Brew Fest Results

Well, I am embarrassed about my delay in posting the results of the over-hyped beer fest event. Even in my embarrassment, I will continue.

The invitation I created (see post dated Feb. 1, 2010) was, well...how do you say? Pretentious. I enlarged it poster-sized and had it mounted to hang on my den wall. The poster enlarging and mounting dude was quite interested in the event. I believe he was fishing for an invitation. That is, until he learned of the true nature of the event. All the same, he was impressed with the poster. (I think he secretly had printed one for himself to keep.)

We had an equally impressive beer tasting station set up. With all the pomp and circumstance that you would expect from our otherwise overdone event. There was indeed home-crafted breads, sausage, jerky and roasted peanuts as promised on the invitation. (In my haste to get all the last minute things done, I inadvertently left out the home-made apple butter. Sorry Margaret!) There were skull-endowed home brewing t-shirts, cute little beer themed buttons a-plenty and beer mug Mardi Gras beads adorning our guests. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for rising to the occasion. (If you could see me now, you'd see me wiping sentimental tears from my cheek with the palm of my hand.)

Except for a few amateurish blunders on the part of the hostess (yes, me) in the judging and tasting part of the event, I believe the event was a success. Next time, at the upcoming Summer Classic, I will have ironed out the judging and setup wrinkles for much more thorough and accurate results. I will also endeavor to start the judging early enough in the evening to ensure that the judges are not too inebriated to know whether they were drinking beer or kool-aid.

The Judges pick for best beer - based on appearance, aroma, taste and after-taste - was my husband. Whew! (We were able to sleep harmoniously that night.) His entry was the B&B Haus Pale Ale. The People's Choice award - based on nothing in particular really - went to the Cumberland Pale Ale. The Marrowbone Bitters did receive the highly coveted and much appreciated green "Participant" ribbon. The judges pick received the First-Place black beer mug trophy inscribed with event particulars, a blue First-Place ribbon and commemorative beer-mug endowed Mardi Gras beads. While the trophy will be retained by the winner, the beads are to be passed to each successive winner at future contests. They are quite lovely and were donated by Beer Fest guests.

I have to say that after side-by-side comparison tasting, I actually found the Cumberland Pale Ale to be my favorite. It tasted very similar to my husband's beer, but it did have just a bit more flavor.

By popular demand, at the Summer Classic (date to be determined later), we will be opening the competition to other home brewers. Once the date is set, we'll be offering up details, admission fees, criteria, etc. It promises to be more bigger, more outlandish and in true keeping with "Our Ways". Until then - I'm brewing.

P.S. I tasted my brew this morning. Progressing well.