Rocky Mountain District

MBAA District Rocky Mountain convened its spring meeting at Anheuser-Busch's Fort Collins brewery on March 25. The meeting, which was attended by over 65 members and guests, started with a tour of Fort Collins' recently commissioned fermentation cellar addition. During the business portion of the meeting, President Axel Johnson, Coors Brewing Co., reported that the district is meeting its targeted membership goal of more than 130 members. President Johnson also reported on the recent Board of Governors' meeting and the status of the national organization. Treasurer Paul Kuznia, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., reported that the district is financially sound. He also reminded the members that they have until June to take advantage of the district's offer to reimburse 75% of the purchase price for the MBAA publication A Handbook of Basic Brewing Calculations. Publicity chairman Steve Presley, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., spoke on the fine press coverage that the district has received from the national organization and various brewing related publications. He also announced, that starting with the Anheuser-Busch meeting, the district will give attendees a beer glass with the hosting location's logo or brand identification at each meeting. Technical co-chairman Jeff Biegert, New Belgium Brewing Co., reported on the upcoming all-day technical seminar that will be held on June 25 in conjunction with the annual Fort Collins sponsored Colorado Brewers' Festival. Mr. Biegert also reported on technical talks that have been arranged for future meetings. He closed with introductions of the evening's technical speakers and their presentations.

The technical portion of the meeting featured talks by Scandi Brew's Sales & Technology Manager, Mike Cholerton and Enerfab's Regional Sales Manager, Sean Ballinger. Mr. Cholerton's presentation, Yeast Management for Optimum Yeast Health & Quality, detailed the various systems that Scandi Brew has developed for the safe and efficient propagation, storage and handling of brewer's yeast. He presented pictures of the systems, along with brewery scale technical data supporting their benefits, in a thorough and thought-provoking manner. Mr. Ballinger's presentation dealt with the progression of brewing fermentation vessel design from early small, wood vessels to present-day, large, stainless steel, cylindri-conical types. His use of archival photos and design data enabled the audience to decide on the best design for their particular application.

The district is grateful to Anheuser-Busch Inc.'s Senior Brewmaster, Todd Hansen and his staff for hosting the meeting. Held in the brewery's Tour Center, the meeting was appreciated by all who attended.

Steve Presley
Publicity Chairman, Past President
MBAA District Rocky Mountain

Floris Delee, Brewery Engineer, New Belgium Brewing Co., and Dwight Hall, Head Brewer, Cooper Smith Brewing Co., both of Fort Collins, CO. Click picture to see full image.

Left to right: Mike Cholerton, Sales & Technology Manager, Scandi Brew Copenhagen, Denmark, Jeff Biegert, Technical co-chairman, New Belgium Brewing Co., Sean Ballinger, Regional Sales Manager, Enerfab Cincinnati, OH, Finn Knudsen, Technical co-chairman, Beverage Consultants Intl. Click picture to see full image.