2008 ALES Open Homebrew Competition

Ale & Lager Enthusiasts of Saskatchewan

I received this media release today and thought I'd post it for all those homebrewers out there. You never know, the eventual winner of this might end up with a Canadian brewery one day.

Media Communique:
Friday, April 11, 2008, For Immediate Release
FIRST ROUND JUDGING CONCLUDES TODAY IN HOMEBREW COMPETITION

Certified beer judges from Alberta, Saskatchewan and California will be wrapping up judging of 23 first round categories of homebrewed beer today at the 2008 ALES Open Homebrew Competition. The competition also serves as the Canadian Regional Qualifier for the American Homebrewers Association’s National Homebrewing Competition (the largest homebrew competition in the world), to be held in Cincinnati, OH, June 21-23.

Running a large and prestigious competition requires certified beer judges. Beer judges are not only experienced brewers and tasters, but they must also study detailed texts on brewing techniques, styles, history, and defects, in order to pass a 3-hour hand-written exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the judge becomes certified by the internationally recognized Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP).

Scoring of each entry is on a 50-point scale, with judges assessing entries on five elements (aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel and overall impression) in comparison to defined style guidelines for each of the major categories and nearly 100 sub-categories.

This year well over 200 entries from homebrewers across Canada are competing for honours for individual brews, as well as points towards personal brewing awards. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in each category, with gold medal winners competing against each other for “Best of Show” brew.
Beer judging will be in progress today from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Bushwakker Brewpub, 2206 Dewdney Avenue, Regina.

For further information contact Mark Heise at 527-2073 or competition@alesclub.com