Results of Pearl Street Brewmaster's Challenge Homebrew Competition

#2009/10-4 American Brown Ale

Thanks to all who participated in the Pearl Street Brewmaster's Challenge and congratulations to the top three finishers! The judging was conducted by a panel of four judges representing the Niagara Association of Homebrewers, the Sultans of Swig Homebrewers, The Brewing News and Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. Entries were graded on conformity to Technical Parameters (max. 25 points) and Stylistic Characteristics (max. 100 points) as listed in the Brewer's Association Style Guidelines for American-Style Brown Ale, and on Commercial Potential (max. 170 points) expressed as probability of appeal to four classes of Pearl Street customer - Experienced/Sophisticated Craft Beer Enthusiast, Knowledgeable Fan of this Specific Style, Average Craft Beer Consumer, and Novice to Craft Beer. Final scores in each judging category (Technical Compliance, Aroma, Appearance, Flavor, Mouthfeel, Overall Impression, Commercial Potential) were determined by averaging the scores from the judges after discarding the high and low scores.

The winning beer will be produced full-scale at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, with an eye toward a mid-Summer release. Check our website for upcoming announcements on the progress of the batch and scheduling of the Release Party where the prizes will be formally awarded. There is still time to get to work on your entries for the next two competitions - #2010/11-1 - Pumpkin Ale - with an entry deadline of June 30, 2009, and 2010/11-2 - English-Style India Pale Ale - with an entry deadline of Sep. 30, 2010. Good Brewing and Good Luck!