CRAFTconditioned

If you want to learn more about beer judging or what I get up to in my spare time, read my recent article for DC Beer.

After writing the article, I spent most of Saturday at Mad Fox Brewing Co helping with the Spirit of Free Beer homebrew competition and serving as a steward for a team of certified judges in both the morning and afternoon sessions. It was a fun day of geeking out over beer with fellow brewers. I was in the bar by 7 a.m. to help set up and left after the winners were announced around 5 p.m.

I love to help out at this event because it’s a great opportunity to learn something new about beer and brewing. Not only did the judges pass a certification process to demonstrate what they know, most of them are also experienced brewers.

As a result of this year’s event, I’d like to deepen my understanding of a few different beer styles and practice brewing them. I will also be paying more attention to the fermentation and attenuation of my batches. I currently fit in my brewing chores around my busy schedule, estimating when/if a batch should be racked to a secondary fermenter and when to bottle. As a result, I sometimes let a beer sit longer than necessary until I have time to do something with it.  Greater diligence here is one place I believe I can improve my beer.

Enjoy some photos and read the article to learn more.

All entries are labeled and packed according to beer style

Cases of entries filled two pallets, which were stored at a local brewery prior to the event.

All judges grade and share feedback through a score sheet.

Judges and stewards enjoy a bit of breakfast before the morning session begins.

A colorful mini best-of-show round to determine the top three in the specialty category.