11/10/08 ACS Meeting at Logan's Roadhouse

Presentation: "What kind of beer am I drinking?"

ABSTRACT: The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) recognize 28 major style categories of beer, ale, and mead with over 100 variations and sub-categories of historic and modern importance. Homebrewers submit thousands of examples in these categories to local, regional, and national competitions for peer and expert evaluation every year. The judges provide the brewer with feedback and suggestions for improving the beer and meeting the style guidelines.

In this seminar, the basic fermentation process will be reviewed. Style guidelines will be provided and discussed in the context of both brewing chemistry and sample evaluation. Samples of a wide variety of styles will be provided so that participants can understand stylistic similarities and differences in the evaluation process.

Biographical Information

Mark Thomson is currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Physical Science at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he teaches courses in general chemistry. He received his B.S. degree (1987) from the University of Utah in chemistry and his Ph.D. degree (1995) from Colorado State University in inorganic chemistry. He has been a homebrewer of ales, meads, and wines for 10 years, winning several ribbons at local and regional competitions. For the past 5 years he has also served as a Certified Beer Judge through the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). His current research interests include improving chemistry education, especially at the introductory college level through the incorporation of interdisciplinary perspectives and technology-based resources. His current recreational research interests include small-scale fermentation, especially as it relates to indigenous and native South and Central American fermented beverages such as Chicha (Peru) and Mavi (Puerto Rico).

MEETING RECAP: After a fine dinner in the private dining room at the venue, Prof. Thomson offered an informative and entertaining presentation which shared his passion for brewing fine beers and ale at home, and he shared insights of what he brings to the table when he serves as a Beer Judge in homebrewing competitions. Besides a good Q&A follow up, the local section was delighted to welcome three final-year chemistry majors from Trinity University for the meeting. We also welcomed two new attendees and look forward to their return. Unfortunately, no photos were taken to memorialize the wonderful evening, as section photographer Jaime forgot to bring his camera; he hopes he was forgiven by buying a round of draft Shiner Bocks for those so inclined to forgive and imbibe.

The next section meeting will be posted on the section website as soon as we finalize details...please keep looking!