is the AHA a scam??

[Jako]

I know, by the time it gets really good I'll be dead. But it will still taste good even after a few years.

look guys, i just want to make some gin for the off times i don't want a beer. also very few will drink some gin it wont walk off.

 

[-Dan-]

That's what happens when you have themed booths or events ...

 

[cmac62]

look guys, i just want to make some gin for the off times i don't want a beer. also very few will drink some gin it wont walk off.

Gin you can make without a still, just soak the herbs in vodka. Of course it is not clear, but the taste is good.

 

[trboyden]

That's quite an exaggeration.

Have they put focus on diversity and inclusion? Yes, and IMO the hobby needs it (just like the craft brewing industry clearly does). Both homebrewing and the craft beer industry are not just "sausagefests", they are predominantly weisswurst.

Have they put more focus on that stuff than on brewing? Not even close. As in, not even remotely close.

You might have a case for commercial brewing (though I would argue minorities have a better chance at starting up given the subsidies available to them), but for homebrewing, there is zero barrier other than one's will to order the supplies and brew a batch. People are too quick to throw out the "need" for "diversity and inclusion" as a substitute for actually understanding societal problems, working towards a real solution, and not just regurgitating political propaganda.

 

[Barbarossa]

Despite some arguments to the contrary, the terms "nonprofit" and "not-for-profit" are synonymous. Basically, they are organizations that cannot distribute any financial surplus (profits) to shareholders, and thus benefit from certain tax exemptions. What some more narrowly call "nonprofits" are organizations classified as 501(c)(3) - in addition to not distributing profits, they are set up for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes. The AHA is listed as a 501(c)(6), which is a category used for business leagues, chambers of commerce and other organizations that - despite their non-profit-distributing nature - are created to promote a trade, profession or commercial activity (i.e. homebrewing). They are not listed or rated by Charity Navigator because, as a 501(c)(6), their membership dues are considered business expenses, rather than charitable donations, and are not tax deductible. Yes, the AHA is legit; no, it is not a scam.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.us...nonprofit-vs-not-for-profit-vs-for-profit/amp
Might want to read this.

 

[Bad Bubba]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.us...nonprofit-vs-not-for-profit-vs-for-profit/amp
Might want to read this.

That is a bad article that is incorrect in some of it statements and published by an organization that should know better. Probably written by a staffer who lifted it from somewhere else. People confuse often repeated with well established. Not -for-profit and nonprofit are not really legal terms but descriptors, people use not-for-profit usually to mean non charity. I go to the tax code which has 29 different types of nonprofits which includes organizations that article calls a not for profit.
Funniest part of that article is saying that not for profits are run by volunteers - most 501(c)(6) organizations have employees (many well paid) and are self described not for profit.

 

[Barbarossa]

That is a bad article that is incorrect in some of it statements and published by an organization that should know better. Probably written by a staffer who lifted it from somewhere else. People confuse often repeated with well established. Not -for-profit and nonprofit are not really legal terms but descriptors, people use not-for-profit usually to mean non charity. I go to the tax code which has 29 different types of nonprofits which includes organizations that article calls a not for profit.
Funniest part of that article is saying that not for profits are run by volunteers - most 501(c)(6) organizations have employees (many well paid) and are self described not for profit.

Even wikipedia disagree with you. At this point, what is your purpose?

"Nonprofit and not-for-profit are terms that are used similarly, but do not mean the same thing. Both are organizations that do not make a profit, but may receive an income to sustain their missions. The income that nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations generate is used differently. Nonprofit organizations return any extra income to the organization. Not-for-profits use their excess money to pay their members who do work for them. Another difference between nonprofit organizations and not-for-profit organizations is their membership. Nonprofits have volunteers or employees who do not receive any money from the organization's fundraising efforts."

 

[trboyden]

Even wikipedia disagree with you. At this point, what is your purpose?

"Nonprofit and not-for-profit are terms that are used similarly, but do not mean the same thing. Both are organizations that do not make a profit, but may receive an income to sustain their missions. The income that nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations generate is used differently. Nonprofit organizations return any extra income to the organization. Not-for-profits use their excess money to pay their members who do work for them. Another difference between nonprofit organizations and not-for-profit organizations is their membership. Nonprofits have volunteers or employees who do not receive any money from the organization's fundraising efforts."

Wikipedia is a user contributed source of information and not necessarily a factual source of information. Definitions from IRS rule documents or an expert opinion from a tax professional would be examples of factual sources of information that could be relied upon. That said, all of this is irrelevant and is just splitting hairs, because at the end of the day 1) AHA is not a charity, 2) There is nothing that requires you to be a member. So, if one does not wish to contribute, don't, that's your choice to make. Just like changing the channel on the TV.

 

[goodolarchie]

Obviously not a scam. NHC pricing and AHA mission are completely separate issues. But the real question is the future relevance of the AHA in a diminished capacity of the BA? Is it just running homebrew conferences and being a requirement for competitions? I skim through Zymurgy sometimes but less and less so these days when there are resources like Scott Janish blog or MilkTheFunk. I always forget to use the discount, and during COVID it was never accepted for online pickup ordering, you have to be physically present.

Virtual NHC is probably overpriced for its target, I feel like $59 would be a sweet spot but they had to budget their costs and estimate attendee count. Professional conferences are a lot more but those actually help people's career (hint: it's about networking, not learning), I don't compare the two.

On the lobbying side, I know there were some laws about transporting and serving homebrew that were overturned somewhere in the south, North Carolina maybe? Personally I'd like to see the 200gallon limit for a two adult household lifted because I have to age and dump a lot of beer, barrels are a thing and they are big. But since there's no real enforcement or accounting of prodution it's not an actual issue. So what's left to lobby? I'd rather see interstate distribution laws get changed so people could buy the beer they want.

I'll keep renewing my AHA so long as I'm competing, or if NHC is in a city I want to visit. Nashville would have been fun.

 

[Bad Bubba]

Even wikipedia disagree with you. At this point, what is your purpose?

"Nonprofit and not-for-profit are terms that are used similarly, but do not mean the same thing. Both are organizations that do not make a profit, but may receive an income to sustain their missions. The income that nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations generate is used differently. Nonprofit organizations return any extra income to the organization. Not-for-profits use their excess money to pay their members who do work for them. Another difference between nonprofit organizations and not-for-profit organizations is their membership. Nonprofits have volunteers or employees who do not receive any money from the organization's fundraising efforts."

Wikipedia is one of the least reliable sources on the Internet. I could edit that today and change it. I could ask you your purpose. The first article you referenced said not for profits don’t have paid employees, and the wiki article you reference say not for profits use extra money to pay employees. They don’t seem to agree.

Most nonprofits are formed under a 501 code which defines their tax exemption status and if donations and fees are tax deductible. Pub 557 does not use either term, nonprofit or not for profit.
My purpose is I hate misinformation being being put out as fact.

 

[mongoose33]

The AHA is not a non-profit organization. It is a not for profit organization, which is different.

In any case, it's not a scam. It has thousands of members who enjoy the benefits of membership. But if you don't like what AHA is doing, perhaps you could just calm down, ignore them and move along.

I was a member for a while, decided I wasn't getting enough benefit to make it worth the cost, and stopped.

Pretty easy decision. If it doesn't work for you, vote with your feet.

 

[Jako]

Gin you can make without a still, just soak the herbs in vodka. Of course it is not clear, but the taste is good.

oh.. Thinking about it that makes a lot of sense. might have to give that a try soon.

 

[Jayjay1976]

oh.. Thinking about it that makes a lot of sense. might have to give that a try soon.

Not even close to the same thing. Distillation allows selective extraction of the botanicals, as the run progresses each ingredient presents itself in a series of characteristics; tight cuts enable inclusion/exclusion of certain flavors. IME, the dominant flavors are rarely the most desirable ones. Simple maceration results in a muddled jumble of flavors.

 

[bracconiere]

Not even close to the same thing. Distillation allows selective extraction of the botanicals, as the run progresses each ingredient presents itself in a series of characteristics; tight cuts enable inclusion/exclusion of certain flavors. IME, the dominant flavors are rarely the most desirable ones. Simple maceration results in a muddled jumble of flavors.

isn't gin usually made with the vapor in the column? kinda like late hop additions in beer? but with sight glasses and stuff? i have a 6' reflux column, but never got around to gin. but my understanding was i want the alcohol vapors to be at the right temp in the column....

now i think about it, i loved beefeater when i was a kid...don't know why i never made any....

 

[fragged]

See you in Pittsburgh in 2022!

Oof, Pittsburgh? I guess Detroit is worse(SE Mich native), but man Pittsburgh?

Well at least it's not Cleveland I guess.

 

[Jako]

Not even close to the same thing. Distillation allows selective extraction of the botanicals, as the run progresses each ingredient presents itself in a series of characteristics; tight cuts enable inclusion/exclusion of certain flavors. IME, the dominant flavors are rarely the most desirable ones. Simple maceration results in a muddled jumble of flavors.

sounds like i should just stick to beer. i have 0 idea how all of that works. who in history things of this stuff.

 

[bwible]

isn't gin usually made with the vapor in the column? kinda like late hop additions in beer? but with sight glasses and stuff? i have a 6' reflux column, but never got around to gin. but my understanding was i want the alcohol vapors to be at the right temp in the column....

now i think about it, i loved beefeater when i was a kid...don't know why i never made any....

Yes that is my understanding. There is a “basket” inside the column they fill with botanicals. Juniper is one of the most common. But every gin maker has their own recipe and they use all kinds of stuff from citrus peels to cucumbers to fennel.

 

[soccerdad]

My mom always said she was allergic to gin. The juniper, she said. Yet working around the junipers in the home landscape wasn't an issue ?? For a few years I thought I was allergic to scotch. This was after I stole a bottle of theirs. I later thought the allergic thing was just a ruse. I definitely am over any allergy to 18 year old single malt.

 

[bwible]

 

[BrewZer]

Oof, Pittsburgh? I guess Detroit is worse(SE Mich native), but man Pittsburgh?

Well at least it's not Cleveland I guess.

When's the last time you were in Pittsburgh?

 

[matt_m]

When's the last time you were in Pittsburgh?

Or Detroit
Or Cleveland

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I'd gladly go to Pittsburgh anytime. Plans for a wedding in Cleveland later this summer with the reception at Great Lakes Brewery.

 

[Steveruch]

When's the last time you were in Pittsburgh?

When I started looking to move Pittsburgh was high on the list of possibilities. Unfortunately the high closing costs and property taxes took it out of the running.

 

[MaxStout]

I have a few relatives in Pittsburgh. I remember what it was like back in the '70s. That town has done a pretty good job of reinventing itself in the following decades after the steel industry took a hit and it's quite vibrant now. It's no longer your daddy's rust-belt town.

 

[fragged]

When's the last time you were in Pittsburgh?

Or Detroit
Or Cleveland

Years, maybe decades... I was in Detroit last week. Twice, and both ends of the spectrum - Downtown and the hood. Can't wait to get back to being able to hit Corktown and then a game.

I'm sure both Pittsburgh and Cleveland have lovely downtown areas now too, and deplorable hoods.

My original comment was tongue-in-cheek-RDWHAHB btw.

 

[day_trippr]

I spent a month of weekends in Pittsburg in winter back in 1976 in the basement of what is now UPMC Montifiore, trying to get a brand new mainframe memory system design of mine to play nice with the host IBM system. The hospital was looking for a bargain and our crack marketing and engineering VPs sold them on the notion that we'd get the first prototype working on their site for a hefty discount, only work on it the from midnite Friday to midnite Sunday and for sure would have their system up at 00:00 Monday AM. Which we always did.

I figured we'd be lucky to get things 100% in a month under those circumstances, but we made it happen. I didn't see much of Pittsburg - I'd get flown in Friday and flown back out Monday morning. And I did have the misfortune of food poisoning from a local Arby's (the one and only time I ever ate at one of those) but fortunately that happened after we'd turn the system back on a Sunday night. So I don't really have much of an impression - dated and likely irrelevant as it would obviously be now. Probably a good thing

Cheers!

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Pittsburg, Kansas?

 

[soccerdad]

Pittsburg, Kansas?

No. Texas. Home of Louie Gohmert-Pyle.

 

[matt_m]

I got food poisoning on a work trip. Wouldn’t wish that on anyone except maybe my current project manager.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

@matt_m Please realize I didn't "like" your post because you got food poisoning. No fun.

I was "liking" the "wish".