Homebrew contest update: Judging complete!

By Steve Siciliano

Judging for the 9th Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Competition was held yesterday from noon to three in the brew house at Brewery Vivant. There were 220 entries this year, the most ever, and from that number the winner of Best of Show was determined from among the eight entries that received the highest scores. The lucky (talented) brewer of that beer will not only have his/her name inscribed on the prestigious Siciliano’s Cup, they will also be receiving an all-expenses paid trip to a future Sierra Nevada Beer Camp in Chico, California. Competition results, including Best of Show, will be announced at the Ninth Annual Siciliano’s Homebrew Party on Saturday, May 5th in the enclosed pavilion at Johnson Park. (Tickets are still available.) Anyone not attending the party may pick up score sheets and medals at Siciliano’s beginning on May 6th.

I would like to express my appreciation to the judges and stewards and to all those who contributed their time in helping make this a smooth-running event. Special thanks to Brewery Vivant owner Jason Spaulding for allowing us the use of his facilities, to head brewer Jacob Derylo who made room for us in his brew house and to pub general manager Lauron Turnipseed who presented us with a wonderful patio lunch.

I would also like to recognize the great job that Siciliano’s staffer Greg Johnson did in organizing this year’s competition.

One final note. In my opinion the word “competition” does not accurately describe the overall spirit of this event. Brewers do, of course, ultimately compete for Best of Show, but just as importantly they receive personal recognition in the form of medals for entries that are competently brewed to style. In addition to this, they receive constructive comments on their score sheets that will enable them to hone their craft and become better brewers. I would like to come up with a better moniker than "competition". Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Special thanks to...

Brewery Vivant

Judges and stewards like Matt

Greg (left) for organizing the event,
and Jason Spaulding (right) for letting us use his brewery