Homebrewing is a hobby that requires quality ingredients, precise chemistry and a sterile environment to create a batch worth sharing with friends.
On August 18, Dick’s Brewing Company will reward one homebrewer with the coveted title of “Best All-Around Beer.”
And, the prize is something most homebrewers can only dream of – a full keg of their beer, brewed with Dick’s Brewing Company’s professional equipment, served at a festive release party.
Chris Merritt, last year’s winner, has been perfecting his Dormant Stout recipe for the past two years. Beating over 100 entries, Merritt’s Imperial Stout was selected as the top beer.
“I entered at the last minute, after seeing an advertisement at Rocky Top Homebrew,” comments Merritt. “I wanted to get some feedback on my brew to see what I could do to improve it.”
Judging is conducted by Dick’s Brewing Company staff including professional brewers Dave Pendleton and Parker Penley. (Penley recently wrote an article about the homebrewing obsession.)
Beers are separated by style and then two judges are assigned to each style. “We designed the judging schedule this way because it’s tough to sample an IPA and then switch to a brown ale or a porter,” explains Pendleton.
Relying on their beer industry knowledge, judges will be tasting each beer entered in the competition.
“We are looking for the best all around beer,” says Dave. “We don’t rely much on style guidelines, but pay more attention to the beer as a whole. It could be any style, but has to be a solid well-rounded beer.”
Merritt intends to return and defend his title. While he has not decided which beer he will enter, he has been aging the same stout for a few months.
Pendleton was impressed with the quality of beers entered into the competition last year. “Chris’ beer was one of many great beers,” he says. “It was a tough decision but we felt that it was unique and a great beer.”
“The dark malts and coffee were balanced perfectly and we were all impressed with his entry,” adds Pendleton.
Homebrewers are not the only winner. Dick’s uses the event as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
“Last year, we raised over $4,000 to donate to the American Cancer Society,” says Dick’s Brewing Company owner Julie Young.
Funds are raised through the fee brewers pay to enter the competition, proceeds from food and beer sales, and a silent auction during the event.
Beer lovers are invited to the judging party on August 18th from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at Dick’s Brewing Company. For registration forms or more information, click here.
Dick’s Brewing Company
3516 Galvin Road
Centralia, WA 98531
