From a press release:
Homebrewers in the DC area and across the country are invited to enter the third annual DC Homebrewers Cherry Blossom Competition.
This year’s competition will be even larger, with up to 300 entries — 50 more than in years past.
Although not officially associated with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the competition will be held on March 26 to coincide with the festival activities happening around Washington. The competition is recognized by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), and the judging team is certified through AHA's Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP).
Brewers can enter their beers into 35 different beer-style categories, including a special “Cherry Blossom” category for beers containing a flower or its derivative, such as blossoms, fruit or honey. Beers will be evaluated on elements such as aroma and flavor as well as relevance to the category and overall drinkability.
“We’ve had many great entries in past years and look forward to another great round of beers this year,” competition organizer Bob Rouse says. “It’s always interesting to see the creativity demonstrated by local brewers who enter the cherry blossom category.”
Homebrewers who wish to enter have until March 13 to register online at dchbcompetition.com (limit of three entries per person) and to submit two bottles for each entry.
Two local sponsors are serving as drop-off locations: MyLHBS (Falls Church, Va.) and 3 Stars Brewing & DC HomeBrew Shop (Washington, DC).
Entries can also be mailed to the DC HomeBrew Shop, but they must arrive by March 13 to be considered. See the competition website for details.
The judging event, sponsored by Meridian Pint, will occur on March 26, although it will not be open to the public. Interested judges and stewards can register to help with the event on the competition website.
DC Homebrewers is a not-for-profit club comprised of homebrewers of all levels of experience in the Washington, DC, area. The goal of the club is to provide a forum for area homebrewers to exchange ideas, expand their knowledge of beer and brewing, and enjoy some homebrew. The club meets monthly in metro-accessible locations around the city and holds other events throughout the year including group brewing days, the annual Cherry Blossom Homebrew Competition each spring, and an annual summer barbecue.
DC Homebrewers has been supporting the local homebrewing scene since 2008. Visitdchomebrewers.com to learn more and sign up to receive updates. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/groups/DCHomebrewers) or Twitter (@dchomebrewers).
