|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the website of the Midland Craft Brewing Association (MCBA).
While there is no formal link with the National CBA (UK) a good working relationship exists through the MCBA Co-ordinator and there are also informal links to other local groups in UK.
In essence, the MCBA is a mailing list of craft brewers who live in the Midlands area, although sometimes members from other regions attend our events and occasionally non-members who want to see what we are about. Although the MCBA has defined roles such as Co-ordinator, Events Organiser, Treasurer, and small website team, it is an informal organization with a confidential mailing list and a public website. Normally six meetings are held each year, as are two socials and three bottle swaps and a brewery visit. Details of forthcoming events are shown in the diary section of the website.
Although all meetings are structured with a chair and agenda, they are informal and friendly and the accent is on sharing knowledge and expertise. Normally, there are two standard agenda items for each meeting – tasting and feedback of beers brought to the meeting, and an aspect of brewing chosen by the chair for the day. We normally have a pint or two together before the meeting and there is always an opportunity for some more beer after the meeting for those who can stay on for a while.
The tasting and feedback of beers brewed by members is an important aspect of our group. There is no doubt in my mind that the present high standard of brewing by our members owes much to the comments and advice given over the last few years at our meetings.
Having said that, many of us find it quite difficult to do full justice to a beer that is no more than a few sips at the bottom of a half-pint glass. Consequently, we now have a bottle swap group that meets up to exchange beers. After drinking the beer at leisure in our homes, full feedback is then provided by email.
Experience of craft brewing in the group varies considerably. Some members have been brewing full-mash beers for many years whilst others are just beginning to make the transition from kits. I must stress that you do not need to be an experienced brewer to benefit from belonging to the MCBA. Depending on where you live, it may be possible to attend a brew day with an experienced member (I found this very useful when I recommenced full mash brewing a number of years ago).
Many members are not able to attend meetings very often or, indeed, any at all. However there is a considerable amount of private email exchanges between some of our members on various aspects of brewing, and this can be an effective way of benefiting from membership if you can’t attend.
The two socials are held usually around Christmas, and the summer. The last four in Nottingham, Derby, the Black Country and a joint social with the Cambridge group in Peterborough have been very enjoyable and well attended.
At the end of the day, brewing beer and sampling the results have to be an enjoyable activity and experience. We believe that this enjoyment and our advances in brewing skills have been enhanced by the formation and continued development of the MCBA so do please join us and take part as much as you can.
Ron A
MCBA Co-ordinator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|