Pacific Brew News

Mark, Jeff and I were once again happy to judge the 2009 California Brewers Festival beer competition over the weekend. The entries were a bit light in number and certainly could use some more entries from around the state, but the judging was very well organized by Head Judge and BJCP Grand Master David Teckam. This year marked my fifth year judging the event and I do believe it was the best as far as judging quality and organization are concerned- this should be a more popular event to support the local Rotary Club of Sacramento.

Judging was blind, so of course we had no idea what was doing well and what disappointed. In fact, I didn’t find the results of the competition until after I’d left, but wanted to be sure to share them with you ASAP – the winning beers were all fantastic samples of their perspective styles. Without further delay, here’s the winners!

Amber Ales

1. Imperial Red by Lagunitas
2. Red Horse by Sacramento Brewing
3. Green Lake Organic by Deschutes

Light Ales

1. Emma by Lock Down Brewing
2. Kolsch by Brew It Up!
3. Cascade by Deschutes

Specialty Category

1. Apple Cider by Samuel Adams
2. Orange Cider by Two Rivers
3. Boysendberry Cider by Two Rivers

American Pale Ales

1. Pale 31 by Firestone Walker
2. Tipperary by Moylan’s
3. New Dog Ale by Lagunitas

English Pale Ales

1. Twilight by Deschutes
2. Double Barrel by Firestone Walker
3. Churchills by Brew It Up!

India Pale Ales

1. IPA by Sacramento Brewing
2. Indica by Lost Coast
3. Inversion by Deschutes

Stouts

1. Stout by Sierra Nevada
2. Obsidian by Deschutes
3. Luck o’ the Irish by Blue Frog

Lagers

1. Helles by Sudwerk
2. Dark Lager by Primator
3. Boston Lager by Samuel Adams

Wheat Ales

1. Kellerweiss by Sierra Nevada
2. Imperial White by Samuel Adams
3. Haywire by Pyramid

Brown Ales

1. Downtown Brown by Lost Coast
2. Hemp Ale by Humboldt

Fruit Beers

1. Raspberry Brown by Lost Coast
2. Audacious Apricot by Pyramid
3. Cranberry Wit by Samuel Adams

Strong Ales

1. Abyss by Deschutes
2. Hop Stoopid by Lagunitas
3. Brussels Blonde by Sacramento Brewing

Best of Show

WINNER - Helles by Sudwerk
First Runner Up – Pale 31 by Firestone Walker
Second Runner Up – IPA by Sacramento Brewing