“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

So it went on Saturday, May 22nd, @ the Ram’s Stonehouse for the conclusion of the 3rd Annual Organic Homebrew Contest.  300+ brave souls endured lines and unseasonably cold weather to gather in support of our local brewing culture.  And a robust brewing culture it is.  Despite some setbacks and frustrations, winners emerged, strangers mingled, and locally-produced pints of flavorful ales found their purpose in the enjoyment and conviviality of the masses.  I applaud all who attended and proffer my congratulations to the winners and my gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and all those who made the event possible.  Cheers, ~m

Organic Amber:

 1st: Tom Figura – S’preme

2nd: Marvin Kinney – Jane Good”ale”

3rd: Derek Panzarello – Augustus Amber

Public Judging Organic Amber:

1st: Scott Carter

2nd: Rob Blenkinsop

3rd: (tie) Jeff Carter, Sam Davidson

Best-of-Show:

1st: Ander Sundell – Rye Saison

2nd: Scott Fuhrman – Idaho Pale Ale

3rd: Steve Dockter – Trippin’ Hippy Oatmeal Stout

Saison:

1st: Ander Sundell – Rye Saison

2nd: Scott Carter – Spicy Man Saison

3rd: Ryan Archabal – Sock Monkey Saison

Helles/Maibock:

1st: John Herbenson – Maybock

2nd: Rob Blenkinsop – Stella’s Helles

3rd: Jeff Hammel – My Oh Maibock

IPA:

1st: Scott Fuhrman – Idaho Pale Ale

2nd: Wes Getusky – IPA

3rd: Marvin Kinney – Gone Native

Blonde:

1st: Tom Figura – How many blondes?

2nd: Scott Fuhrman – Natural Blonde

3rd: Garrett Hirsch – Blonde

ESB:

1st: Nick Phillips – Let it Be ESB

2nd: Marvin Kinney – Evolutionary Simian Brew

3rd: Jeremy Wheeler – ESB

Oatmeal Stout:

1st: Steve Dockter – Trippin’ Hippy Oatmeal Stout

2nd: Eric Regner – Breakfast Stout

3rd: Corey Vaughn – Quakers Oat Stout

Sponsors:

• Bighorn Brewing/The Ram
• Boise Co-op
• Local BJCP judges
• Boise Bicycle Project
• Boise Community Radio
• Brew Connoisseurs
• Brewforia
• Beer Valley Brewing
• Flatbread Community Oven
• Bittercreek Ale House
• The Front Door
• Idaho Distributing
• Hayden Beverage Company
• Grand Teton Brewing
• Nampa Brewers Center
• Nikobrew.com
• Salmon River Brewing
• Brewer’s Haven
• Payette Brewing
• Craft Brewers Alliance
• Sierra Nevada Brewing
• Highlands Hollow
• Sockeye Grill and Brewery
• TableRock Brewpub
• Hop Union
• Wyeast
• Shepard Bros.
• Brewers Supply Group
• All of the volunteers
• All of the contestants

Cheers, ~m

Welcome, readers, to 2010 – a Year of Beer! Each month we will explore a classic beer style, beginning in January with American Pale Ale (APA).

If you’ve enjoyed a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or a pint of Deschutes Mirror Pond, you’re likely familiar with this style. The American Pale Ale distinguishes itself from its British counterpart in both its use of indigenous ingredients and the overall purpose/effect that these ingredients have on the finished ale. Simply put, an APA employs Pale Malt (American two-row) and a cleaner fermenting yeast (California or Northwest Ale) to highlight the more assertive, oftentimes citrusy, American hop varieties (including but not limited to: Cascades, Centennials, Chinooks, Columbus). Late hop additions and dry-hopping accentuate the hop aroma and character.

Certain measures of specialty malts may be used not only for flavor but also for color, and a typical APA falls somewhere between a pale golden hue and a deep amber.

Medium-bodied and moderately boozy, an APA offers a thirst-quenching and approachable complexity. This versatile style pairs well with a variety of dishes and cuisines, from nicely aged cheddars to spicy Cajun fare, fried chicken, pizza, and burgers.

Commercial examples of American Pale Ale that are available at the Co-op include Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale, Full Sail Pale Ale and many more. Subtle differences in hop rate and variety allow each brewery to craft a truly unique APA. Try one today, or mix and match and test your palate.

Cheers, ~m

For more information, visit the BUGS homepage at www.boiseurbangardenschool.org