You may think you like beer, but have you spent hours on end discussing the qualities of hops while sampling more than 160 home and commercial microbrews? That's exactly what went down last night when the 2014 JBLM Brewfest consumed the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Club.
"There are a lot of home brewers out there that have a lot of good stuff," said The Beer Essentials staff member Geoffrey Parent. "It's great to see an event with so many home brewers and this is the perfect place to get to try them out."
JBLM Brewfest was a local homebrew competition where attendees could tip back 1 to 2-ounce samples of the multiple microbrews. Commercial breweries in the house included Fish Brewing Co., Wingman Brewery, Two Beers Brewery, Powerhouse Brewery & Eatery, Narrows Brewing Co. and Ninkasi Brewing.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord MWR, Harborstone Credit Union and Homebrewers of Puget Sound hosted the event.
"Big breweries like Mac N Jack, Kona Brewery and others have all started similar to how these attendees are starting," added Parent. "The Pacific Northwest is already so well known for its many microbrews."
Along with sampling the "Best of JBLM" micro brews such as jalapeno cream ale, lemon-lime and vanilla in an AHA/BJC sanctioned competition, attendees also enjoyed local bluegrass favorites the Oly Mountain Boys, door prizes and food samplings from a light buffet.
>>> Craft Brew Alliance Division sales manager Dan Northcraft speaks with attendees of JBLM Brewfest about his company's new company, Square Mile Brewing. Square Mile Brewing makes an apple cider using only Oregon and Washington apples.
To participate in the JBLM Brewfest big dance, brewers were accepted in one of 23 different Beer Judge Certification Program style categories. Commercially brewed beers, ciders and meads were not allowed to compete.
The sanctioned JBLM homebrew competition judging took place Feb. 16 with the various competition category winners announced during the Brewfest.
"I created my (Commander's Cup) winning American IPA thanks to diligence and creativity in the brewing process," said Ian Fleming, who took home the first place cup for his IPA. "This is my second time around at the Brewfest and I just love the great opportunity to inform people about different brews and helping them expand their pallet."
>>> 2014 JBLM Brewfest Commanders Cup winner Ian Flemming speaks about his award winning American IPA.
The first, second and third place winners were awarded with AHA/BJCP medals in all the categories judged. Awards were also given for the Best of Show competition and the grand award was the Commander's Cup, which was awarded to the best out of the Army, Air Force and Navy.
According to pre-Brewfest hype, the purpose of the event is to make connections between brewers, while encouraging interest in home brewing for non-brewers.
There were definitely plenty of connections being made at this event.
"This is the first opportunity I've had to enjoy this great time," said Senior Master Sgt. Rob Cutchin. "I brought one of my younger troops here, who knows way more about beer than I do, to really help me enjoy this experience and show him some of what this base has to offer."
Participating homebrewers attended the JBLM Brewfest free of charge as well as share their success stories with their fellow service members.
>>> Past DoD and current Navy Region Northwest firefighter Brian Pille is planning his retirement around his love of micro brewing and his Firefighter Brewing Company.
"This is my retirement plan, and I've even already created an actual retirement plan, business plan and have attained my business license," said past DoD and current Navy Region Northwest firefighter Brian Pille. "I started with a typical five gallon system and now I'm up to a larger one barrel system. I'm just fortunate to be able to have taken a passionate hobby and now provide income into my retirement."
>>> Scott Peachy won second place for the Commander’s Cup Award for his Belgian Specialty.
1st Charles Macaluso: Old Chaos English Barley Wine
2nd Nicole Steward: Lite Lager Lite American Lager
3rd Rick Davidson: Imperial Stout
1st Jesse Flemming: (Army) American IPA
2nd Scott Peachy: (Army) Belgian Specialty
3rd Mathew Rainey: (Army) Witbier