Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 Chicago Beer Society Spooky Brew Review Homebrew Competition. Not only was this our 20th anniversary, but we also had 353 entries this year, the most ever! Thanks to all the brewers who entered beers in this year’s competition.
Congrats to BOS winner Ray Gonzalez, who grabbed the honors with an excellent Kölsch. Rodney Kibzey was BOS runner up with his now-famous Black IPA, Blackened Hops. First place in Samuel Adams Longshot, only Second Place at Spooky Brew 2011? What’s up with that?!
In our “special” categories, Alexis Jansky (Brixie’s Brewers) won the Witches’ Brew with a fine Berliner Weisse (also took 3rd place in Sour Ales with the same beer); Calvin and Tara Rowland (UKG) earned their second Spooky Brew ribbon in a row, following up their “delectable” Kitty Litter with a much-scarier Aunt Flo’s Ale; Robert Kay (UKG) grabbed the Smashed Pumpkin award with his repulsive Spider Spit Cider.
The complete competition results are available here.
Thanks to our great – and sizable – group of judges and stewards who plowed through our record number of entries so professionally and effciently. Special thanks to Pete Crowley and all the staff at Haymarket Pub & Brewery for their unbelievable hospitality. Pete’s beery expertise was displayed all day, and not just via the taps! Pete judged Belgian & French Ale, Belgian Strong Ale, and served on the Best-of-Show panel. Yay, Pete! Haymarket Manager (and Judge) Janna Mestan was particularly helpful, corralling all the drop-off entries and handling multifarious duties throughout the day of the competition. All right, Janna!
Looking forward to the next 20 years of the Spooky Brew Review,
Matt Mayes and Meghan Rutledge, Organizers
