Attention So. Cal Members

[jsmurphy]

Lucky Baldwins in Pasadena is having a Belgian Xmas Beer Fest Sat. Dec. 6- Sun. Dec. 21.

David will have a variety of Belgian Noel beers on tap.

Cheers...

[hopjack13]

the 13th? we're there!

[jsmurphy]

I'm scheduled to be working that weekend, out of town. But if it changes I'll be there for sure.

I may have to swing by the 6th and check it out since I can't make it down to the Strong Ale Fest in Carlsbad.

[hopjack13]

well that sucks i was looking forward to having a drinking session with you! can't you just explain to your boss that beer is important? im working on a trade and hopefully i'll have a bottle of the 120 by then. i was going to bring it for everyone who hasn't tried it to sample. i wasn't going to say anything untill i actually obtained it. but hopefully it'll get sent out by monday and i'll have it on thurs or friday....maybe not , we'll see. ill keep everyone posted here. fid and l.h.h.h.brown are you guys still going to make it on the 13th? it's not to late to push it back a week, i'd like to have the 120 with me when i go. what's everyone think? i'd like to get everyone on the board here, there at the same time, so even if we pushed it back to after the first that'd be okay with me. i'll have the 120 by then for sure.
cheers

[studentofbeer]

grrrrr... wont be back in LA until the night of the 24th... >:0

[jsmurphy]

It would be great to get together and sample the 120, I agree. Can anyone do the 20th or 21st? Then we'd still get in on the Xmas Beer event. If not, then any other time is OK.
I finally had Rogue Dead Guy Ale last night. Pretty tasty...

[hopjack13]

im open to anything really. we just need more feed back from the other socal members. student says after the first i think?
what ever works best for everyone , i would like to make the x-mas fest shin dig however.

[fidcastro]

I am available the 13th or the 20th. Either one works. Just let me know so I make sure I can make it. The 13th might be better, because by the 20th some of the beers from the festival might be gone.

I'm game for whatever.

Fid

[hopjack13]

well then i guess we'll stick with the 13th then , hopefully everyone can make it! hopefully i'll have the 120 ...thats cuttin it close though.

[fidcastro]

I'll be there on the 13th then.

Can't wait, man.

[jsmurphy]

Hey you guys, save some beer for me! I'll be there on the 20th...

Have fun.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

I will be in Hawaii on the 20th. I will be gone from the 17th till the 22nd. I got 2 bottles of Yulesmith and a Hoppy Holidaze for Hopjack. If you guys decide to go then no problem. I will be on vacation from the 19th to Jan 12th. It's only in the beginning when I will be gone. Sorry for not having gotten in touch sooner. The 13th is fine by me. In fact I will be there just on g.p. since I wanna drink some of Dave's Christmas beers.

[hopjack13]

great, then i guess there'll be thee of us on the 13th, what time? come on murph! you can do this, we'd like to see you there too!

[jsmurphy]

Wish I could, but I'm in Nevada 12-15th. Can't turn down work with Christmas coming up. Y'all have a good one.

BTW- I'll be stuck in the boonies out in Pahrump, NV and I'm assuming getting a decent brew there will be close to impossible.

Anyone know the area. All I know is it's where Art Bell lives...:rolleyes:

[fidcastro]

Originally posted by hopjack13
great, then i guess there'll be thee of us on the 13th, what time? come on murph! you can do this, we'd like to see you there too!

Since its a Saturday, the afternoon would be good. It is damn hard to get a table at that place on a Saturday night. How about 2 or 3?

[hopjack13]

2 sounds good to me! we'll probably get there by 3, me and my wife are late for everything! we were even late to our own wedding reception.

pahrump?? i've seen the signs but didn't know the place actually exhisted..lol i think it's just past b.f.e. hey you better bring your own dude...what if something happens and you get stuck, you'll need you vitamin (b)eer ! not to mention you could get dehydrated out in that wasteland of a desert! we'll drink 5 or 6 for ya though!

[jsmurphy]

Yep. Was thinking the same thing. BYOHB...

Although, I did find a pub called Sullivans out there. Could be one of those places that calls itself a pub cause they have Guiness & Harp in bottles, and an electronic dart board, though.:D

[hopjack13]

yeah out in nv they like to use the term *pub* rather loosely.
you can bet there'll be a casino though....oowe craps! my fave!!although i think ,and im not sure, but i heard there is a county in nv that doesn't allow gambling?

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

2 or 3 sounds fine with me. By the way, the Belgian Christmas fest is from the 6th to the 21st. He is also having a dinner on the 28th. If you pay $25 during the fest, you get the dinner included. The dinner is $16 by itself. Then there will be a Belgian Beer fest on Feb 14th - 29th. He plans on opening a 6yr old keg of Rodenbach and a 6yr old keg of Abbey Des Roques Grand Cru. Wooohooo. May the dice be with you.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Ooops, as usual I got carried away in my excitement. The Belgian festival has its own dinner every evening. For $25 you get the dinner, a shirt, a glass, and beer to put in it. The Xmas dinner is separate. For $16 you get a dinner with Anchor Xmas, YuleSmith, Craftsman Holiday, Celebration, Young's Winter Warmer, etc.... Please excuse my false info. SORRY!!

[hopjack13]

well that sounds GREAT!! will that be available on the 13th?

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

There will be a dinner available for the entire time of the 6th - 21st. So it seems it'll be there for the 13th.

[hopjack13]

cool, just double checking. then i'll plan on eating when i get there.
cheers

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Just so you know, your spirit was well represented. 12 Double IPA's were available to be enjoyed. I had 9 of'em. Sooo nectar. I wallowed in hoppiness. Finally had the 90 from DGFSH. Unique hops. Enjoyed it but drank more of the local brew. Yes, I was misguided a few times and had to drink a barleywine or an imperial stout, but I went back to the aroma of manna. Sooo good. It actually was the best year yet. All beers were great. Stopped at P.P. San Clemente. Hard to find in the dark. It's a converted restaurant. Still like Carlsbad the best. Cheers.

[hopjack13]

yeah it's a bitch unless you get parking at the front door it's around the back you go and then only maybe...HAVEN'T BEEN TO CARLSBAD YET........YET!
well i and the beer gods will surely forgive you..it's all about the beer. barlywines make my head spin, but HOPS...OHHHH WONRDOUS GLORIOUS HOPS!!!!!! THE ILLUSTIOUS DEMEANOR OF THE EMINENT HOP!!!!! I ENVEY YOU!!!!!

[jsmurphy]

Just returned from LB, and had some tasty Belgian Xmas brews. By the way, for $7.00 you get your first beer, a souvenir glass, and the re-fills are $5.00, offer good until the 21st. I had the Petrus Winter, De Koninck and the Corsendonk. Had to stop there unfortunately, and didn't have time for the turkey dinner either.

Have fun on the 13th...

[hopjack13]

sounds great , sorry we wont see you there murphy, next time!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

I knew it. On Fri. I thought about how are we gonna know each other? So I thought about writing what I was gonna wear. I had on a Stone 7 shirt and a Naja's beer hat. I must admit I got there late, at 4. I sat outside at the table right in front of the door. I put a bottle of Yulesmith in the chair next to me just in case anyone would see it. Oh well. The place got overrun by Santas. Before I left one of the elves stumbled out and almost did a faceplant. She came back and disappeared. Moments later, one of the waitresses came to Dave ( the owner ) and told him the womens' bathroom was locked. He went and unlocked it. The drunk elf and another customer were busy putting their clothes back on. Very funny. Dave came back saying " What a slut ". Pure entertainment. I had about 7 beers. Split some with a friend of mine that showed up. Anyway, guess we will have make another redezvous to drink again. Bummer.

[hopjack13]

yeah once the santas took over me and my wife moved upstairs.
i wanted to sit outside but she didn't bring a jacket and said it was too cold. i went outside a couple of times but figured you didn't make it...oh well , lets try it again after new years! or sooner. let me know...fid and murph too!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

No problem with me. I'll keep going back till we get it right. On the 28th there's a "dinner" with Calif Xmas beers. I put "dinner" cuz anyone can get it. It's just turkey. mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy. Nothing especially prepared. I plan on going that day. It starts at 2. Otherwise I'll just keep updated on here.

[hopjack13]

sounds good, i'll see about the 28th? it's kinda hard to find a baby sitter these days . there are only a few people we can leave our 8 month old with and then they never want to do it again..she will cry until we return..like nonstop kookoo clock.
so i'll probably end up forking out some $$$ as an insentive.
we'll see. but i'll have the 120 next time for sure, it'll be here tomorrow! along with the 90min woo whoo!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Completely understandable. At least my son is 2+ and my folks live next door ( mixed blessing ). Don't worry about the date yet, we'll just play it by ear. Don't let it be too expensive on your part. Oh, I finally got to try the 90 at the Strong Ale fest. It was out of a keg. I found it to have an interesting hop profile. It was different than the others I tried. I am very interested in the 120 and I still have to ask my Stone buddy if he can import some 90. Don't worry, be hoppy.

[jsmurphy]

Did any of you finally get together at LB?

I made it back one more time for the Xmas beer special.
Dave said he still has a bit of those brews left, so I'm going back soon...

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

We were there, same time, same place, but did not make the connection. I've really wanted to make it for some xmas beers but life has gotten in the way. Hopefully sometime soon. If not, LB is having another festival not too far in the future.

[hopjack13]

hey murph thats a hell of a beer you got there! im gettin thirsty.
well fellas i still got that bottle of 120 for you guys to try, i may be getting more soon..*fingers crossed*
so were going to have to work out another date here. how bout in febuary? my sons b-day is on the 17th not sure what day that falls on but anytime before or after is good with me. whacha thinks?

[Tweek]

well fellas i still got that bottle of 120 for you guys to try

bastard!

[hopjack13]

uh...thats double bastard to you :p
hey i may get a 4 pack here in a few weeks...maybe.
if i do i'll shoot one over your way!

[jsmurphy]

Originally posted by hopjack13
hey murph thats a hell of a beer you got there! im gettin thirsty.

so were going to have to work out another date here. how bout in febuary? my sons b-day is on the 17th not sure what day that falls on but anytime before or after is good with me. whacha thinks?


That's my Oatmeal Stout I brewed for the holidays.

Feb. is a busy month for the Murphy household. Birthdays on the 17th, 22nd, 26th. I can probably work something in there, though.

I'm stopping by LB this afternoon by the way. Hope Dave has some of those Noel brews left.

[jsmurphy]

Well, they didn't have much in the way of Belgian Noels left, but the Moylans White Christmas ale was pretty tasty.

Speaking of Belgians: Belgian Beer Fest 2004- Lucky Baldwins
Feb. 14th- 29th
50+ beers on tap
Belgian food
Tasters: 3.00, Pints: 5.00, T-shirts: 12.00

Maybe we can get together for this?????

[hopjack13]

sounds good to me ! my sons b-day is on the 17th so im not sure how thats going to work out yet.

[jsmurphy]

There's a few of the So Cal BA's that want to get together at LB on the 21st.
I'm going to a concert that evening, so don't know if i can make it that day, unless it's early, like 1pm or something.

What do y'all think?

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Fine with me. I'll try and keep posted.

[jsmurphy]

OK. We have about 9 BA's who'll be attending on the 21st.
I'm getting there early, about 1:00 because I have to leave early.

hopjack- I forwarded the info to you via your BA account.
LHHHBrown- hope you can make it, as well as anyone else...

Cheers.

[hopjack13]

is that the 21st of this month or next?? i'll check over at ba.
why so early? i don't wake up until 1 ;)

[jsmurphy]

Most folks will be there until late but I have to leave about 4:00 or so for a concert.

So if you make it by 3:00 I can at least finally meet you and have a brew.

Late sleeper, eh? Look on the bright side, you can have Belgian beer for breakfast...;)

[hopjack13]

i work weird hours sometimes, so i tend to stay up late and get up late. plus i don't like sunlight. :mad:

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Jan 21 is a Wed. Since it is a weekday I would have to check with my other half. I would not be able to be there until 4 - 4:30 if I could go. I don't know what Feb 21 is since I don't have a full calendar handy. Having read the previous posts it seems it may be Feb. Sounds better to me. I shall keep updated.

[hopjack13]

feb 21st may be a go!http://beeradvocate.com/events/calendar.php?show=1999
we'll just invade the ba gathering!

[jsmurphy]

Yeah, sorry LHHH, its' Sat. Feb. 21st.

[hopjack13]

i think i can, i think i can, i think i can find a babysetter...:confused:

[fidcastro]

I'll plan on being there on the 21st. Don't know what time I will get there though. Probably around 2:30 or 3.

Hopjack, I'll bring the beers I've been holding for you.

-Fid

[fidcastro]

Originally posted by jsmurphy
That's my Oatmeal Stout I brewed for the holidays.


I don't suppose you'd be willing to share the recipe? I want to make a stout next, and I haven't made one before.

[hopjack13]

great i'll bring yours! he fid i didn't know you brewed? im looking to get started here shortly, i have a few things to get out of the way first then i'll start collecting supplys and what not. im really looking forward to it!

[fidcastro]

I have been brewing for less than a year. I was brewing on borrowed equipment, which I no longer have access to. Next payday I am going to buy all my own stuff and brew a stout.

[hopjack13]

where are you going to buy? i have a place in riverside but i haven't been abvle to scope it out yet.we should get together and brew, or at least i'll watch you brew so i can see how it's done. someone told me thats a good way to learn.

[fidcastro]

That's how I learned.

I don't really know where I'm going to buy the stuff yet. Probably on-line. There aren't any homebrew stores cole enough to me, and I hate driving. (although I am going down to Hi Times on Friday to pick up a keg of Sierra Nevada Celebration)

[hopjack13]

what time?? we could get together at the goat hill and have a few pints if you're not in a terrible rush?

[fidcastro]

I'm leaving Disneyland at 3, so I should be at Hi-time by 3:30. I'll meet you at goathill afterwards. Does that work?

[hopjack13]

so about 4ish? how will i know you?

[hopjack13]

and good luck with traffic! orange crush mean anything to you?

[fidcastro]

Don't know about orange crush. Am I screwed? I'll gladly leave Disney earlier if I have to. There's beer to drink, dammit!

I'll pm you a site where you can see a picture of me.

[hopjack13]

you'll probably be okay comming in to costa mesa, but going out up that 57 is going to be a bitch! it'll take you hours to get home, well maybe not that long but the north 57 is f@#%ed! anytime after 2:30pm expect delays.

[jsmurphy]

Originally posted by fidcastro
I don't suppose you'd be willing to share the recipe? I want to make a stout next, and I haven't made one before.

No problem. I'll post it here or PM you with it later.

Where do you live ? My HB shop is awesome, but it's in the west valley, Woodland Hills.

[fidcastro]

I'm in Claremont. 5-10 minutes West of the Ontario Airport on the 10. I don't even know where Woodland Hills is.

[hopjack13]

woodland hills is over by san gabriel i think, a ways out. there's a home brew shop in riverside and one in upland that would be closer to you
Heffernan Home-Brewing Supply
Address: 915 N Euclid Ave, Upland, CA 91786
Phone: (909) 949-3088

[fidcastro]

I had no idea there was one in Upland. I'll have to check it out.

[jsmurphy]

Yeah, Woodland Hills would be a hell of a drive from Ontario. It's just east of Calabasas.

I don't know how accurate these are, but here you go:

http://www.rowbearbrewing.com/hbscalifornia.html

[hopjack13]

damn...only one in o.c.? even apple valley had a hb store...whats up with that???

[jsmurphy]

You guys can always order from my shop. http://www.homebeerwinecheese.com/

They have shipping, and John will answer any questions you have.

You can also contact drewbage1847 over on the BA site. He's the president of the shop's brew club, The Maltose Falcons. He'll help you out too.

Get brewin'...;)

[hopjack13]

im going to get started here, first i need a boiling pot, brew pot whatever they're called. hey wheres l.h.h.hbrown? you gunna make it on the 21st of feb??? i think i found a victim/babysetter
but what about brown??? i know your out there :mad:

[hopjack13]

hey l.h.h.h. brown check your pm box!

[jsmurphy]

For a brew pot check out Lowes for a turkey fryer. I got one a while back for 20.00, and it comes with a 7.5 gal steel enamel-coated pot, 170,000 BTU propane heater, and a long thermometer. Works great.

[hopjack13]

hey i think i saw one of those around thnx giving! i'mm gunna go back and have a look see, thnx murph!

[jsmurphy]

I did see one last week, but it had an aluminum pot. Try to find the steel w/ enamel coating, unless you can spring for a stainless steel one, which would be even better. They are a bit more $$$.

[hopjack13]

i saw some stainless steel ones in some mexican super market for about 30 bucks i think , 8 gallons if im not mistakin, is that a good price? didn't come with a burner though

[jsmurphy]

That's a good price for SS. I'd get one and then buy a cheap turkey fryer kit and use the SS pot with it. Just make sure the SS pot fits the burner. My burner stand has a 5" lip that the pot fits down into, so that's something to look for when you're shopping.

Here are a couple of links discussing this subject:

http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?threadid=1847&highlight=turkey+fryer

http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?threadid=1742&highlight=fryer

[hopjack13]

hey murph! how far are you from costa mesa? im going to meet fid at the goathill tavern tomorrow around 4pm, think you can make it?

[jsmurphy]

No I can't unfortunately. I'm in the Burbank area and can't get away tomorrow.

[hopjack13]

getting there doesn't bother me so much as getting out! traffic...ugh. so that's why you frequent L.B.'s your just down the street from it! wish i was closer to pasadena!
well hey maybe next time......around the 21st? i'll try to get there early so we can kick it for a minute.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

I'm baaaaack. Feb 21 sounds fine with me. $30 for an 8 gallon ( I'm assuming it's a 32 quart ) is GREAT. I paid quite a bit more for my 36 quart. Bought it at a restaurant supply store when I had money to burn.

[jsmurphy]

One more week! I''ll be there about 12:30 or 1:00.

I'll be wearing a shit-eating grin. :D

[hopjack13]

i'll be wearing a black arrogant bastard t shirt, and i got a 120 with your name on it murph!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

I'll try to bring a towel for the grin. That's why I sit outside, to let the smell disperse.:p

[jsmurphy]

Here's a liitle something to wet the appetite...

http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read.php?thread=230973

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Wow! Looks great. I wish I could just sit there for days and consume'm all. Oh well, reality. I'll have my son and will bring a buddy. Heard last Sat. was very full. Hopefully we can find seats since we'll be there a little early.

[hopjack13]

major pro blame ohs , im going to cry! looks like i may not make it!
i will get back to you guys with why not if i don't make it.
cheers

[hopjack13]

major pro blame ohs , im going to cry! looks like i may not make it!
i will get back to you guys with why not if i don't make it.
cheers

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Uh oh, reality. My taste buds were like, .. uh, ... hops, mmmm, .... hops, ..ggglglglgglgl. Then I get online and see this "stuff'' . No big. My buddy and I are trying to wait and see if tomorrow is the second coming of the 40 day deluge or a usual SoCal humid spell. If I'm there I shall be there with my Dbbl Bastard T on and an orange hat. If I happen to bump in to anyone that can identify me by my full name - gotta know what the H.H.H. stands for - then coooool. Otherwise I shall have a stuuuupid drunk time like always. Oh, I will still bring the shot glasses ( for my flask:p )

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

P.S. I shall check this board tomorrow for any wild news. Peace.

[fidcastro]

There is not a chance in hell I will be missing this tomorrow. I went last Saturday and tried (in this order):
Val-Dieu Brown
De Dolle Oerbier
Augustijn Grand Cru
Petrus Winter
Caracole Troublette
Fantome Saison
Monks Cafe Flemish Red
La Binchoise Reserve
De Koninck Winter
Straffe Hendrik Pale
De Koninck Cuvee
Ertvelds Wit
Babbalaar
Pilaar Bijter Red
Maredsous 10
Scotch de Silly 8
Bavic Pils
Straffe Hendrick Brown
Liefmann Goudenband

I took notes on each of them, but I don't feel like taking the time to enter them all here since y'all will be there yourselves tomorrow. I'll probably show up around 2. Last weekend Dave told me the Rodenbach will be tapped tomorrow.

Good times will be had by all... It is known.

[jsmurphy]

I'll look for the orange hat then, L.H.H.H.

If it's raining I'll either be upstairs or in the area between the kithen and bar.

hopjack- hope you can make it.

[hopjack13]

well this really sucks, i was going to rent a car but didn't and still haven't made it to the rental place. my transmission went out on my way to work yesterday.not sure what im going to do yet???
it's a '99 and i already have 129,000 miles on it? maybe i'll fix it i don't know?? sorry fellas! life is just too cruel sometimes :(

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Hmmm. Sounds like someone upstairs didn't want you to go.:rolleyes: A blown tranny the day before?? Oh well, hope it doesn't cost too much. Will cross my fingers for ya and hope for the best. The orange hat will say Santa Barbara Brewing. If it is raining I won't be staying long. My son'll tear the place up.

[jsmurphy]

I feel your pain hopjack. My clutch went out last week and I still haven't fixed it. Damn car troubles!

I hear you, Brown. I can't stay too long anyway...

I'll have a camera and will post some pics of the event.

[fidcastro]

Sorry you missed it Hopjack! We had a good time. I was the first there and the last to leave, and I was able to try all of what was available today.

Unfortunately the Rodenbach wasn't tapped yet. It will be on for one hour tomorrow and then next Sunday to finish it....

The waiting hurts...

[jsmurphy]

It was good to meet you guys, (and gal), yesterday. The beer was awesome.
See y'all at the next one. (You too, hopjack)...

From L to R: Me, Fidcastro, L.H.H.H. Brown w/ his little guy, and his friend Eric.
(Thanks to Fid's lovely wife for taking the photo)

http://hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=bd6279f1-59cf-318d-3da8-37396c06c7df&size=

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Yeah, had a great time. Didn't realize fid was castro. My brain is somewhat a little slow at times. I'm gonna try to go next Sat. around the same time. Have a commitment for Sun. so I'm gonna miss the Rodenbach. Maybe someone can write about the experience?? Would like to hook up again in the future. Hope no one else gets car troubles. Oh, Eric is L.H.H.H.. The friend is Curtis.

[hopjack13]

sounds like i missed out on a lot of fun and a lot of good beer!
im still stuck at home , but am going to rent a car for sure tomorrow! i have to be at work cuz were getting audited for the iso 9000.i was enjoying my time off though. i just figured i'd take my vacation time untill i got this staight. $1,350 for a new tranie (used to be my favorite#), and thats if i put it in myself. but i need some one to talk to the computer first cuz im thinking it's an electrical problem too. i'll know more next week when i take it in.sorry i missed it guys. i know you were looking forward to the 120, but don't worry this stuff will better with age so i'll keep hangin on to it untill next time!
cheers

[jsmurphy]

C'mon now, hopjack. I was looking forward to having a few brews with you, don't care about the 120. Well, maybe a little...:D

We'll meet up sometime. Upcoming events at LB's:

Barleywine Festival
April 17-24
Featuring 6 years of SN Bigfoot on tap.

IPA Festival
July 10-18
Hops, hops and more hops!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Ditto Murphy. Looking forward to those events. Just hope the new tranie isn't too much of a hassle. That's why I love older vehicles, no computer. Oh well, progress. As an incentive and maybe a swap Hopjack, saw you were searching for some 02/02/02. I know some elves ........... :D Talk to ya.

[hopjack13]

i feel you there about the older cars, i have a 69' mustang i've been sitting on and i think im going to fix it and use that for work and back, at least i know it'll never cost more to fix then the cars worth!