As everyone knows, the most important homebrew competition of the year is our in-house, bare knuckles, no-holds-barred cage match for Best Underground Brewer Of The Year.
This the the one meeting each year where we abandon all pretense of collegiality and let our animal natures show. Winner gets Von’s spoon, his/her name on the ceremonial cup, and unlimited rights to talk trash about other members’ beers for the year.
This year’s competition was held at Clay Viands’ new house in Redding. A lovely place, with lots of room for this sort of thing. Clay was his usual consummate host, working the grill and pouring yumminess from his extensive cellar. A meeting at Clay’s place is always an amazing sensory experience.
Eight brewers competed this year, entering 14 beers and meads (half of which were Saisons). Bottles were obfuscated. Teams were made up. Judging commenced.
When all the noise died down and the blood was wiped off the walls, Andy Tipler stood alone, reigning supreme for another year with yet another outstanding English Barleywine. The spoon and the cup go back to his house and the rest of us lick our wounds and plot to unseat him next year.
Also in the Best-of-Show round: Mara Henecks with her American IPA, myself with a dry hydromel, and Andy Cox with an American Brown Ale.
Congrats to Andy T!
But don’t get complacent. We’ll be ready for you next year.