1. We could not get Heavy Seas to host the Guild holiday party in December due to their 30th anniversary party being the same evening, so we will have it on Saturday January 31, 2026 at Heavy Seas. Charities will be House of Ruth, Pints for Prostates, and Habitat for Humanity. Ticket sales are live at https://fshcg.ticketspice.com/2025-guild-holiday-party
2. The CRABS theme for the Guild holiday party will be “creepy carnival”. Let’s brainstorm some ideas.
3. Reminder that SPBW will have a party at Maryland Homebrew on Thursday December 11 at 6:00. Les will cater it.
4. Bierbath in Sykesville is having a homebrew contest. Submit 3 bottles and a $10 entry fee for a chance at the $600 first prize. Judging will be on Saturday 12/6, 6:00-10:00 PM at Bierbath, and you must be present to win . Register by 12/1 at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bierbath/1792614
5. There will be a malt educational session and tasting with Brad Humbert of Bear Branch Malt on Thursday 11/20, 7:00 PM, at Streetcar 82 Brewing, 4824 Rhode Island Ave, Hyattsville. Learn about the process of turning raw grain into beer, and taste different malts.
6. HomebrewCon will be held June 19-20, 2026 in Asheville NC. See https://homebrewersassociation.org/aha-events/homebrewcon/
7. Vote for 2026 CRABS competition beer styles at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexbkIPWZujNiBek7Y5bq_jPpwBUIisnHBkmf52HcLgiYOMrw/viewform One suggestion is “tiki beer party”, featuring beers infused with juice. Also we will probably do another Sapwood Cellars clone.
8. If you want barleywine from the CRABS barrel, some folks will be getting theirs this Sunday 11/23 at 1:00 at Ben’s house. Address was sent via email. If you can’t make it at that time, you can drop off a keg at your convenience (remember to put your name on it).
9. There are a few Cub Scout events coming up in Halethorpe in case your child is interested. Info was sent via email.
10. The (formerly MALT) Turkey Shoot homebrew competition was held on Sunday 11/16 at Sapwood Cellars. A few CRABSters judged.
11. This month’s competition was porters and stouts. There were 7 entries. Winners were:
- 5th – John Bugert
- 4th – Bob Baroncinni
- 3rd (tie) – John Keough
- 3rd (tie) – Chris+Christa
- 2nd – Joe O’Keefe
- 1st – Brian England
12. Next meeting: Wednesday December 17. No competition. Bring food/beer to share, and a 750/bomber/cans for the bottle swap. Also bring some gift beer for the Heavy Seas staff.
13. Go to http://crabsbrew.org for CRABS-related information.