comments: Brewed to high gravity and hopping level in England for export to the Baltic States and Russia.

Ingredients: Well-modified pale malt, with generous quantities of roasted grain. Flavor and aroma hops should include English varieties for authenticity. Alkaline water would balance the abundance of acidic roasted grain in the grist.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.075-1.095+

IBUs: 50-90+ FG: 1.018-1.030+

SRM: 20-40 ABV: 8-12+%

Commercial Examples: Samuel Smith Imperial Stout, Courage Imperial Stout, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Rogue Imperial Stout, North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout, Victory Storm King.


16A. Dry Stout

Aroma: Coffee-like roasted barley and roasted malt aromas are prominent. Esters low to medium. Diacetyl moderate to none. Hop aroma low to none.

Appearance: Deep garnet to black in color. Clarity is irrelevant in such a dark beer. A thick, creamy, long-lasting head is characteristic.

Flavor: Moderate acidity/sourness and sharpness from roasted grains, and medium to high hop bitterness, provide a dry finish. Balancing factors may include some creaminess, moderate to low fruitiness, and medium to no diacetyl.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light to medium body, with a creamy character. Low to moderate carbonation.

Overall Impression: A very dark, roasty, bitter, creamy ale.

History: The style evolved from attempts to capitalize on the success of London porters, but originally reflected a fuller, creamier, more "stout" body. Modern versions are brewed from a lower OG and no longer reflect a fuller body than porters.

Comments: This is the draught version of what is otherwise known as Irish stout. Bottled versions are typically brewed from a significantly higher OG and may be considered foreign extra stouts.

Ingredients: The dryness comes from the use of roasted unmalted barley in addition to pale malt, moderate to high hop bitterness, and good attenuation. Flaked unmalted barley may also be used to add a creaminess. A small percentage of soured beer is sometimes added for complexity. Water should have high carbonate hardness.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.035-1.050

IBUs: 30-50 FG: 1.007-1.011

SRM: 35+ ABV: 3.2-5.5%

Commercial Examples: Guinness Draught Stout (also canned), Murphy's Stout, Beamish Stout.


16B. Sweet Stout

Aroma: Mild roasted grain aromas. Fruitiness can be low to high. Diacetyl medium to none. Hop aroma low to none.

Appearance: Very dark amber to black in color, which makes clarity essentially unimportant. Creamy head.

Flavor: Dark roasted grains and malts dominate the flavor as in dry stout, though there is medium to high sweetness. Hopping is moderate and tends to be lower than in dry stout, emphasizing the malt sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and creamy. Carbonation low to moderate.

Overall Impression: A very dark, sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty ale.

History: An English style of stout.

Comments: Gravities are low in England, higher in the exported product.

Ingredients: Lactose is sometimes added to provide additional residual sweetness. High carbonate water is all but essential.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.035-1.066

IBUs: 20-40 FG: 1.010-1.022

SRM: 35+ ABV: 3-5.6%

Commercial Examples: Mackeson's XXX Stout, Watney's Cream Stout, Samuel Adams Cream Stout, Tennent's Milk Stout.





16C. Oatmeal Stout

Aroma: Mild roasted grain aromas. Fruitiness should be low to medium. Diacetyl medium to none. Hop aroma low to none.

Appearance: Black in color. Thick creamy head. Dark color will likely obscure any clarity.

Flavor: Medium sweet to medium dry, with the complexity of dark roasted grains prominent. Medium hop bitterness with the balance toward malt. Diacetyl low to medium. May have a slight nuttiness.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, smooth, silky, with an oily or even mealy texture from the oatmeal.

Overall Impression: A very dark, full-bodied, roasty, malty ale.

History: A variation of sweet stout that is usually less sweet than the original.

Comments: Between sweet and dry stouts in sweetness.

Ingredients: Pale, caramel and dark roasted malts and grains. Oatmeal used to enhance fullness of body and complexity of flavor. Hops for bitterness only. Ale yeast. Water source should have some carbonate hardness.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.035-1.060

IBUs: 20-50 FG: 1.010-1.018

SRM: 35+ ABV: 3.3-6.0%

Commercial Examples: Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout, Young's Oatmeal Stout, Brew Moon Eclipse.


16D. Foreign Extra Stout

Aroma: Roasted grain aromas prominent. Fruitiness medium to high. Diacetyl low to medium. Hop aroma low to none. Occasionally has the aroma of alcohol.

Appearance: Very deep brown to black in color. Clarity usually obscured by deep color.

Flavor: Can range from sweet to dry, with roasted grain character obvious but not sharp. Fruitiness can be low to high, diacetyl medium to none. Hop bitterness can be medium to high.

Mouthfeel: Medium full body, creamy character. May give a warming impression.

Overall Impression: A very dark, moderately sweet, strong, roasty ale.

History: Originally high-gravity stouts brewed for tropical markets. Some bottled export versions of dry or sweet stout may also fit this profile.

Comments: These beers possess a stronger alcohol content than other stouts except the Imperial Stout.

Ingredients: Pale and dark roasted malts and grains. Hops for bitterness. Ale yeast.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.050-1.075

IBUs: 35-70 FG: 1.010-1.017

SRM: 35+ ABV: 5-7.5%

Commercial Examples: ABC Stout, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (bottled).


Brought to You by the Letter R!

Doug Geiss
from October 1993 Vol. 1 No 2

OK, I admit the name is not a pretty one, but I haven't come up with a good name for the newsletter yet, and I sure am open to suggestions, please!!! For those of you who missed the last meeting, we now have an official name, almost. After a lengthy voting session in which Beers 'n the Hood almost won (thanks to the bartender at TJ's for that suggestion) we came up with the Fermental Order of R.......? Draughtsman. (Get it, FORD, ha ha) Since it was a complete group drink tank, I mean think tank effort, we opened the bottle of Chimay and split it amongst all members who were there. As you can plainly see however, we never did decide what to do for the letter R. I will throw put some suggestions here, and urge you to come up with your own for the meeting. The list includes, but is not limited to the following: royal, regal, roasted, randy, rowdy, raunchy, raucous, renaissance, reckless, ragged, racy, random. I urge you to think about this one, because once we decide on the name, I'm sending it into Zymurgy and declaring us an official recognized club. In other words, Octobers meeting will be brought to you by the letter R, and the number 12, as in ounce ()

Short News Items

Gabrielle Palmer

Gabby has forwarded the following stories from the internet.

AMERICANS EMBRACE UKRAINE BEERS

Ukraine's breweries have found a new market -- the United States. The country's top two breweries -- the Kiev-based Obolon brewery and Zaporizhya's Slavutych brewery -- both entered the American beer market in the past year. The companies boast significant exports -- most of which supply a dedicated following of beer drinkers with Ukrainian roots. Immigrants of both Ukrainian, Russian and Jewish descent make up most of the drinkers. Beer from both breweries currently can be bought in about 20 states -- including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and California -- all of which have large populations of Ukrainian immigrants. Both breweries say that they will distribute in all 50 states and Canada by the end of 2001.

MEMBER OF ROYAL FAMILY CRITICIZES OKTOBERFEST

A descendant of the German royal family that launched Munich's Oktoberfest in 1810 criticized this year's organizers for turning the event into what he claims is a moneymaking exercise devoid of its Bavarian cultural heritage. Wittelsbach Prince Luitpold, a great grandson of the last King of Bavaria, Ludwig III, said: "If you go to the festival now there is little Bavarian music. In the beer tents you hear things like New York, New York, and there is barely a pair of lederhosen to be seen. How can you get a taste of typical Bavarian comfort if a table designed for eight is sold to 14?" Luitpold is also unhappy that his brewery is not allowed to sell beer at the event. Oktoberfest began Sept. 16 and ends Tuesday. Astrid Ganssen, an Oktoberfest spokesman, said: "We are on target to pass even last year's record, where 6.5 million litres of beer and 400,000 sausages were consumed. This year we hope for more visitors than ever."

BEER AS BRAIN FOOD?

The British Journal of Psychiatry reports research that shows that cutting blood pressure and drinking moderately, already shown to promote heart health, may also ward off the mental decline that comes with age. Researchers found that those whose blood pressure dropped over time were less likely than others to see their mental abilities decline. "I must say, this is good news," Dr. Jorge A. Cervilla said. Some studies have linked uncontrolled high blood pressure to mental decline, and some have suggested moderate drinking protects the brain; however, Cervilla said, it has been unclear whether these associations hold over the long term. Subjects in his study had their mental functioning re-tested 9 to 12 years after their original tests.

RESEALABLE BEER CANS TO LAUNCH IN EUROPE

German-owned Falcon Group has entered an agreement with Cetoni for the marketing rights to Cetoni's patented resealable beverage can. Falcon is expected to target the brewing industry with its marketing. The agreement contains several sales targets, the first of which calls for a signing of a supply agreement with a leading Western European brewery for a minimum of 200 million resealable beverage cans per year.

DIVERS RECOVER 120-YEAR-OLD BEER

Divers have recovered 150 bottles of beer that have been on the seabed for nearly 120 years off the coast of the Dutch island of Terschelling. The German and Norwegian beer was recovered from the wreck of the German schooner Lisette, which sank while heading for Africa and Peru in 1881. The divers say they do not know if the beer can still be drunk but hope to test it this winter.

ALL TOGETHER NOW: 99 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL...

Newcastle Brown Ale has designed an engaging twist on the popular, time-passing roadtrip ditty, "99 bottles of Beer on the Wall," with an online game and contest. The Shockwave game involves knocking 99 bottles off a virtual wall to reveal trivia questions from 11 fun- filled categories. "99 Bottles of Brown on the Wall" players are automatically entered into a drawing to fly to Las Vegas for a mid- December chance at a $150,000 Grand Prize. As in the real world contest, finalists will choose from one of 99 bottles on a wall, one of which earns the big bucks. Play the game at: http://www.newcastlebrown.com/promotions/99bottles/entertowin.html

COORS MAY NOT GET ACTUAL FINE FOR FISH KILL

More than 50,000 fish were killed by a 2,500-barrel beer spill from the Coors Brewing Co. plant into Clear Creek in August, but the Colorado Division of Wildlife indicates that the company might get off without a fine. Under state law, the company could be subject to $1.75 million in penalties, but Todd Malmsbury, a spokesman for the Division of Wildlife, said the agency would instead try to work with the brewery to improve fish habitat in the affected portion of the stream. The Colorado Water Quality Control Division is also evaluating what kind of penalty to impose against the company. "We will have an enforcement action," said Carla Lenkey, an industrial compliance and enforcement specialist in the division. "Instead of issuing a violation, we'll probably enter into a compliance order on consent with the company." Malmsbury said 50,422 fish were killed along 7.4 miles of stream by the spill, which wiped out virtually every fish in its path.

COORS GOES TO COURT ON MEXICAN BEER

Coors Brewing Co. finds itself lock in a trademark battle that has slowed its plans to begin selling a new brand of beer brewed in Mexico. Coors filed suit in U.S. District Court against, Dumex, a California company that claims it owns the trademark Coors wants to use. Coors said it has spent more than $2 million developing its "Mexicali beer business plan." Coors plans to market the Mexican beer in the United States under the names Mexicali and Bandido. Coors' Mexican beer would be produced by Cervacia Mexicali S.A. (Cermex) of Tecate, Mexico. Dumex first filed a lawsuit in state court in California against Cermex and a company known as the Cabo Group. Coors isn't named as a defendant, but Dumex obtained a court order requiring that anyone "acting in concert" with Cermex, such as Coors, stop using any of the trademarks relating to Mexicali and Bandido beer. Dumex's "ulterior purpose for using the state court proceeding in California is to exact a settlement from Coors, knowing that Coors is eager to launch and test the Mexicali beer product," Coors said in its complaint.

FIRES GUT TWO WASHINGTON HOPS WAREHOUSES

Two different fires in less than two weeks in Yakima, Wash., destroyed warehouses loaded with bales of hops. The loss of 3.5 million to 4 million pounds of hops when nationwide production is estimated at about 68 million pounds is significant, but it's too early to say what effect the fires will have on crop prices, Doug MacKinnon, director of the Yakima-based Hop Growers of America, said. "You hate to benefit from anybody else's misfortune, but this really is an industry that thrives on tragedy. Things like this cause movements that may benefit other people," he said. "It seems the prices have reacted positively to recent events." A Sept. 15 blaze at the Hollingbery and Son warehouse caused $5 million in damage. The second fire at the John I. Haas warehouse caused at least $2 million in damage, Yakima Fire Chief Al Gillespie said. The causes are under investigation, but spontaneous combustion in bales of resin-loaded hops is a storage problem. A year ago, fire gutted another Haas warehouse.

SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES BOOSTS PILSNER URQUELL'S PRICE IN U.S.

South African Breweries has raised the price of its Pilsner Urquell beer in the U.S. in an attempt to highlight the quality of the product. The boost makes Pilsner Urquell 10% more expensive than Heineken. SAB bought Pilsner Urquell last year and plans a new marketing push and new packaging for the brand starting early next year. The company is testing new product presentations such as twelve-packs, and is "showing a very good return." "The timing for Pilsner Urquell in the U.S. is tough: Heineken is everywhere, and if you turn on to any sporting event, all you see is Anheuser-Busch," said Paul Kirbabas, GM of United Distributors Inc. of Atlanta. Nonetheless, Pilsner Urquell sales have risen 35% in the past year.

UNIVERSITY RECREATES 2,700 YEAR-OLD BREW

University of Pennsylvania archaeologists have recreated an ancient brew of the Phrygians, a recipe that dates back 2,700 years. The beer - - called "King Midas Golden Elixir" -- "tastes like hard cider and sparkles like champagne" and is made by mixing fermented grape juice and beer, honey mead, herbs and spices. The Phrygians lived about 2,700 years ago in what is now Turkey. In 1957 archaeologists discovered the tomb of Midas, legendary king with "the golden touch," complete with his skeleton. A leftover libation from his funeral feast was discovered among the debris. Chemical analysis of the dregs in a leftover cup found in the tomb led to the recipe used to brew the beer. Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head brewery in Delaware helped the archaeological team with the brewing. "I was scared out of my pants," said Calagione. "There was no benchmark or precedent for this project -- anyone who'd had a benchmark for this brew was long dead." He gathered the ingredients from California, England, Italy and India, and made a test batch.

FINNISH COURT DENIES A-B EFFORT TO OUST BUDVAR BRAND

American brewing giant Anheuser-Busch had mixed success at best last month in its continuing battle with Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar. The Court of Appeals in Finland ruled that the Czech brewery can continue to use its registered trademark Budejovicky Budvar when selling the beer in Finland, although it cannot include Budweiser as part of its name. Anheuser-Busch, brewer of Budweiser, took court action against the Czech brewery with the following aims: to forbid Budweiser Budvar from marketing and selling its beer under the brand name Budejovicky Budvar and a ban on the use of the trade name Budweiser Budvar; receive damages totaling 10 million Finnish marks; force the destruction of goods, advertisements and other documents bearing the trademark Budejovicky Budvar; and receive payment for legal costs. The Finnish court ruled in favor of Budweiser Budvar on all counts with one exception: the Czech company, which is still state owned, cannot use the word Budweiser.

GUINNESS SALES DROP FIRST TIME IN 241 YEARS

Guinness beer sales apparently fell in 1999, the first decline in the 241 years since Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the famous Dublin, Ireland, brewery. Diageo, which owns the Guinness brand, is expected to report a drop of 3-4%. Analysts indicate that even though Guinness spends £200m a year on marketing that it is fighting a change in drinking habits among those in its home markets of Britain and Ireland. Lorna Harrison, editor of the trade magazine Publican, said: "There has been an explosion in the choice of beers available to drinkers, particularly with premium lagers and pre- prepared cocktails. This is accompanied by the fact that women are the growth area and they don't want to drink something like stout. It all adds up to a hard time for Guinness."

RETIREES WIN BATTLE FOR BEER IN PENSION PACKAGE

A German court in Erfurt has ruled that two retired brewery workers should receive 264 pints of free beer a year as part of their pension package and also receive back pay for three unpaid years worth of beer. The retirees spent three years in court fighting for the beer. The brewery originally promised workers and retirees 422 pints of free beer a year, but reneged after changing ownership.

MILD STYLE ALE HONORED AS BEST BEER IN BRITAIN

Moorhouse's Black Cat was chosen the best beer in Britain during judging by brewers, beer writers and journalists at the Great British Beer Festival in London. The mild beer is described in the 2000 Good Beer Guide as, "A smooth, well-balanced dark mild with a fruity aroma. Chocolate and coffee flavours complement the bitter roast character that lingers on into the aftertaste." The Burnley brewed ale was the first mild in 30 years chosen Champion Beer. The silver award went to TEA from Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, Surrey; the bronze to Yorkshire Terrier Bitter from York Brewery. The complete results are at: http://www.realbeer.com/news/articles/news-001293.html As one of the judges in the finals, Michael Jackson writes: "I loved its distinctively purply-ruby color; chocolatey aroma; and oily fullness of palate; but found its roasty dryness of finish slightly astringent." Read more about the beers in the final round at: http://www.beerhunter.com/documents/19133-001295.html

THOMAS HARDY'S ALE FACES EXTINCTION

Thomas Hardy's Ale, one of the most sought-after strong ales around, may be history. Phoenix Imports, which imports the beer, recently learned that the Thomas Hardy Brewery of Dorchester, England, ceased production of all Eldridge Pope brands. Pope began producing the beer in 1968, and it soon became a cult classic. Each vintage was blended from as many as six different brews and underwent three fermentations. In 1997, Eldridge Pope & Co. sold the Thomas Hardy Brewery to focus on its pubs and wine imports. When Phoenix placed its order for the 2000 vintage, company president George Saxon was told that "because of major changes which have taken place within the Eldridge Pope Management team, Thomas Hardy (Brewery) has ceased production of their major brands. Therefore, Hardy's Ale is no longer available." Phoenix then initiated talks with Eldridge Pope, which retains ownership of the brand, about finding another brewer to produce the beer. Pope has indicated interest, but while talks continue it is obvious there will not be time to brew a 2000 vintage.

A-B TAKES AIM AT KILLIAN'S

Anheuser-Busch is testing a red lager beer in Grand Rapids, Mich., and could make the beer a national product by next year. "Advertising Age" reports that Killarney is brewed with Irish whiskey and brewers malts. It will compete with George Killian's Irish Red Lager, marketed by Coors Brewing Co. Killian's is the No. 2 domestically brewed "superpremium regular" beer, after A-B's Michelob. A-B started testing Killarney's on tap in late February. It reportedly plans to expand the test later this year, including a bottled product. A-B launched three reds beers in 1994 -- Red Wolf Lager, Elephant Red and Elk Mountain Red Lager -- but since dropped the latter two.
Unclassifieds

Welding Services


Dave Cords

Tony, Just was wondering if you could put this in the newsletter. Last week I ran into Troy Terwilliger, a welder, at the Bonfire Bistro. Apparently he was there to make some repairs. After talking with him about making beer kegs into brewing vessels he stated that he did do that. His charge is $80.00(You supply the keg!). For this he will cut the top and deburr it, add a 3" 1/2 nipple and Stainless steel ball valve and also add a 1/2 nipple for a thermometer well. He stated that he does do sanitary stainless welding. He can be reached at pager 229-9500 or office/fax at 327-0944. I didn't get the area code but I believe that he is located in Lansing. He does have an ad in the Michigan Beer Guide. T

Refrigerator


Chris Frey

My friend from the Motorcycle Club has a fridge for sale - call if interested... I have an old refrigerator in excellent operating order similar to the one in your garage that would be ideal for a cold beer tap. It's one of those old uprights with the rounded heavy gauge steel one-piece door with a large horizontal lever that latches the door shut (now illegal). It has a mini ice-box freezer in the upper right corner that could be easily removed if desired. Do you think there would be any interest from any members in the Ford Homebrewers Club that might want to purchase said refrigerator for $50? George M. Adams
Vehicle Operations General Office
Final Assembly Manufacturing Engineering
CAL-1 Blackwood Program
Phone: 313-621-4624

Wanted: Cider and Root Beer Donations

Theresa Young

Wanted: Cider and Root Beer Donations to serve up to 50 at the following event: "TRY ONE ON FOR SIZE" Detroit Metro Soap Box Derby Family Open House & Informational Meeting" Wednesday, November 8, 2000 at 6pm in the Motorsports Museum & Hall of Fame of America. (Just off Novi Rd., West of I-275, South of I-696/I-96.) Park near and enter just under the Novi Expo Center's Water Tower. R.S.V.P. by e-mail to tyoung7@ford.com or 734-458-0073 Please give the name and number attending for refreshments purposes, please.

Mark your calendars to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, November 8 at the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Novi. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., cars will be available for kids to try on for size and get an idea of what zooming down the track could be like! You can talk to some derby parents, and meet the kids who race. If you've imagined participating in a sport that is fun and rewarding for the entire family, look no further. The Derby offers kids, ages 8 to 16, a chance to build and race their own cars. It teaches team spirit, sportsmanship, and self-esteem; not to mention fine motor skills, blueprint reading, and how to focus, set, and meet goals and deadlines. It offers fresh air, sunshine, new friends and fun! If your child could benefit from these experiences, or just loves racing, then consider the "thrill of the hill." Organization Information: The Detroit Metro Soap Box Derby is a non-profit Michigan Organization. It is Title sponsored nationally by the All American Soap Box Derby and Goodyear. Current local sponsors are Alias/Wavefront, MSX International, and Visteon. Atomic Abacus, Auto Zone (collectibles), Ideal Steel, Reece, and Roush Industries are current Associate sponsors. With Volunteer cooperation from Ford Motorsports Enthusiasts, Detroit Region SCCA, the Motorsports Museum & Hall of Fame of America, UAW Local 182, Ford PTO ATO, and JTK Designs (our DMSBD Webmaster). For more information, call the Detroit Metro Derby Director, Mark West at 248-614-6246, or e-mail to mark@detroitderby.org. Or, call "The Official DMSB Derby Lady" Theresa Young at 734-458-0073, or e-mail to tyoung7@ford.com. Check out our website: www.detroitderby.org

AHA Club Competition 2001
Jim Racine

The AHA has announced the dates for its club only competitions.

AHA Competitions
January Dunkel and Schwarzbier Early February due date
February Stout Late March due date
April Bockanalia Late May Due Date
June Wit Late August due date
July Lawnmower Late August due date
August California common Due Early October
October Mild Due early December
November's Competition

November's competition is something completely different, historical beers. The recent special September/October issue of Zymurgy was devoted to historical beers. The Classic American Pilsner actually has a BJCP category, 1C devoted to it, and its description is given below.

1C. Classic American Pilsner

Aroma: Low to medium clean, grainy and sweet maltiness may be evident. Medium to high hop aroma, often classic noble hops. No fruitiness or diacetyl. Some "cooked-corn" aroma due to DMS may be noticeable.

Appearance: Light to gold color. Substantial, long lasting head. Bright clarity.

Flavor: Medium to high maltiness similar to the Bohemian Pilsners but somewhat lighter due to the use of up to 30% flaked maize (corn) used as an adjunct. Slight grainy sweetness from the use of maize with substantial offsetting hop bitterness. Medium to high hop flavor from noble hops. Medium to high hop bitterness. No fruitiness or diacetyl.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and rich, creamy mouthfeel. Medium to high carbonation levels.

Overall Impression: A substantial Pilsner that can stand up to the classic European Pilsners, but exhibiting the native American grains and water available to German brewers who initially brewed it in the USA. Refreshing, but with the underlying malt and hops that stand out when compared to other modern American light lagers. The maize presents a unique grainy sweetness that is indicative of the style.

History: A version of Pilsner brewed in the USA by immigrant German brewers who brought the process and yeast with them when they settled in America. They worked with the ingredients that were native to America to create a unique version of the original Pilsner. This style died out with Prohibition but was resurrected as a home-brewed style by advocates of the hobby.

Comments: The classic American Pilsner was brewed both pre-Prohibition and post-Prohibition with some differences. OGs of 1.050-1.060 would have been appropriate for pre-Prohibition beers while gravities dropped to 1.044-1.049 after Prohibition. Corresponding IBUs dropped from a pre-Prohibition level of 25-40 to 20-35 after Prohibition.

Ingredients: Six-row barley with 20% to 30% flaked maize to dilute the excessive protein levels. Native American hops such as Clusters or traditional noble German hops. Modern Hallertau crosses (Ultra, Liberty,Crystal) are also appropriate.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.044-1.060

IBUs: 25-40 FG: 1.010-1.015

SRM: 3-6 ABV: 4.5-6%

Commercial Examples: None.


Beer Events, Meetings & Competitions
Gabrielle Palmer

Fermental Funny

from Al Czajkowski

Jim Racine alerted me to this invention by Randall Flan of Milwaukee, WI. Randall has received a U.S. Patent for "a new liquid dispensing device designed to be worn on the head."

New Invention

Ye Olde Brew News
published by the F.O.R.D. Homebrew Club
Editor:
Tony Tantillo

Contributors:
Al Czajkowski
Dave Cords
Doug Geiss
Gabrielle Palmer
Jim Racine
Tony Tantillo
Chris Frey
Theresa Young

Club Officers:
Al Czajkowski, President
Jim Racine, Vice President
Howard Klix Jr., Secretary
Chris Frey, Treasurer
Tony Tantillo, Newsletter Editor
Gabrielle Palmer, Webmaster
Sue Merritt, Photographer/Historian/Beer Mooch
Mike Arend, Librarian
Jim Rice & Tyler Barber, Special Events Coordinators
Tyler Barber, Equipment Manager
Rich Byrnes, Business Manager

F.O.R.D. is a private, non-profit organization of homebrewers. The main goal of this club is to promote awareness and appreciation of the quality and variety of beer; to share information regarding technique, equipment and skill required to brew quality homemade beer; and to encourage responsible use of beer as an alcohol-containing beverage.

Correspondence should be directed to:
Howard Klix Jr.
24737 Cushing Ave
Eastpointe, MI 48021

Phone: 810-779-1445
Email: raistlin01@home.com

Visit our website at: http://www.be.ford.com/brewers/
or external to Ford at: http://hbd.org/ford/

current circulation... 125