Due to the stay-at-home order ongoing in Ohio, we again met via video call on Zoom. We hope that everyone who attended enjoyed it.

Here’s a quick recap:

• A toast was held for Jeff Lewis, a longtime SODZ member and accomplished homebrewer, who passed away in April.

• Sara Hagerty from Origin Malt provided a malt talk. It included some barley and brewing history and information, a look into what Origin Malts is working on within the industry., and a question and answer session afterwards. It was a great talk.

• The British Beer Fest was unfortunately cancelled this year. The Lucci Cup British Strong Ales beers will still be judged, although not for any medals – just bragging rights. Richard Sheppard has volunteered to judge the entries.

• The Ohio State Fair Homebrew competition, a great competition and favorite of SODZ members, has been cancelled for this year.

• We got an update on our local homebrew shops, all of which are still open. If you’re not sure about a shop’s shopping/pickup procedures, give them a call first.

• Mitch gave us a brief update (and view of the barrel, via video) on the barrel project we’re having with the Dayton and Cincinnati clubs. Our barrel was filled on 3/22 and will continue to be aged.

• Homebrew Con in Nashville has been cancelled, but replaced by a virtual conference. For just $99, you get three days of Live Sessions, a Keynote Address by Bailey Spaulding, Jackalope Brewing Co., a Virtual Homebrew Expo, Homebrewer Meet-ups, Sponsored Demonstrations, Virtual Happy Hours and an Annual Awards Announcement and Prize Drawing. The link for general info, scheduled sessions and registration is here:
  https://www.homebrewcon.org/

• Big Brew, Barley’s Homebrew Competition, and the Iron Kettle have all been postponed.

• The June meeting scheduled for Restoration with HOPS and DOH will be postponed. We still plan to hold the Saison competition between the three clubs with the winner brewed by Frank at Restoration.