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The last time I had a 46 it seemed to last an unusually long time (1 hour +). But if I recall, I didn't have a drink with it either, maybe a water, and I smoked it in the quiet of the night on the back porch. Peaceful and slow. This time it was the middle of the day, hot (close to 80*), music playing as I sat and chatted with my son while he was skateboarding on the deck. Both the beer and cigar seemed to go rather quick. Maybe in a couple years someone will top this thread, and I'll think, "I remember that day...geez, my son is growing up too fast."

Shew that looks like some thick beer!

Looks great, makin my mouth water !!!!!!!!

never had that sam adams, whats the skinny on it dave

The skinny on it is that if you really like it, and drink a lot of it, you'll need a fat wallet to pay $9.99 for a 4-pack.

As far as I know, it only comes out a certain time of year.

See Dave,

THIS is the reason why I got into brewing!

The cost savings are just crazy!

For what you'd spend for 2-1/2 cases of say a premium of Belgian ale versus what I can make it for???? The most expensive ale I've made didn't even clear the 80.00 line.

The 4 packs are available almost year round at Total Beer and Wine.

There are a group of guys/friends currently organizing a brew club in my neighborhood. One of the guys has a basement (aka "the cave") in his detached garage where the brewing will take place. It's actually pretty organized (like a company) with brewing teams of two who will rotate through every weekend. With the number of guys involved it means showing up once every 2-3 months (or more if desired) to brew another batch. Each brewer will get about 4 cases of beer...4 cases of beer at my house would last an entire summer or longer (if I didn't share it). A few of the guys have been homebrewing for years, but they still want/need a Brew Meister. Each person is chipping in $135-$200 for the startup costs...with 25 brewers that should generate up to ~$5000 for tooling-up and brewing the first 100 cases of beer. As fun as it sounds, I'm still undecided, but giving it serious thought.

I've gotten back into home brewing over the past couple of years and have talked to a few folks who are involved with brew clubs. They seem like good people for the most part but I came away worried about the old "too many cooks" issue. You have folks rotating through the brewery, taking turns doing tasks, I just worry about things that can go wrong that I have no control over. Also, the issue of 16-24 or so people deciding together on what to brew? It would seem to me that, with a brew club, smaller would be better.

I guess I want to be the one doing the process right through and like having it brewing in my own house. There's nothing saying you couldn't do both but I am always concerned about chaos theory controlling any organized group in the end. But that's probably just me, I'm sometimes accused of being a bit anti-social in my older years.

My unasked for 1.5 cents.

Do it!

That picture made me cry..

Dave...you could for the start up cost of your club...spend it and be on your own doing it.

If you're thrifty enough and patient...

1) Turkey Fryer Propane Stove

1) 5 gallon SS pot

1) 1 22" SS spoon

1) Basic Starter Kit...available at auction sites and various homebrew sites.

and 3 cases of brown non-screw top bottles...to start...then get some 22oz bottles...2 cases....then graduate to Belgian bottles...LOL!

I found items on CL and auction sites. I was WELL under 200.00 for everything! This will get you started and from there you upgrade here and there. If you really want a list of stuff I can PM it to you. Once you have something you create you'll be hooked.

There are scads of YouTubes that show how to brew, but I learn best by watching and participating. I think I helped HockeyDad brew about 6 different types before I had all my stuff. Brewing with others the way HD, Mark and I do it really is a lot of fun...the discussions, the samplings, the food and the smokes make for a fun filled day...or as we just found out...night! You really don't need a "group" to brew and Hoyo's worries are mine too! I KNOW how I do stuff, but if someone else is careless...and CLEANLINESS is THE most important thing when brewing then you've wasted time, material and the ability to put something in the "pipeline"!

YES!!!

Support "local" when it's smart and cost effective!

If you don't...they'll go out of business.

You WILL need "something" in a pinch sooner or later!

That was suggested about a month ago or so when all the information started getting sent out to potential club members. But I'm afraid I would be of little help...I don't really drink THAT much beer. The idea of creating something (beer), like cooking which I also enjoy when I have the time, appeals to me. That's why the brewing club would be more for fun and a learning experience. I'd probably give out most of whatever I received, and it probably wouldn't be to my beer drinking neighbors because the ones I know will likely be in the club as well.