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Ceci n’est pas une bière
Derek for AHA Governing Committee
He’s Running
Founded in founded in 1978 by homebrew legend Charlie Papazian, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is dedicated to empowering homebrewers to make the best beer in the world through legal advocacy and educational resources. Besides having a full time staff of eight, did you know that the AHA has a governing committee comprised of fifteen member-elected volunteers that help shape the policy and activities on members’ behalf? In case you have not heard, the AHA Governing Committee elections are once again upon us and I am humbled to announce I have been nominated by Southern California area homebrewers to run for one of the five open seats this year.
My AHA election profile does a good job of covering the basics of who I am and why I am running, but I thought it might be helpful to expand on a few questions I have already heard a few folks ask. I appreciate your vote, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you might have.
BJCP Level Up – National!
After a hot scoop from my good friend Matt Chrispen over at Accidentalis (who also received word), I just learned that I’ve officially leveled up to National rank in the BJCP! Almost exactly two years from when my record was officially opened, it is amazing to think I have made it so far in just a few years, though most of it was waiting for my tests to be scored 🙂 The written exam is very much the beast that folks proclaim, so TBD if I will ever consider doing it again (and again) to level up to the Master rank, but I will give it a few years and see.
I will admit, one of the reasons I have been working toward advancing my ranks is that I wanted the authority to finally challenge some of the crusty old-school judges who do entrants a disservice through lazy judging. Maybe you have seen them yourself: they have been judges for decades, but somehow are still only Recognized, yet they throw their “authority” around and bully the younger judges even though they have not revisited the guidelines since before the 2008 edition was released. Can you tell I am a bit salty? 😉
Cheers to everyone that helped me along the way, see y’all at some competitions! 🍻
Final Round Bound (again)!
Picked up two medals in the Sour Ales category of NHC San Diego, one of these days I will get around to writing up a post or two about them.
Here is what won:
1st – Actually a Gueuze – a 20/30/50 blend of three lambic-style vintages
3rd – Oude Skool Kreik – wrote about it here
2016 NHC Recipes Are Up!
In case you did not notice the new link in the header, the 2016 NHC Gold Medal Recipes are up! Head on over and check ’em out, all the recipes include the BeerXML download for easy import into your recipe builder of choice!
