The Boston Beer Company and DC101 will be partnering up to run a homebrew contest in Washington, DC this April. The two hope that this will become a marquee annual tradition. The contest will coincide with Sam Adams’ national Longshot Homebrew contest but it will not be the same contest.

The Boston Beer Company and DC101 will be partnering up to run a homebrew contest in Washington, DC this April. The two hope that this will become a marquee annual tradition.  The contest will coincide with Sam Adams’ national Longshot Homebrew contest but it will not be the same contest. Some specifics for this contest are still being hammered out, but here is what we know for now. We wanted to be sure to let our readers know about this contest so that they can start brewing their entries for this contest!

1.)    This will be a “best in show” contest. All beer styles are eligible to compete in this competition.

2.)    Each entrant may submit only one beer.

3.)    All entries must be declared by March 31st 2011, no exceptions. To declare an entry, email dcbeerbill(at)gmail(dot)com with your name and the style of beer that you’re planning on submitting.

4.)    Your beer must be bottled and properly primed by Friday, April 29th.

Sponsorship

5.)    The winner of this contest will receive an all-inclusive trip for 2 to the 2011 Great American Beer Festival.

6.) The final round of judging will take place in early May (tentatively May 7 at Old Glory in Georgetown, time TBA). There will be a number of local judges from a variety of backgrounds who will consider the finalists and name the winners from them. There will be other prizes available to runners-up. These prizes may include things like tickets to SAVOR, bottles of Utopias, etc. Participants must be present to win!

7.) There are no restrictions to beer styles or characteristics, so please be creative!

8.) The preliminary judging will be taking place on Saturday, April 30, in a blind judging conducted by the DC Homebrewers.

UPDATE 9.) Please reserve at least a case of beer (roughly 2.5 gallons) for the competition (bottles only, although 12 oz, 16 oz, 22 oz, 750 mL, etc. bottles are acceptable), in case you are selected for the final round.  However, intially (when further details are established), only three (3) beers (half of a six pack, preferably 12 oz. bottles, total of 36 oz. in volume) will need to be turned in for the April 29 deadline.  If you are selected for the final round, you will be responsible for delivering the remaining beer (the other 2+ gallons) to a yet-to-be-disclosed drop-off point prior to May 7. Please be mindful that all beer submitted per entrant must be from the same batch. Realistically, only about 2 six packs or so are necessary (for 2 rounds of judging) but the more the better for the final event because it gives you a better chance to sample people and win the “popularity” contest at the May 7 event at Old Glory as well as a chance to show off your beer to the world!

The emphasis here is that this is primarily a local contest. Folks from out of town are welcome to submit if they are willing to travel and be present for the final round should they make it. There will also be a “most popular beer” contest at the same final event with prizes being awarded to that brewer as well, so finalists should bring their friends!

We’ll keep you updated with more details as we hear about them, but for now, get to thinking about what you’d like to brew and who you’d like to take to GABF with you should you win this contest!