We have been keeping busy as the weather turns colder again. Here are some updates for our events and activities.

Recent Activities

Big River Brew Fest

On a windy and cold day in October, the NBA was able to participate again in the Eastside Neighborhood Services annual Big River Brew Fest annual fundraiser. This was a record-breaking year for attendance and our booth had quite a few visitors — and return visitors looking for the special brews from previous years. This year included Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milk Brown, Oreo Milk Porter, Apple Cinnamon Amber, and barrel-aged Lambic and Flanders — among others. This is always a great time for the club and we are looking forward to next year already!

All-Grain Partial Boil

The November education topic was a presentation by Chris on how he follows an all-grain partial boil strategy for his quick indoor brews. Although this causes a hit to efficiency, this is easily remedied with a little extra grain. Diluting the wort with clean water in the fermenter, he can brew in the kitchen and keep going on cold winter days. The presentation will be made available through the normal club channels.

Barrel Transfer

After aging to get the oak and bourbon flavors into the beer, a Foreign Export Stout was pulled out of the club Dickel barrel and a new Barley Wine was put in. The barrel program is one of the core programs within the club and there was good turn-out from those who pulled out, brewed to refill, and spectators alike.

Next month two new Four Roses barrels will be filled with a huge Imperial Stout to start them off right! The Barrel Committee is keeping an eye out for additional barrels to keep the rotation

Upcoming Plans

NBA Homebrew Competition

The annual NBA Homebrew Competition is fast-approaching with entries filling up. Everyone is welcome to enter and we expect more great beers. Volunteers for judging and stewarding are also open and we are looking for all levels of experience. Check out the competition page for more information on how to enter or volunteer!

Entries are due at the drop-off or mail-in locations by Friday, November 30, so act fast!

Winter party in January

The annual Winter party is now scheduled for January with the High Gravity Club Competition (8% and higher on the honor system) and elections for the Vice President, Communication Director, and Finance Director positions. All members are welcome to join with the final details on time and location being sent out soon.

Upcoming Education

December: Baltic Porter

Next up in the Explore A Style series is Baltic Porter with homebrew and commercial examples available during the presentation. This porter with lager yeast is a unique and uncommon style, so this education topic will hopefully shine some light for the club.

January: Mighty Axe and Comet Hops

We were able to recently coordinate a Group Buy event with Mighty Axe Hops growing in Foley, MN, for a bunch of Comet hops. These will be brewed into various styles for the January meeting where Ben from Mighty Axe will be stopping by to talk about hop farming and the company — and to taste the beers with us.

New and Noteworthy

Membership Changes for 2019

All memberships are becoming household memberships! This will allow the partners of members to join meetings, parties, and events with the club at no additional cost. Please reach out if you have any questions — or join us at a meeting or taproom to learn more!

For announcements of the monthly Taproom Takeover, monthly recap of recent events, and announcements for upcoming events, keep an eye on this space and our social media sites on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Come join us and chat about beer and brewing!

Cheers!