2024 North GA Homebrew Competition

North GA Homebrew Competition was bittersweet this year. I got to judge and earn more points in the Czech Pils category and also enter 3 crowd favorites, that didn't appear to be GA favorites. Overall, consensus scores were 27 for WBI, 28 for Little Sausages in a Can and 31 for 22 a Day. Now granted I was not happy with the WLP300 yeast on WBI and have finally come to terms that it should not be used in hefes, but Little Sausages was a quaffable delight that barely made it to comp. However, in fairness the notes for it were that it was young and needed more lagering, the sulfur pinched through. 22 a Day was a 12.5% behemoth that one judge stated seemed under attenuated? Well, can't win them all and from an entrant and judge aspect, the communication, prizes, awards presentation and especially the sponsors were top notch and well run by Bill Boyer and M.A.S.H. 

Brew Batch #196 It Ain't Helen... Georgia

Having not realized I skipped brewing this last year, I assume due to filling a dark rum barrel with Reinke's Revenge, we broke out the Munich 2308 and got to work. Brewing efficiency wasn't the best but in line with 2 years ago, so perhaps an hour boil is a must? OG 1.040 +0.001 @75F. Should be ready for "actual" Oktoberfest. 

Brew Batch #195 KeeWeePee v1.1

The ole dry-hopped favorite hit the keg with FG 1.004-0.001 @60F for 5.25%. Trying to wrap up the summer with several lagers or pilsners that are always good to have for yard work/football. Ran out of Motueka, so I had to double down on the Wai-iti dry-hop for a full ounce of it, so technically v1.15?

Brew Batch #195 KeeWeePee v1.1

Needing to revisit positive roots before delving into unknown territory with a new style, we go back to a true winner. The tried and true that's dry-hopped. OG 1.042+0.001 @72F on a sh'ton of 2278 Czech yeast. Only problem is Motueka is low in inventory now that it's in the fermenter. May have to double down on Wai-iti and call it 1.15?

Brew Batch #194 Nekkatron (v 1.1?)

Giving it another whirl has redeemed this recipe. Learned you've got to have some sort of colored malt in these things, pilsner, oats and white wheat don't cut it. FG 1.006-0.001 @57F nails the 7.5% abv and it wafts of pure Chilton, Co 🍑🍑 going into the keg. Summa-time!

Brew Batch #194 Nekkatron (v1.1?)

I started not to revisit this, as the initial batch turned out fine in taste but had the look of off-color almond milk. But I'm a Nectaron fan much like Galaxy when it first hit and with a pinch of all famous honey malt (that I should've put in the first batch like I do to some extent in all of the hazies), this batch has better promise. OG 1.062+0.000 @70F with a healthy 10am pitch of 2nd gen LA3. 

Brew Batch #193 WBI (aka Wheat Beer Incident)

Hitting the keg at FG 1.006-0.001 @58F with 5.25% abv, I'm hoping this one's a ringer for North Georgia Homebrew Comp. I needed a quick beer that needs to be drank fresh that's been a winner in the past as I'm also judging this comp and would like to medal as well since I'll already be there obtaining BJCP points. 🤞 Saved a mega pitch of WLP300 for a Weizenbock maybe.