June 2023 Comp: Dark Beers

[NormanHurst]

This month we are on Dark Beers: Porters and Stouts are the obvious contenders but open to Black IPAs, Schwarzbiers, Dubbels and anything else that veers towards the dark side.

Judging likely to be 8th July or thereabouts.

DM for address if needed.

 

[Broken Toe]

I have my rauch mkii that sounds be ready for you. I'll pm shortly for an address

 

[NormanHurst]

Bump. Still time to enter. Just a couple of enquiries so far and only 1 bottle received. Medals definitely up for grabs at the moment.

 

[NormanHurst]

Another bump. Just 2 or 3 enquiries received so far and 1 only actual beer has arrived. Judging scheduled for the 8th/9th but could push back a week if that helps.

I'm happy to provide feedback on any beers sent but at the moment we are not looking like we will be quorate for a meaningful comp.

 

[Caramel Ox]

At the mercy of Royal Mail right now! Hopefully they will deliver today?

 

[pilgrimhudd]

I'll nip down the post office and get something out on Saturday?

 

[NormanHurst]

At the mercy of Royal Mail right now! Hopefully they will deliver today?

I'll let you know as soon as something arrives

 

[Broken Toe]

Sorry. I have been pretty useless this month. I'll try and get it in the post tomorrow

 

[NormanHurst]

Update: 6 beers arrived and 1 more on its way. That's definitely quorate in my book.

I'll be judging on Friday so still time if anyone wants to send a late entry. PM for address.

I've PM'd everyone whose bottles have arrived.

 

[NormanHurst]

The results are in.

First of all thanks to everyone who entered. We had a very varied mix of beers which made judging tricky - smoked beers, Impy stouts, Porters, Chocolate Stouts, Scottish ales... Comparing between each one was not an easy task.

The overall standard was very high but one beer stood out for both judges as being just a notch above the field.

In reverse order, the medallists were:

3rd. @Caramel Ox with a very good, very drinkable Rebel Porter. Kudos for the excellent label too.

2nd. @Broken Toe for a very well made Rauchbier. Smoky but balanced with a very clean fermentation profile. I have a Bamberg trip planned for next year and this whetted my appetite enormously.

1st. @RichardM for his "Four Pounds in Today's Money" Scottish Export Ale. Not the darkest of the competition entries but it scored highly for the mix of malty complexity and lovely fruity esters. A very well balanced beer that was a joy to drink. Chapeau!

The winner was 2 points ahead of the field on my score card but you could almost throw a blanket over the rest. A tightly fought comp.

As an aside, we judged 2 commercial ringers for comparison: Guinness Original and Black Sheep Milk Stout. They both came in the bottom third of the scores!

 

[NormanHurst]

I should have added comments are being written up and will be sent out tomorrow.

 

[pilgrimhudd]

Cheers and well done guys!

 

[Caramel Ox]

Thanks @NormanHurst and well done @RichardM and @Broken Toe

 

[Broken Toe]

Thank you kindly what a lovely surprise to wake up to. Well done to @Caramel Ox and @RichardM.

 

[RichardM]

Thankyou @NormanHurst . I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Nicks90]

I should have added comments are being written up and will be sent out tomorrow.

Looking forward to the feedback when you get a chance!

 

[NormanHurst]

Apologies all for the feedback delay. Work has gotten in the way. Will sort tomorrow evening.

 

[NormanHurst]

Feedback now sent. Apologies for the delay.