March 2006 - David Needleman

By Kathy Thompson

This month I had the opportunity to brew with David Needleman. He has been a member of Hop Barley & the Alers for the last two years, although he has only lived in Colorado for one year. David is Mike Carroll’s brother-in-law. While David was visiting Mike and Suzanne a few years ago, he came to one of our meetings and instantly wanted to be a part of our wonderful club. Who could blame him!

David brewed his first batch with Mike in 1997. They made a Bass Clone they called “Big Fish”. Mike came up with the recipe after months of experimenting. Looks like David had a great teacher! David had been brewing with friends while he was living back east. One brew that he mentioned was an Orange Cyser. Sounds interesting! Last year, David started brewing on his own. He made a Mead using a standard Alfalfa honey, as well as an Alt Beer. All brews have been all-grain batches. He says he’s never made an extract batch. David has been slowly acquiring brewing equipment through donations. By the way, he says he’s still accepting donations.

Today, David and I made a Schwarzbier, while Mike was brewing a Scottish beer. David and Mike were saying as with tradition, after mashing out they usually have a Screaming Irishman or Scotsman (depending on whether they have whiskey or scotch on hand). I had never heard of this drink before. It is made by mixing the wort with whiskey or scotch. I was told it is best when warm. What a great way to pass the time while brewing! You should try it the next time you brew!!