The George Hummel Challenge Series

We in the craft-beer industry are fortunate to have a pretty good relationship with the beer press.  That is to say, as opposed to in other areas, such as politics, where (you might have noticed lately) there exists an often adversarial relationship and the press is ready, even eager, to pillory those on whom it reports.  Not so much for us - these guys appreciate beer and want to spread its benefits and extol its virtues.  In short, they're on our side.   That having been said, it is important for brewers to remember that the fourth estate does not work for the brewery and is made up of individuals who have a mischievous side, especially the beer guys...

So, when George Hummel, of Mid-Atlantic Brewing News, called Ric to get a report on upcoming seasonal beer and events, Ric probably should have told him what upcoming seasonal beer and events we had planned.  What he said instead was, "I'm not sure exactly what to tell you, because I don't know myself, but I figure I'll wait and see what you print, then I'll know what to brew."  George's response was the following, excerpted from the April/May 2008 issue of Mid-Atlantic Brewing News, pg. 41:

"Now let's make beer boy dance for us!  At George's suggestion, Ric will be brewing a Honey Cream Ale from pilsner, carapils and flaked maize.  The brew will be gently bittered with Glacier and lightly dry-hopped with the same.  A late kettle addition of clover honey will tweak the flavor of this summertime quaffer.  Joining the Loco Rico, look for Scarlet Fire, a scaled-up version of George's Ruby Mild with chipotle peppers recipe featured in last issue's Homebrew News.  How's that Rico?"

So Ric has brewed the Honey Cream and the Ruby Mild, ready for the addition of chipotle peppers for Cinco de Mayo.  Public, we hope you enjoy them.  George, we hope you come in and try them.  Ric, we hope you've learned your lesson.