Who are the Prairie Homebrewing Companions?

We were organized and affiliated with the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) by four local homebrewers in 1990. The club continues to grow and has over 50 members.

Membership in the PHC is based loosely on an interest in beer and brewing. Some of our members have never made a beer.  We range from extract brewers to all-grain and even people who have been professional brewers.

What is the PHC about?

It is the intent of the PHC to encourage and instruct its membership and the beer-drinking public in developing a healthy attitude toward beers.  We try to help other beer lovers improve their tasting skills and brewing techniques, share recipes, and equipment innovations or techniques.

PHC By-laws

What does the PHC do?

• Monthly meetings - 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM

• Award of Brewing program

• Hoppy Halloween Challenge homebrewing competition

• Holiday Party and BrewOff

• Suds-N-Spuds beer tasting with the Shriners

• Preparation classes for the Beer Judge Certification Program tests

• Summer campouts

• Social gatherings

• Special Brewing events - Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day, Big Brew, etc.

• Activities with other area homebrewing clubs

When does the PHC meet?

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month, usually at about 7:30PM.  During the summer months, the meeting location and dates vary so check the PHC Home Page for the current Calendar of Events.  

If you can make it to a PHC meeting, don't forget some of your best brew for our People's Choice tasting and bring a glass for sampling. 

How do I join?

The yearly dues of the Prairie Homebrewing Companions are $15.00 for a single membership, $20.00 for a family membership.   Memberships is based on the calendar year so if you join later in the year, the amount will be pro-rated.

Show up at a meeting or contact the club Treasurer for the next step.

How do I know what is going on?

Join the PHC Mailing list (instructions are here).  You don't need a yahoo email address, just use an email address that you check regularly and you will receive and can send emails to all club members and can keep up with the latest club news.  You do not need to be a member yet to join the email list.

What happens at a PHC meeting?

• Award of Brewing Tasting - before the meeting people are judging the beers submitted for the Award of Brewing program, if enough beers are submitted, the meeting may start a bit late.

• People's Choice beers are sitting on a table of everyone to sample (with the glass you brought).  We vote for our favorite beer at the end of the meeting.

• The meeting starts and we go over club business like the Treasurer's report and other committees or reports needed to keep the club running

  • Introduction of visitors and new members - if it is your first meeting, we would like to get to know you so please tell us who you are, if you are brewing yet and how you found out about the club.

  • Award of Brewing - a quick summary of the beers submitted and judged and if people have attained a new level in AOB, awards are given out.

  • Old Business - Reviewing club business carried over from a prior meeting, like planning events and activities like Hoppy Halloween and Suds'N'Spuds.

  • New Business - Club items being brought up for the first time.

  • Announcements - General announcements usually related to beer that club members would be interested in.

• Nuts & Bolts - A presentation of a beer style, homebrew gadget, or anything like that to educate the members on beer or brewing.

What do I get as a member of the PHC?

• A cool membership card proclaiming your membership in the PHC

• Access to the club library of brewing related books, magazines, and videos

• Access to the club's yeast bank

• A year's subscription to the club's monthly newsletter The BlowOff

• Voting rights at meetings

• A 10% discount on non-taxable items at the Country Cannery and some other homebrew supply stores like Northern Brewer and Midwest Homebrewing Supplies (club membership card may be required).

• A discount on craft beer at Bernies Liquors on south University

• A connection to local homebrewers 

• Access to the club's jockey box

New or experienced, membership in the PHC allows you to learn and discuss beer and  brewing with people with the same interests.

What are those 'Quality Beer Zone' signs all about?

We had these signs made up to show our appreciation to local businesses that we feel support quality beer.  It is our 'seal of approval' plus it helps get the club's name and website out to people who may frequent these businesses.   

Current Quality Beer Zones:
99 Bottles, Moorhead, MN
Atomic Coffee Moorhead, MN
Bernie's Wines & Liquors South University, Fargo, ND
Bridgeview Liquor Moorhead, MN
Country Cannery (homebrewing supplies) Moorhead, MN
Fargo Billiards & Gastropub, Fargo, ND
Happy Harry's Bottle Shop 45th Street, Fargo, ND
Monk's Pub @ Usher's House Moorhead, MN
Old Chicago Fargo, ND
Sickies Garage, Fargo, ND
Sidestreet Pub Fargo, ND
Summit Brewing St. Paul, MN
Zorbaz Detroit Lakes, MN

Who are the club officers?

The current officers of the Prairie Homebrewing Companions for 2012-2013 are:

President	Rick Brandvold
Vice-President	Nancy Bowser
Treasurer	Kristi Jacobson
Secretary	Barb Nilles
Counselor ('12-'14)	Tom Roan
Counselor ('11-'13)	Dave Batcheller

Who has received the PHC Achievement Award?

What if I still have questions?

Send your questions to info@prairiehomebrewers.org

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