Best of the Bay Winners Announced
Congratulations to James Martini of Sedro-Wooley for taking best of show this year with his brown porter with toasted coconut and getting to take home the trophy mug to drink from proudly for the next year. Also, congratulations to our People’s Choice award winner at this year’s award ceremony, Justin Bajema’s Kriek. All the winners have been posted at http://www.bellinghambrewers.com/competition/.
We had 185 entries to judge this year from 55 brewers. 8 different stewards assisted 25 judges in evaluating them and providing feedback over the course of 26 flights of judging. We had 19 categories that we were able to hand out gold, silver, and copper awards out for. 54 entries came from brewers identifying themselves as being with the BHG (almost 30%) which I think is the best local participation we’ve had yet. BHG members did quite well in taking home some hardware too which I’m quite proud of – 16 medals!
A big thanks again to everyone who donated time to help judge, steward, sort bottles, setup the awards ceremony, donated prizes, etc. I’d like to specifically call out for their significant contributions to making this event happen – Neal Tognazzini, Andrew Richardson, Michael Gan, Erica & Craig Simons, Jason Mantello, Robert Arzoo, Kulshan Brewing, and Boundary Bay, though many many others pitched in as well. I thought this year’s event went fantastically thanks to their efforts.