August 2019 - British Pale Ales, Bitters and Milds

[marshbrewer]

We're fast approaching August, so I'd like to invite you all to enter August's competition - British Pale Ales, Bitters and Milds.

I've roped in two other fellow judges. One a real ale enthusiast with wide tastes who 'has a few years on me' (i.e. is vastly more experienced!) the other a pub owner, who is also a huge real ale fan. We'll be guided by the style guidelines, obviously, but I'm confident that my fellow judges, who aren't home brewers but are big beer fans will be able to bring some real insight to the judging. All feedback will be positive and encouraging. I know the pain and investment in time and effort put into our brews.

There is a prize. Hurrah!

It's a pristine, unread copy of Ron Pattinson's Let's Brew, which I did loads of overtime to purchase. Ok, that's a lie, it was a duplicate gift, but it's a jolly good book and well worth having.

If you would like to enter, PM me for my address.

JJSH.

 

[marshbrewer]

Just a quick bump now the July competition had been judged. Shiny copy of Let's Brew up for grabs!

Exact closing date to be confirmed!

 

[pilgrimhudd]

Depending on closing date may be able to get an esb in but it'll be tight!

 

[marshbrewer]

I'm going out for a few jars with one of the judges on Thursday so hopefully we'll agree a judging date and I'll post it up here.

 

[marshbrewer]

Still lots of time to get your entries in, as judging day will be Tuesday 10th.

PM me for an address if you are interested.

 

[marshbrewer]

Bit of a thin field this month with only two entries in their way so far..

Did I mention the prize?

 

[MyQul]

Everyone's been seduced by these new fangles neipas.

 

[pilgrimhudd]

I'll try and send mine tomorrow!!

 

[marshbrewer]

Despite one of the judges having to bow out, due to some nonsense about being too busy because he's getting married this weekend, we judged these tonight. Two entries, both best bitters.

Happy to announce that the winner is @Ben2083 very closely followed by @pilgrimhudd, who's entry we suspect may have been scuppered by rough handling during delivery (despite several days in one of my conditioning fridges at cellar temps, it just wouldn't clear).

Gents - if you would both like to PM me an address, as I have a consolation prize for the runner up ( a couple of Mangrove Jack's yeasts that need using up by the end of the year) and the book for the winner.

My non brewing friend was very impressed with the quality of both entries, as was I.

Full feedback will follow by PM over the next couple of days - apologies, this probably won't be tomorrow as I have work commitments that mean by the time I get home it will be late, but will get them to you Thursday Eve.

Thanks again folks!

 

[pilgrimhudd]

Ahh that's a shame it didn't clear! Congrats to @Ben2083!

 

[Ben2083]

Woohoo, Cheers @jjsh! Thanks for taking the time to judge and give feedback.

Well done @pilgrimhudd , sorry to hear your beer didn't clear properly.

Here is the feedback I got incase any one else is interested.

"Basically, your entry, Blackish Sheep, was outstanding. It had a lovely sweet(ish), aroma, without smelling like it had too much crystal in it. It was clear as a bell and had a good head that lasted down the glass. It had a lovely smooth mouthfeel, with a perfect amount of bitterness and a hoppy finish without being a 'hop bomb'. Perfect for its style. The other judge, who I swear didn't see the name of the beer on the bottle, compared it to black sheep. I think this says more about this ale than I can!"

 

[marshbrewer]

@Ben2083 + @pilgrimhudd, your prizes should have arrived according to royal fail; let me know if they haven't!

 

[Ben2083]

@jjsh it arrived Monday yep, thanks once again!

 

[pilgrimhudd]

@Ben2083 + @pilgrimhudd, your prizes should have arrived according to royal fail; let me know if they haven't!

Apologies mate, i've had a busy week arrived Monday but the builders didn't give it to me till Tuesday! Many thanks i'll look forward to cracking on with a lager!