I submitted a few entries to the 19th annual Boston Homebrew Competition just to see how the judges would rate my beers/meads/cider.
This morning, when I checked the results, there were 2 third place results with my name next to them.
Tonight, when I went to verify those results, they have been taken down as they “double check some data entry.”
Ooh boy.
Well, I will write up what I entered, what placed, and some thoughts about improving.
There were 5 entries in total:
1. Black Lager – I just brewed this beer and entered it as a schwarzbier. It was stretch; I knew it was out of style but it was damn good. Maybe the score sheet will reveal that they thought it was miscategorized.
2. Maibock – I brewed this beer using the kit we reviewed for Midwest Supplies. This beer was awarded third place in the Bock category. Hopefully, it sticks. I will let you know if it doesn’t. I am surprised about this award since I thought this beer was just ok.
3. Braggot – This beer has had a long, difficult history. Brewed on a cold March morning and aged for 2 months, I had to add yeast to the bottles to make them carbonate. Again, not sure it is going to stick but this beer also was given a third place award in the mead category.
If this award hasn’t been taken away, it will settle a bet I made with Mike on New Year’s Eve. I wonder if he remembers what we discussed. It wasn’t a big deal – there was nothing to win but respect.
4. Common Cider – I wonder if I will ever figure out how to make a cider that appeals to judges. This cider was made from juice that I got from Poverty Hill Orchards and a cider yeast strain. It was still but very drinkable. I don’t know. If there are any tips from cider makers out there to make an award winning cider, leave a comment or two under this post.
5. Medium Show Mead – I didn’t think this mead came out great. It wasn’t anything special and the biggest reason I entered it was to see if others felt the same way. The score sheet will tell the whole story but I am guessing with its lack of placing in the category, I have a few like-minded judges who tasted the mead.
Again, this post is subject to change. Hmm, if you saw results where you won a few awards, albeit minor awards, and they were taken away when the results were reposted, what would you do? Would you raise a stink? Shouldn’t these results be locked down before they are posted?
Brian
Love your blog! If you want to learn about award winning mead, check out Chop and Brew. Chip had a homebrew that has a sweet award collection and was talking about his tips for great , cider.
Really like how you demonstrate the fun of homebrewing, when you aren’t obsessed with perfection. Keep the post coming.
John
Thanks Brian. We love Chop and Brew – subscribed to his YouTube channel.