Category: April 2025

They say time flies when you are having fun. I must be in a state of ecstatic euphoria because time is cruising by in overdrive. It’s been a week already since the Waubesa Shores Brewing Club managed to assemble for an overdue brew session of an American Light Ale.

Young hairless buck Todd suggested a nice light American Ale for the summer ahead. Like a moth, he is attracted to the Light: Miller Light, Bud Light, Coors Light etc.

I asked AI if moths are attracted to beer. Looks like they are:

“Yes, moths are attracted to beer, specifically a mixture of beer, brown sugar, and ripe banana. This mixture is often used to attract moths for scientific observation or simply for the enjoyment of seeing them. The fermentation process of the mixture produces an odor that is particularly appealing to many moth species.”

So, it appears that Todd is in fact a moth and is attracted to the light for scientific observation – or for the enjoyment of us seeing him.

Unfortunately, we were not aware that brown sugar and banana aspect of this beer until now. For future reference, Todd will need to make sure that these vital ingredients are incorporated into the next brew session of this American Light Ale to achieve the desired outcome.

The brew crew: John, Paul, Todd, Jacob and myself (not the Beatles) gathered this past Sunday in Majestic McFarland. In addition, a visitor whose name escapes me stopped by because he apparently had too much time on his hands. (I’m sure one of the crew will refresh my memory in the comments section below.)

JD, being a Steam Punk junky had the operation underway upon my arrival. Since Supervisor Mark was not on hand, I tapped a beer and got the job done in his absence.

Brothers Paul and Todd got to mashing in.

JD reminding us to “Just Brew It”.

This is not what you think it is.

Every brew session needs chow. Todd made some smoked pulled pork for the crew. We supplemented with junk and might have had a few on the side.

JD’s not waterproof pump in a slightly damp environment. (Note: JD has weeds.)

The laundry boil kettle. I forgot to ask what type of laundry soap he uses.

Hops Spider is still hanging around.

Hot Scotchies anyone?

New to the system: Inline Filter.

Something ended up in the barrel fermenter.

Other than the wind which seems to be in abundance this Spring, the weather was nice and a good time was had by all – an enjoyable day.

American Light Ale

Grain

• 35 lb – 2 Row Pale Malt
• 12 lb – Flaked Corn
• 3 lb – Cara Pils / Dextrine

Hops

• 2 oz – Willamette @ 60 minutes
• 2 oz – Willamette @ 30 minutes
• 5 oz – Liberty @ 2 minutes

Yeast

• 1 pkg – White Labs California Ale (#WLP001) Starter

Anticipated Analysis

• OG – 1.037
• FG – 1.006
• ABV – 4.1%
• Bitterness – 11.7 IBU
• Color – 2.8 SRM

Note: The group should note that the beer cache has been eliminated. I’m working on a pint of Aruba Derci as I type this.

Easter Monday was a day off from the school teaching gig – AKA Easter Break – and that meant getting ‘r done at Fieldpointe South. The brewing system has been less tasked lately for a good reason.

Owner and proprietor Mark of Fieldpointe South suffered a heart attack not too long ago one morning. Instead of inconveniencing emergency medical services with an escort to the hospital, he patiently waited for Helen to finish an abbreviated morning maintenance agenda before being driven in for service. It appears that the receptionist at the hospital wasn’t initially concerned about Mark’s status by having him complete 3 volumes of registration paperwork. Perhaps the individual thought that Mark was faking it and was just seeking attention? Eventually Mark got the concept of urgency across to the desk receptionist and was given immediate corrective measures. He was definitely not faking.

Investigations indicated that Mark’s “widow maker” had some debris in the plumbing which was corrected by a stent inserted via his wrist. I had no idea that they could do something like that! Thankfully that maneuver did the trick and Mark is still with us ensuring the continued operations of Fieldpointe South. We are all very thankful and appreciative of God’s guidance and healing of Mark through this situation.

Not too long after, Mark had to go in for a stress test. Not surprisingly, he did not study properly and failed. This resulted in another trip to the specialists to have another stent inserted on the back of his heart – again via his wrist. Mark indicated that he was conscious during both procedures. I wonder if it feels like worms crawling through your blood vessels? I have no idea and don’t really have the desire to find out.

Mark is now taking “old people” medications and participates in “therapy” on a regular basis. He is still able to participate in beer brewing (not much of a change there as supervisor) and consuming – as always – within moderation. We are all thankful for the positive outcome of this event.

What to brew on an Easter Monday? Good question. It has been brought to our attention that the church again would like to hold another Oktoberfest in September. Time to get going on another round of “Church Beers” so that they can lager a bit before then. The plan is to brew 2 of last year’s beers: Gemütlichkeit and Freudenfest. To add some creativity to the event, the other 2 “Brothers of the Lutheran Persuasion” have each been invited to brew a beer of their choosing to have on hand at the Oktoberfest celebration. You would better know these “brothers” as Greg: Lone Cedar Brewing and Jerome: C.F.W. Malther Brewing. If you have no idea as to who these guys are, shame on you. You are not a diligent reader of this blog. Now would be a great time to fix this you problem. (After you finish reading this post, of course.)

Present for the brew session was the afore mentioned Greg of Lone Cedar and esteemed special honorary guest John who stopped by to whet his whistle following a grueling session at the daily grind. John is the chair of the festivities and fellowship committee at First Evan and thoughtfully suggested that Fieldpointe again provide the “refreshments” for the upcoming event. Absent was Jerome of Malther who was recovering at home from some “bug” that bit him. It was thoughtful of him to not share his illness with us by passing on this brewing invitation. I’m sure that was a very hard decision to make.

Speaking of sharing, Greg did bring a beer share: WildEdge Everything Nice. WildEdge is a brewery in Cortez, Colorado. This beer is classified as a Belgian Table Beer with cardamom, coriander and orange peel. Let me tell you – if you can get your mitts on this – don’t hesitate.

Now back to the brew. Since this beer has been previously published, you may go back in time, as you desire, to review and refresh your memory of all things Gemütlichkeit. If you lack the desire of the finer details, then continue on for this year’s rendition of Gemütlichkeit.

Grains

• 10 lb – Pilsner Malt
• 1 lb – Acidulated Malt
• 1 lb – Vienna Malt
• 1 lb – Crystal 40° L

Hops

• 1 oz – Hallertau @ 60 minutes
• 1 oz – Hallertau @ 15 minutes
• 1 oz – Hallertau @ Flameout

Yeast

• Fermentis Saflager S-23

Fermentation will take place at various temperatures totally dependent on Mark’s ability to operate the temperature controler effectively.