September 01 (AKA Labor Day) is better known around these parts as the WLS Staff Infection Fantasy Football Draft Day (WLSSIFFDD). The Blauerts (AKA Fieldpointe South) graciously hosted the annual event as per tradition. God provided us with a day that couldn’t have been better. Mark was busy outdoors with the grill artistically articulating his craft while the brewing business transpired inside down in the Man Cave. Later in the day the WLS staff and associates arrived to enjoy good food, drink and Christian fellowship – and the draft.
Mark’s masterpiece was an 8 lb pork shoulder which he had on the grill around 5:30 AM. He has his procedure worked out well. The guests agreed because at the end of the event there was very little evidence of mark’s hard work remaining. Maybe it was the Mark B Que Sauce that was the hit and the shoulder was just something to put it on? Job well done (pun intended) Mark!
As mentioned, we were blessed with weather made to order for such an event. This time I have the proof that this was so as the Dorothy Doors were open. These doors are super convenient for events such as this and give the occasional glimpse of the glorious outdoors for those confined to the dungeon.
There was no shortage of beverages on hand. Dedicated readers of this forum know by now of the tradition of brewing a beer on this day and keeping it to be tapped 1 year out. Last year’s brew was a Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout which held up nicely. In addition, 3 of the 4 “church beers” were on tap. One was Lone Cedar’s U.A.C. Dusseldorf Altbier, another was Fieldpointe’s Freudenfest Marzen, and the third was Fieldpointe’s Gemütlichkeit Helles Bock. The 4th super secret (because no one has seen it yet) church beer is C.F.W. Malther’s fabrication which may or may not actually exist. The truth will be told in a week and a half at the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest & Church Picnic on the 28th when the beers will be served. This picture is one of the church beers making its way to the keg.
While the grill and brew kettle were hot, the early birds were treated to the Bloody Mary bar. This has become standard procedure to follow at these events and is a great way to keep rolling along.
The beer brewed this day is a repeat of the standard Belgian Quad. Due to the larger grain bill the 10 gallon converted mash cooler (warmer) was used. The intention was to use an external pump to recirculate the mash. However, someone from Fieldpointe North neglected to bring the necessary hoses. Perhaps next time.
Earlier in August, about the time the new school year got underway, C.F.W. Malther Brewing engaged in its hop harvest. I know how difficult it is to work this in at the start of a school year. Fieldpointe North at one time grew Northern Brewer, Willamette and Cascade hops which grew very well. The difficult part was getting the hops picked and packaged with so much other things going on. Somewhere in the picture archives are images of the hop growing operation. In fact, way back when, Brew Your Own magazine had a link to my home hop growing trellis images online.
Anyway, C.F.W. Malther proprietor Jerome gathered his harvest of MagnaMette hops. He calls them MagnaMette because they are a combination of Willamette and Magnum hops. The identity of which one is what had been lost in the relocation of the brewery to Racine from somewhere where Dorothy and Toto once hung out.
Malther was charging $20 / ounce but gave a healthy promotional discount if one mentioned Led Zeppelin Rules at checkout. Since just about everyone knows that Pink Floyd IS the band, Fieldpointe North did not use the promotional code. However, someone from the loosely associated Fieldpointe South organization caved. The end result: MagnaMette hops made their way into La Bel Da Qua.
Other than the forgotten hoses for the pump, the brew day went well and La Bel Da Qua made it to the fermenter.
The evening concluded with the WLS Staff Infection Fantasy Football Draft and Draught Draft. Each participant, as they desired, was encouraged to bring a six pack of a beverage to share with the group. Following the football draft the remaining beverages were then drafted to go home with the day’s participants.
This year I resorted to going “auto pick” for the draft. I did this once before and ended up with auto drafting 2 kickers. Ironically, I ended up winning the league that year! Somewhere there is a trophy with the proof. This past year Fieldpointe North finished in the top 3. Yes, I know 3rd place is 2nd loser.
However, readers may or may not want to note how Fieldpointe South fared. Guess someone needs to be at the bottom of the barrel.
In summary: A good time was had by all. This is a fun way to wind down the summer, wind up a new school year and best of all – look forward to and enjoy another season of football.
La Bel Da Qua
Grains
- 10 lb – Belgian Pils
- 7 lb – Belgian Pale
Hops
- 1 oz – Brewer’s Gold (MagnaMette) @ 60 minutes
- 1 oz – Hallertau (MagnaMette) @ 30 minutes
- 1 oz – Styrian Goldings (MagnaMette) @ 15 minutes
Adjunct
- 1 lb – Amber Candi Sugar @ flameout
Yeast
- Fermentis BE-256 (1 liter starter)
Projected Analysis
- OG – 1.081
- FG – 1.020
- Color – 14 SRM
- ABV – 8%
- Bitterness – 47 IBU
