Club Meeting This Thursday, Sept 19th at Tortugo Brewery

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Zicke Zacke Zicke Zacke Hoi Hoi Hoi!

Yes, it is that time of year again (ok, SLIGHTLY early, but still…) – this Thursday will be our Oktoberfest meeting!

There will be some traditional Oktoberfest food! There will be one, if not two members in Lederhosen!
And let us not forget, das Bier! Our style of the month is German and Czech Beers, which coincidentally fits the theme, so please bring your marvelous Märzens or whatever excellent homebrew you have to share!

For anyone who missed it, the summer party was a huge amount of fun – many thanks to Dean for hosting, Ian and Rob for cooking, Carl and Tom Rierson for making the serving system and competition stuff happen, Joe, Porter and Tomm for donating great prizes, Neil for single-handedly producing the majority of the beer served, Scott for the most over-killing sound system ever conceived, and to everyone who brought food/beer/soda and other contributions to the event!
Congrats to Carl for best beer (Cascade Wet Harvest IPA), and Luis for best soda (Guava Strawberry soda) of the summer party!

This Saturday 9/21 is Pacific Brewers Cup judging – please talk to Carl if you would like to help by stewarding or judging.

Also, Tomm Carroll has arranged our next First Friday (10/4) – an Oktoberfest and Pacific Brewers Cup ribbon presentation at Wurstkuche [add link to https://www.wurstkuche.com/]  in Venice!  We will have a table/section outside in the back of the patio area.  They always have a good selection of beer and sausages to enjoy!
In addition, for anyone who would like to do their actual Oktoberfest event opening, Tyler has offered us a 25% discount on tickets for the first session – Saturday Sept 28 at 12:00pm.
Use the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/933981763597?aff=oddtdtcreator
and the code PacificGravity at checkout.

Oans, zwoa, drei, Gsuffa!!!
Parker Waechter – President, Pacific Gravity Homebrewers

September Monthly Meeting; Thursday 9/19/2024 at 7:30 PM
Tortugo Brewing Co.
916 W. Hyde Park Blvd.
Inglewood,  CA  90302
(424) 227-9963

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

  • Sept 19: Club Meeting at Torgugo Brewing Company – Style German and Czech beers
  • Sept 21: Pacific Brewers Cup Main Judging Session
  • Oct 4:   First Friday/PBC Ribbons at Wurstkuche Venice 7:30
  • Oct 19:  Chili Cookoff – Style Alternative Fermentables

PG Summer Party Saturday 8/31!!

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Aloha!

Chef Malahini Ian here to tell you all about our big time luau plans!

This year our theme is a Hawaiian style luau and we plan to take it to the max bruddah!

The party will be happening on August 31, 2024 at Dean Sussman’s little grass shack in the Pacific Palisades.  The address is 1310 Amalfi Drive, Pacific Palisades CA.

The party will start around 2 PM and continue on until late evening.  The party is free for all Pacific Gravity members and their first guest; additional guests may attend for a small fee of $10.  Kids are still free.

Deans house has a large yard and a pool so all attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and swim trunks (and towel) if they plan on going for a swim.

The food will be as traditional style luau food as your haole chef can make it using mainland cooking techniques.  For some strange reason Dean did not want us to dig a traditional imu (luau oven) in his beautiful lawn.  Can’t really blame him for that one.

So I will be making Kalua pig, teriyaki beef, huli huli chicken, lomi lomi salmon and other traditional style foods.  Because our parties are pot luck style also, you are encouraged to bring your favorite party dish, Hawaiian style or not, and we will add it to the feast.  We will have a pupu table (appetizers) and dessert table afterwards if you want to bring something in those categories.

In keeping with our theme our beverage competition this year will be tropical fruits, any beverage be it soda, beer, juice or alcoholic drink that features tropical fruit will be considered for this year’s prize.  All beer, soda and other beverages are member made, so you still have time to plan yours and bring it to the party!  If you plan to bring a keg, please email Carl at competitions@pacificgravity.com  with the name of your beer/soda so you can get a festive tap tag.

As always this event is run by the volunteers, you help is needed!  Set up will be on Friday at 6:30 pm and clean up on Sunday morning are especially necessary.  The volunteer crew has always had a lot of fun while working and it is a great time.

If you have any questions about food, feel free to contact me at MasterChef@pacificgravity.com or if you have question on volunteering you may contact Parker at President@pacificgravity.com

Ian Fraser Club Chef – Pacific Gravity Homebrewers

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • August 2024 – All styles (Summer Party)
  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

  • August: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry registration NOW OPEN.   Enter at https://pbc2024.pacificgravity.com/
  • Aug 30: Summer Party Setup 6:30 pm
  • Aug 31:  PG SUMMER PARTY 2024  2:00 pm
  • Sept 5: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry Deadline
  • Sept 6: First Friday – TBD
  • Sept 7: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry organizing
  • Sept 19: Club Meeting at Torgugo Brewing Company – Style German and Czech beers
  • Sept 21: Pacific Brewers Cup Main Judging Session

Summer Party Now 8/31

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Greetings Pacific Gravity! 

Hello All,

We have now selected a new and improved date for the 2024 Legendary Pacific Gravity Summer party – Saturday August 31, 2024.

It will be at the usual location of Il Palazzo di Sussman from 2pm until 10pm. Chef Ian is planning a Hawaiian theme, so please bring some island style sides to share with your PG Ohana.  Of course we will be holding the annual informal competition for best homebrew/soda so please share your excellent works of zymurgy and/or non-alcoholic soda!

Also, we definitely need setup help the night before, so please come by if you can, and, as always, we need help cleaning up in the aftermath to restore the Palazzo grounds to their original, pristine state on Sunday morning..

Please also be sure to let Carl know what beers/sodas you intend to bring so we can manage serving equipment.  Send him an email at c136@7d.com.

Setup: Friday 8/80/2024 6:30 pm

Event: Saturday 8/31/2024 2pm
Dean Sussman’s
1310 Amalfi Drive,
Pacific Palisades, 90272

Informal Stuffed Sandwich Visit 8/17

In her most recent monthly newsletter, Marlene mentioned that she needs to shutdown for a while due to medical reasons on 8/29.  I just spoke to her briefly and she said it might be for 3 months.

I suggest anyone who is interested should informally drop by Stuffed Sandwich on Saturday 8/17 and grab a sandwich and a beer to help support.  I specifically asked to her NOT to plan anything for us because we don’t want to add to her workload at a time of stress, but I think extra patrons would be appreciated.  It may be very crowded or not… no way to know, but it is always a good time!

Their hours are 11am-8pm

Pacific Brewers Cup Info

Entries are open  for the 2024 Pacific Brewers Cup.  This has always been a popular competition and is capped at 300 entries, so get you entries registered early!  Also, Judge and Steward registration open.  Enter at https://pbc2024.pacificgravity.com/

 

Parker Waechter – President, Pacific Gravity Homebrewers

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • August 2024 – All styles (Summer Party)
  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

Pacific Brewers Cup Info

Thursday, August 1st is the opening entry day for the 2024 Pacific Brewers Cup.  This has always been a popular competition and is capped at 300 entries, so get you entries registered early!  Also, Judge and Steward registration is already open.

  • August:  Entry registration NOW OPEN.   Enter at https://pbc2024.pacificgravity.com/
  • Aug 17:  Informal Stuffed Sandwich Visit
  • August 22:  Bottle Drop-off at local homebrew shops
  • Aug 31:  PG SUMMER PARTY 2024
  • Sept 5: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry Deadline
  • Sept 6: First Friday – TBD
  • Sept 7: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry organizing
  • Sept 19: Club Meeting at Torgugo Brewing Company – Style German and Czech beers
  • Sept 21: Pacific Brewers Cup Main Judging Session

PG Summer Party POSTPONED!!

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Greetings Pacific Gravity! 
Hello All,

Unfortunately, due to some COVID related health issues, the Pacific Gravity Summer Party originally scheduled for this Saturday 8/3/2024 will be POSTPONED.

I understand that many of you were eagerly anticipating this event, and I share your disappointment.  The board and others will be meeting later in the week to determine the best possible date to which we can reschedule and will make an announcement as soon as we have the details.

As a consolation, we will be having a First Saturday at Tortugo this Saturday at 2pm – there will be a Carnitas food truck!

Saturday 8/3/2024 at 2:00 PM
Tortugo Brewing Co.
916 W. Hyde Park Blvd.
Inglewood,  CA  90302
(424) 227-9963

I know we were all looking forward to the party this weekend, and I sincerely apologize that we will be unable to make it happen,  but please join us for a beer and some food at Tortugo on Saturday!

Parker Waechter – President, Pacific Gravity Homebrewers

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • August 2024 – All styles (Summer Party)
  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

Pacific Brewers Cup Info

Thursday, August 1st is the opening entry day for the 2024 Pacific Brewers Cup.  This has always been a popular competition and is capped at 300 entries, so get you entries registered early!  Also, Judge and Steward registration is already open.

  • August 1:  Opening of entry registration.   Enter at https://pbc2024.pacificgravity.com/
  • Aug 3:  First Saturday @ Tortugo Brewing Company – 2pm
  • August 22:  Bottle Drop-off at local homebrew shops
  • Sept 5: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry Deadline
  • Sept 6: First Friday – TBD
  • Sept 7: Pacific Brewers Cup Entry organizing
  • Sept 19: Club Meeting at Torgugo Brewing Company – Style German and Czech beers
  • Sept 21: Pacific Brewers Cup Main Judging Session

Pacific Gravity Club Meeting Thursday, June 20th at Tortugo Brewery

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Howdy Ho Pacific Gravity!

Our club meeting this week will be at usual time and place:

June Monthly Meeting; Thursday 6/20/2024 at 7:30 PM
Tortugo Brewing Co.
916 W. Hyde Park Blvd.
Inglewood,  CA  90302
(424) 227-9963

Our Style Of The Month for June is Sour, Smoked and Wood Aged beers – please bring your home-brewed works of art to share!

Carl will be collecting competition entries for the Red White and Brews competition Read more →

Another Far-Field Opportunity

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If you missed out on our visit to Far Field Brewery, or just didn’t get enough, here is another opportunity.  Contact Jay Ankeney by Tuesday (6/18) if you want beer delivered by the Pony Keg Express distribution system.  Or join them at 5PM Friday 6/21 at the brewery.
Jay Ankeney, at jayankeney@mac.com
Or call at 310-343-867

–Carl

Next Friday, 6/21/24, the Maltose Falcons will be hosting their Zoom conference Happy Hour with Far Field brewery. Since this is in our neck of the woods, it would be great if members of Pacific Gravity could join in.  As usual,

Read more →

First Saturday at Far Field Beer Company

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As we mentioned at the last club meeting, our “First Friday” this month will instead be held this Saturday 6/8 at Noon at Far Field Beer Company in Lawndale.

Time:       Saturday, June 8, 2024 12 pm.
Location: Far Field Beer Company
4471 W Rosecrans Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90250

Founder James and Head Brewer Bryce have about 20 taps of fairly wide variety of styles.  They have a few vintage video games and should have a food truck.

Hope to see you there!

We hope you can join us!
Parker Waechter, President Pacific Gravity

Competition Corner – June 2024

The 2024 Brewer of the Year competition cycle is now underway.  So, get those brewpots going while the fermentation weather is still on the cool side.

Judging for the first round of the National Homebrew Competition this weekend in San Diego.  Assuming your entries make it to the second round, the final round shipping deadline runs from July 29 to August 9.  Awards will be announced at the Great American Beer Festival on October 10th.

California State Fair.  Congratulations to Craig Corley for a first-place ribbon for his Belgian Pale Ale 292 – Mb24 – Bpa (wow, what a mouthful.)  Congratulations to Carl Townsend for his first-place ribbon for Belgian Monastic Single.  Full results are at  https://castatefairhomebrew.brewcomp.site/

July:  Long Beach Red White and Brews competition.  Registration is now open at  http://www.longbeachhomebrewers.com/comp/rwb/bcoem/  This competition focuses on 30 different American styles.  Entries are due no later than June 28.  If you bring your entries to the June club meeting (June 20th), I’ll ferry them down to Steinfillers.

??:  If we hear that the County Fair competition is revived, (not likely) it is still included in the competition cycle.

September – Pacific Brewers Cup.  We are running the competition this year, so there will be much more info to come.  Key dates:

·         September 5th  Entry deadline,

·         September 7th Entry organizing

·         September 21st Main judging session at Tortugo Brewery.

October California State Competition.  This will be the last competition of the 2024 Brewer of the Year season.

Thanks
Carl Townsend
Competition Coordinator

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • June 2024 – Sour beers, smoked beers, and wood-aged beers
  • July 2024 – IPAs
  • August 2024 – No style of the month (Summer Party)
  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

  • June 8: Saturday at Far Field Beer Company
  • June 20: Club Meeting at Tortugo Brewing Company – Style: sour, smoked and wood-aged beers
  • July 5: First Friday – Richmond Bar and Grill
  • Aug 2: First Friday – Summer Party Setup at Dean’s
  • Aug 3 – Pacific Gravity Summer Party 2024!

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Pacific Gravity Club Meeting Thursday, May 16th at Tortugo Brewery

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Greetings Pacific Gravity! 

Welcome to a marvelous May!  Our club meeting this week will be at usual time and place:

May Monthly Meeting; Thursday 5/16/2024 at 7:30 PM
Tortugo Brewing Co.
916 W. Hyde Park Blvd.
Inglewood,  CA  90302
(424) 227-9963

Our Style Of The Month for May is Dark/Black  beers – so please bring some of your interesting high SRM creations to share!

 

The Southern California Homebrewers Festival was well attended and definitely met expectations for fun, comradery and of course the opportunity to sample lots of quality home-brews from our peers at dozens of clubs.  Carl and Tom did great work getting the booth setup, torn down and transported.  Ian overcame some adversity of freeway-escaped equipment to still create excellent meals, along with the help of Tim, who turns out is an excellent substitute for the wok stand and lots of general help.  Tim and Dean did lots of work helping streamline the creation and cleanup on the meals.  Brett on guitar is a perennial favorite around the campfire.  And of course a massive thanks to Terry who is the one who organizes this whole thing for us and make sure we get the awesome campsites – not to mention being the one to go to the serving meeting early so others don’t have to!  Strand participated closely with us this year and were a great addition to the taps booth, help around camp and fireside conversation!

Our First Friday for June is planned for 6/7 at Far Field Beer Company.
See you all this Thurs 5/16 at Tortugo!!

Parker Waechter – President, Pacific Gravity Homebrewers

Competition Corner May 2024

The 2024 Brewer of the Year competition cycle is now underway.  So, get those brewpots going while the fermentation weather is still on the cool side.

I hope you got your entries registered for the American Homebrewers Association National Homebrew Competition.  Entry shipping drop-off runs from May 13th, 2024 to May 22nd, 2024, assuming you are sending them to San Diego.  We do not have a driver, so you have to ship your entries.  If you are sending then elsewhere, please check the listings, dates may vary.  Assuming your entries make it to the second round, the final round shipping deadline runs from July 29 to August 9.   October 10: Awards will be announced at the Great American Beer Festival on October 10th.

April – Mayfaire Competition.  Congrats to Craig Corley who scored a 2nd place ribbon for his wheatbier, SA7  GM Wheat Weissbier, and a 3rd place for Single #5,  Belgian Single.  Full result can be found at https://competitions.maltosefalcons.com/2024Mayfaire/

April/May – California State Fair.  The entry deadline has passed, and all the entries brought to my attention were delivered to Angel City Brewery for shipment to Sacramento.  Judging will be conducted the third week of May in Sacramento.  Results will be posted at  https://castatefairhomebrew.brewcomp.site/

July:  Long Beach Red White and Brews competition.  This competition focuses on 30 different American styles.  Look for details in the next month or so.

??:  If we hear that the County Fair competition is revived, (not likely) it is still included in the competition cycle.

September – Pacific Brewers Cup.  We are running the competition this year, so there will be much more info to come.  Key dates:

·         September 5th  Entry deadline,

·         September 7th Entry organizing

·         September 21st Main judging session at Tortugo Brewery.

October California State Competition.  This will be the last competition of the 2024 Brewer of the Year season.

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • May 2024 – Dark/black beers
  • June 2024 – Sour beers, smoked beers, and wood-aged beers
  • July 2024 – IPAs
  • August 2024 – No style of the month (Summer Party)
  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

  • May 16: Club Meeting at Tortugo Brewing Company – Style: Dark/black beers
  • June 7: First Friday at Far Field Beer Company

First Saturday April 6 at Two Coast Brewery

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Greetings Pacific Gravity!

Sorry for the late notice for anyone not at the meeting last Thursday, but the “First Friday” this month will be a First Saturday at Two Coast Brewing in Gardena tomorrow at 1pm.  The Richmond Bar and grill that was originally planned for tonight will happen at a future date.

Two Coast Brewing FIRST SATURDAY Tomorrow April 6 at 1pm!

 

For April’s First Friday, we will instead be doing a FIRST SATURDAY at Two Coast Brewery in Gardena -Please join us!

Time: Saturday, April 6, 2024 1 pm.
Location: Two Coast
14928 S. FIGUEROA ST.
GARDENA, CA 90248

Two Coast is a really interesting brewery founded by 2 guys from Hamburg.  They are extremely dedicated to traditional German beer – this will definitely not be a day of triple IPAs and “Waffles with Maple Syrup and Blueberries with a Side of Bacon and Cinnamon Rye Toast Stout”.

Tomm Carroll has arranged for them to open an hour early for us (1pm) and for the brewer to be there to answer questions and do a brief brewery tour. Thanks, Tomm!

We hope you can join us!
Parker Waechter, President Pacific Gravity

Competition Corner – Judges Needed for Special Beer Judging April 10

At 6PM Wednesday, April 10th, Tomm Carroll is organizing a preliminary judging session for the Mayfaire Homebrew Competition.  The 2024 competition has maxed out its entry count at 400, and they are setting up multiple satellite venues to get all the judging done.  The competition features the entire BJCP category list, including Meads and Ciders.  The Falcons have often helped us with various Pacific Gravity competitions, so it would be good if we can return the favor.

If you can help out, please contact Tomm Carroll directly.  Tomm’s contact info is:
tommixx@earthlink.net
(310) 502-2725
7643 Truxton Ave
LA, CA  90045

Full details of the competition can be found at
https://competitions.maltosefalcons.com/2024Mayfaire/  If you are a registered judge, please sign up here as a judge to make sure you get experience points.  Satellite sessions are also being held April 8, 9, 10 and 11 at various other locations.  The main judging session will be in our neighborhood at Santa Monica Brew Works, Saturday morning April 13th at 8AM.Thanks
Carl Townsend
Competition Coordinator

Upcoming Styles of the Month

  • April 2024 – Pale beers
  • May 2024 – Dark/black beers
  • June 2024 – Sour beers, smoked beers, and wood-aged beers
  • July 2024 – IPAs
  • August 2024 – No style of the month (Summer Party)
  • September 2024 – German and Czech beers
  • October 2024 – Alternative fermentables beers (using sugars and/or grains other than malted barley)
  • November 2024 – Fruit/spice beers, meads, and ciders/berries
  • December 2024 – No style of the month (Holiday Party)

Upcoming Events

It’s Time to Do the Dues!

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It’s March and that means its time for our annual Pacific Gravity membership dues collection.  All club members need to pay their dues to keep their membership active until March 2025.  Annual dues are $42 for individuals or $63 for couples and are prorated for members who joined the club within the last year.

Keep in mind that your dues are the primary way we fund such club activities as club parties, monthly meetings, club brews and much more.  Your paid membership also ensures that you’ll continue to receive the many club benefits available, access to various brewing activities, discounts and information.

There are several ways you can renew your annual dues.  Club Treasurer, Craig Corley will be collecting dues at the upcoming March club meeting and other upcoming club events.  You can go old school and send Pacific Gravity a check to PO Box 2451, Culver City CA 90231. And for the ultimate in convenience, you can renew your dues online via the PayPal links below:

Individual Membership – Full 1-year Renewal: https://py.pl/1Q1IAw

Couples Membership – Full 1-year Renewal: https://py.pl/1yST5g

Along with your dues renewal, we need all members to complete a Membership Application/Liability Waiver. And in the case of couples memberships, we need this for both members.  You can fill out and submit your Membership Application/Liability Waiver at the following link: https://forms.gle/f2xCjNBAp5qoJjFK8

All current club members should have gotten a renewal notice via email detailing their dues renewal amount and member information on file. This is a good opportunity to update our membership records, so please let Craig know of any changes to your member information (address, email, phone, etc) or include changes with your check/renewal form.

For any individual members who might be interested, the couples membership provides full membership status/benefits to both partners of a couple including membership cards, emails, etc. Note that the couples membership is optional, couples can continue with one partner being an individual member and the other being their guest.  It’s an additional $21 to upgrade your individual membership to a couples membership and you’ll need to include your partner’s name and email along with your payment.

Have questions about your dues or how much you owe? Check with Craig at the March club meeting or by email at Treasurer@PacificGravity.com.