President’s Message – May 2013

Greetings from Orlando!

As American Craft Beer Week draws to a close, I am truly encouraged and energized by the sheer number of beer-related  events that have taken place throughout South Florida.  It appears that “beer culture” has finally reached critical mass in our backyard. This energy has also manifested itself in our club. Our membership ranks continue to grow. We have a strong social media presence with 115 members on our Facebook page. Some of us have even figured out how to tweet!

An intrepid group of club members braved the mean streets of Hialeah to brew 15 gallons of beer during Big Brew Day.  These creations will be debuted at the club’s Summer Solstice Party next month. Thanks once again to our good friends at Miami Beer and Wine Makers Warehouse for not only hosting the event, but also for footing the bill for the ingredients! You have earned our eternal gratitude – as well as a loyal client base.

Our next meeting will take place on Thursday, May 23rd at our new home, the American Legion Post in South Miami. This month’s BOTY style category is Belgian & French Ales.  Danny Argudin will kick off the meeting at 7:00 pm with a brief educational session walking us through the 5 sub-styles within this category.

A number of you had homework assignments from our last meeting.  If you’ve been procrastinating (you know who you are) it’s not too late to get started.  At the top of the list is MASH-branded clothing.  With the AHA National Homebrewers Conference rapidly approaching, it would be wonderful to be able to wear our colors.  (I will be reaching out directly to all that have a deliverable.)

It’s the final day of Craft Beer Week.  Carpe diem! I’ll be heading over to the Seadog Brewery, which is conveniently located within walking distance of my hotel. Nothing prepares a body better for a hot, sweaty day at a Disney theme park than a belly full of craft beer.

Cheers!

Dave