Tri-State Homebrew Competition set for Oct. 8

UPDATE: 2016 winners list released. (Click on image to enlarge.) 

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Get ready for the Huntington region’s best homebrewers to strut their stuff at the 2nd annual Tri-State Homebrew Competition. The public, outdoor event is set for Oct. 8, and will take place on 11th Street, adjacent to the Heritage Station complex. 

In 2015, the competition’s first year, about 250 brewing enthusiasts hit downtown Huntington to sample the wares of homebrewers from West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. The free event hopes to double its attendance this year.

Keebie Gilkerson, who heads the Tri-State Homebrew Competition, feels the event adds a tasty ingredient to mix of things that elevate Huntington’s attractiveness.

“I think it is important to have the competition in Huntington because our city is seeing a cultural transformation take place,” he explains. “We are seeing artisans, musicians, and students stay in our city because of the culture we have created.”

No charge for homebrew sampling

Home-brewed beer can be legally sampled but not sold in WV, so there is no charge for those 21 years and older to attend the event and try small samples of beer. The beer will be provided by members of the region’s homebrew clubs.

While there is no admission fee, the Competition is encouraging attendees to voluntary donate to local charities. On hand this year to accept donations will be representatives of Advocates Saving Adoptable Pets (ASAP), Create Huntington, and Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District.

In addition to sampling, the event will include live homebrewing demonstrations, informational exhibits, live music, and food vendors. Area homebrewing clubs will distribute information on their own activities and recruit new members.

Gilkerson says members of the Greater Huntington Homebrewer’s Association are helping plan the event, along with support from the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District and others.

Competition beer judging & entry deadline 

It wouldn’t be a homebrew competition without some beer judging. The actual judging activity will occur on September 24, but the winners will not be announced until Oct. 8 at the main event. The judging will be conducted under Beer Judge Certification Program guidelines. Ten beer-category winners will receive a medal and a $50 cash award. The Best of Show winner receives a $100 prize.

Approximately 200 beers from WV-OH-KY homebrew entries are expected in the competition. The deadline to submit entries is September 17.  Information for entering homebrews in the competition can be found at this link.

“I think the event gives our homebrewers a chance to show off their brewing skills, as well as meet other homebrewers,” Gilkerson said.  “It was really amazing last year to see our local homebrewers meet and form relationships with one another.”