I created a Pomegranate Cinnamon Red Ale for the Sam Adams Category 23 competition and got the results back last week.  I don’t have the sheets in front of me (I’ll update the post when I do), but it got a score in the “Very Good” range.  The amateur judge had some nice comments and the more experienced judge thought the flavor additions covered up the base beer.

I knew I threw it together so I am not really disappointed in the results.  I don’t think I am experienced enough to brew a category 23 beer that is going to taste great.  Thanks for the T-shirt, though.

I do have my sights set on the New England Regional Homebrew Competition in October.  By then, I will have 3 beers ready for review and will be more confident that they will come back with some higher marks.