On Nov. 10th Binny's in Willowbrook, IL hosted a Sam Adam's competition for local homebrewers. I invited Papa Smiles to join me at this event with was unique to say the lase. According to the Binny's staff there were 80 total entries. Unfortunately, I did not place with my entry of Common Place a California Common style beer. Check out the link to Binny's beer blog to see who won (http://www.binnys.com/blogs/archives.cfm/category/beer).
My buddy Matt (and his co-brewer Matt) attended the even with me and entered his Pale Ale (Special Delivery) which unfortunately did not place as well. However, he did have a dynamite lable which you can view by visiting his link (http://twomattsbrewing.blogspot.com).
The evening started out with brewers submitting their entries and milling around. There were Sam Adams reps present who gave out samples of the Imperial Series and the Holiday Pack. Between 6-8pm conpetitors could chat about their brewing practices while enjoying some food made with Sam Adams beer and mingle around sampling various beers. I had the privilage of meeting Tim (the 2nd place winner) who gave me some words of encouragement and advice. I was amazed to see a wide range of people from a guy that looked he should be LARPing, retired guys with too much time on their hands, to a woman with a very fiesty personality. The underground world of homebrewers is complex no doubt. Before the winners were announced Sam Adams gave out samples of Utopias, a 25% ABV beer, which tastes more like a sherry or cognac. We got complementary gifts which made the evening worth it.
Here are some pics from the evening...
At the end of the night is was good to have branched out in the world of homebrewing despite not winning any prizes. Besides, after spending so much time and putting so much dedication into brewing a beer it's hard not to share it with others.
