DBF Features In a Magazine?

On the fourth Tuesday in July, around a dozen of the faithful gathered at the Park Winery to have their photos taken, discuss club activities, watch a no-boil beer-making procedure, and sample several different ales. And this all happened before 7:15!

Before the meeting officially began, Dave Krieger began shooting pictures for an upcoming issue of Signature, a magazine that features captures life in the

Grosse Pointes. Skip Uhl, DBF member and part owner of Park Winery, demonstrated for the camera and club members how to mix a batch of Dutch Lager from a Baron's kit. Requiring no boiling in the process, the demonstration took less time to complete than DBF member Dan White requires to quaff a pint of pilsner.

To bolster the demonstration, Skip pointed out a carboy of Canadian Gold Ale that was bubbling on a shelf. This ale was also made from a Baron's no-boil beer kit.

While Krieger snapped photos for the magazine, club members lifted the caps off bottles of the Classic English Ale or filled their sample cups with Red Ale, both of which had been brewed on the sidewalk during the West Park Farmers Market last May. For the enjoyment of all, Bruce Fine brought a growler full of Canadian High-Test, the result of a Baron's no-boil beer kit. Fine expressed his displeasure in the fact that the quick mixing process didn't afford him the time to enjoy a home-brew until after capped the carboy.

After sending Krieger to his next photo shoot, in the company of a 22oz. bottle of English Ale for later enjoyment, Ed Stone addressed the club with the evening's business. The club needed to determine the membership dues.

After months of discussion, membership dues have been set at $25 per year. Skip Uhl pointed out that membership includes a 10% discount on all brewing supplies at the Park Winery. Members are also entitled to use the club's brewing equipment, such as the “Corny” kegs previously used at the Detroit Brewing Factory.

Tom Adams discussed a trailer that has come into his possession. He is offering it to the DBF for use as a traveling brew facility or whatever purpose deemed worthy by the members. Stone agreed with this proposal, adding that the DBF may also conduct supplemental meetings at the homes of club members who wish to host a brewing session.

Uhl, who also holds membership in the Clinton River Association of Fermenting Trendsetters (CRAFT), suggested that the DBF obtains sanctioning by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Membership will allow the DBF to submit entries into judged beer tasting events. CRAFT has won many prestigious awards at several past events. Uhl will try to find out more information about the AHA before the August meeting.

Skip Uhl displayed a gift basket that the Park Winery is donating to a charitable event to benefit Pvt. John Kronowski (see related story). The gift basket will be sold in a silent auction at the event to be held at the VFW hall at Jefferson and Martin on Sunday, August 7.

To end the evening, Jay Bradley discussed his trip to Dogfish Head, a microbrewery in Delaware. Jay took lots of pictures and will share his story in an upcoming article on this Website. Jay noted that examples of Dogfish Head brews are available at Champane's Wine Cellars on Chicago (13 Mile) between mound and Van Dyke. Jay was kind enough to offer the club several samples from his journey to the East.