Do you like to talk about beer? Do you like to home brew? Want to meet the latest local group of home brewers? Come out and join us December 15th at the Trinity Brewhouse in Providence RI, to talk about beer and everything else related. If you have any questions before the meeting please email us meeting@ribrewingsociety.com or check the Facebook Event page for details. Look forward to seeing you all.

This weekend the RIBS gang and I took a trip over the Newport Storm Brewery, in their not so new location. The last time I was there they were still getting settled in and that was almost a year ago at this point. We snapped a few pictures and have posted them in the photo gallery. If you would like to know more about Newport Storm Brewery and their distillery please check out the Coastal Extreme Brewing website.

I think that there is some kind of selective bane that happens to follow me and only manifests when least expected. I’m referring to having conversations with various folks and, unequivocally, conversation turns towards homebrew – not by my choice, necessarily (usually, I mention being in the tech biz: “Oh! So could you look at my phone? It’s doing this weird thing…”).  When the topic comes up, it is typically inconceivable to many people that they can have their ale-cake and drink it too. I’m often given stunned looks and asked how I could justify such a ridiculous activity – why would I want to homebrew? After taking a moment to think of a polite response in place of a comment comparing their face to something unpleasant, I answer with a few simple questions: when was the last time you have ever had a refreshing brew that is bursting with flavor? When have you known exactly what ingredients were used? How many times have you had some folks at your home and shared some of the best beer you’ve ever had over some laughs?

The answers are typically blank stares. It has been my experience in speaking with many folks that they have no shortage of beer to imbibe, but these brews are missing the incomparable qualities of homebrew beers. Chances are, large, domestic breweries supply the beers that my partners in conversation tend to drink. Quantity over quality.

While there is no guarantee that the homebrewer will save money with respect to crafting their own beers, there is no substitution the quality that can be had even by the most inexperienced novice. The up-front cost for brewing equipment and supplies may seem steep to some – fermentation vessel, bottles and bottling equipment, kettle, etc.are all required before being able to brew. This should be of little concern as repeating the brewing process will eventually pay for itself. Following the decanting and subsequent tasting of your first brew, you find that there is something to be said for having the satisfaction of being able to create exactly what you want :the tastiest, most wholesome brews to be had at their prime.

If what I have written is not important to you, realize this: homebrewing has been a part of American culture since the 16th century – today, most states in the US allows for 100 gal of beer to be produced annually, per adult over the age of 21 yrs but not exceeding 200 gal per household. Famous brewers include the likes of George Washington, the epitome of American patriotism. If you don’t homebrew for yourself, do it for George – DO IT FOR AMERICA.

I am a huge fan of using local resources for pretty much anything, particularly foods. Farmer’s markets, while there is a slight additional expense, tend to have significant improvement in quality of product over big-box shops. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, try something simple like a carrot from a local venue – they are spicy, sweet and worlds above anything you could get at most supermarkets. Not only is the quality better, it is nice to invest in my community – hopefully, that will translate to better pricing and even better quality in the future.

So why not apply this concept to homebrew? I have to admit, I have been brewing for some years and the thought really only occurred to me recently. The Northeast does not strike me as an area that is known for its grain – that is, there seem to be a great deal of local farms that offer feed for livestock, but not barley for brewing*. However, hops is a totally different story. You think I’m crazy? I’ve had enough luck to be pleasantly surprised by finding Ocean State Hops, a small farm located in Southern RI. Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it, you haters.

OSH was founded a couple of years ago on the premise that brews need better and more hops, so they decided to start growing and harvesting their own flowers.Charged by their success, the folks at OSH decided to expand their operation to supply other brewers hops varieties that include Cascade, Chinook, and Newport.

I just missed the 2011 harvest by a couple of weeks, and that is really disappointing because – wait for it – OSH offered a “pick-your-own” (wet hops, anyone?). I also missed some of the tours that were going on during the actual harvest, which in itself, would have been great to be a part. I guess there’s always next year.The online shop is still open, of course, so I can take solace in at least being able to order some varieties. I can’t wait to see the improvement to one of my Bitter Red recipes and to do a little experimentation. I’m thinking the holidays are going to be extra delicious this year.

While OSH has not had this season’s harvest analyzed, you can find the standard characteristics of the varieties grown at the USA Hops website. Feel free to check out the OSH website and blog http://oceanstatehops.com/ which is a delightful melange of beefcake photos and farm happenings (sorry, ladies – Matt is already taken).

*Are you a local grower of grains that could be used in homebrew or know someone that is? Holler at me, ya’ll!

mmm, delicious

Autumn happens to be one of my four favorite seasons. Scorching days, biting insects, beach traffic that congests streets, and perspiring profusely while attempting to stay completely motionless is replaced with hiding the lawnmower in place where men fear to tread and cool, slow evenings. Neighbors seem to sense a relief, also – grimaces that serve as a warning even more convincing than a rattlesnake’s raspy buzz, turns to a polite nod – sometimes we even make eye contact. Scents reminiscent of moist earth and spices glide on gentle breezes partnered with the occasional wood smoke from a hearth. The foliage transitions form deep greens to yellows, reds, and browns – a reflection in the kinds of beers that I’ll start to brew for the season, and also some of the most anticipated. Yup, I love Fall.

In the same way that slow roasted meats and fresh breads like banana, and pumpkin bring deep satisfaction in the preparation and consuming, brewing a nicely hopped brown ale and a velvety, sweet stout is like having a heaping pile of mashed potatoes, dripping with butter, mounded onto your plate – you know it’s going to be awesome. A darker beer may be more heavily bodied (depending on the recipe, of course) but still carries refreshment for the body, as well as, for the mind. Pairing a stout with a fatty comfort entree is heaven for me, and I can stay in heaven with my silky, black angel through dessert and the remainder of the evening. Now that I think about it, I really don’t have any instance in a 24 hour period when I can’t have some stout.

Please take my advise – brew a darker beer this fall – even if it is the only time you ever will. I wager that your heart will grow four sizes that day, and when it does, let us raise our pints and toast the harvest season and all the amazing foods for feast that it brings.

While exhibiting at Maker Faire RI, I had a couple approach me and ask about mead. They had some  bee hives on their property and apparently too much honey (I guess it was possible). It wasn’t until well after the Faire I realized I should have tried to buy some off of them.

So to make up for my lack of vision, I will put out an open call for some local honey. If you have more than you know what to do with and are in the Providence RI/MA/CT area, I would love to hear from you and maybe we can take some off your hands for a fair price. Contact me at chris@ribrewingsociety.com

We have been busy putting together a meeting schedule, so that will be posted some time shortly. I just wanted to check and see who was going to be going Beervana in RI this year. We will be there sampling, for more information click the link below.

Thanks to everyone that came to see us at maker faire 2011. There was a lot of interest in RIBS, if you have questions or want to grab a pint please send requests to Charlie@ribrewingsociety.com or Chris@ribrewingsociety.com. Check back for meeting updates.

Thanks!
RIBS Team