Had the opportunity to help judge some of this year's entries. I'll have to say Bill Boyer and company run well organized judging sessions. We started early and there were ample numbers of us for the depth of categories. Breakfast and lunch were protein laden and the stewards were great. I helped judge Bocks (4-5 Helles, 2-3 Dopples and an Eis). This was a great round of myself and two other judges with super consensus scores across the board. Second session for me was with four other judges to narrow down 15 in the sour category (several sours, fruiteds, 2 Flanders with some Bretts tossed in). This was a good table to end the day on as far as palate fatigue goes. Got to judge with Phil Farrell , Grand Master VII beer, mead, cider and Head Brewer with Stillfire Brewing. Learned a good bit on that round. Stay tuned as results will be posted 8/29/26 with HOLD FAST! And Occasionally representing steam styles and German pilsners.
Jul 25, 2026
Jul 11, 2026
Brew Batch #211 Broken to the Fist
There is none better than an overnight mash to get brew day done by 10am! Even though this doesn't really need it, I wanted to try my hand at this style one more time for the summer to see if slight tweaks in hopping and a mega multi-generational yeast pitch would help. OG 1.033+0.001 @76 should yield a crisp dry representation.
Jul 4, 2026
Brew Batch #186 Reinke's Revenge 2023
We last heard from this batch in January of 24'. Well, 'Merica's 250th is here and what better day to finally keg this beauty. A compilation of 4 separate and blended batches of our "annual" favorite from 2005, this one sat in a John Emerald Spurgeon spiced rum barrel for almost 30 full months. Yield was monstrous as well considering the sleep! (About 13.5 gallons or more). The smell and taste are of absolute victory! ABV landed at 11.9% and the notes of barrel wood and pirate's liquid are a mélange of effort and patience. One keg will be of the barrel pull, a second of 3# red cherry puree and the third I'll hold out for now. Look for your 8oz pour at the taproom.
