SOBA National Homebrew Competition

SOBA National Homebrew Competition

Media Release
Source: SOBA Secretary
29/10/2012

The Society of Beer Advocates (SOBA) is holding the National Homebrew Competition, this event takes place in Hamilton the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of November. Top beer judges from across the country will be assessing the beer, mead and cider from New Zealands best and brightest amateur brewers.

With over 400 beers entered this year there is real competition and the judges have quite a job on their hands. This year's judges include several who are experienced in international commercial competitions including the World Beer Cup, the largest such competition in the world.

Brewers must nominate a style that they feel is the best match for each of their beers. There are over 170 individual styles to choose from so one of the keys to winning is to choose wisely, an understanding of the styles and a good palate contribute to doing well in this competition. Getting the style right is important as the judges are going to assess the beer versus the internationally recognised characteristics that define that style of beer. If the beer they are tasting doesn’t fit well with the style they will score it low and if appropriate provide feedback to the brewer as to where it would be a better match.

Previous winners have followed their passion into employment in leading craft breweries both in this country and internationally. Some have as gone so far as setting up their own brewing companies, spurred on by their success in this competition.

Aside from the glory of winning medals or best in class awards there are some excellent prizes to be won. Champion brewer (requires numerous high scoring beers) will receive a 30L stainless steel fermenter from Farra Engineering, the brewer of the Champion beer (top scoring individual beer) will have the beer made commercially at Hallertau Brewbar, many other prizes are also being awarded to the best beer in a particular style or groups of styles.

For the first time results will be available live via twitter feed as they are finalised http://twitter.com/soba_nhc2012.

SOBA is an independent, non-profit society whose main aim is promoting a wider availability of better quality beer.

visit nhc.soba.org.nz for competion info
or www.soba.org.nz for info on SOBA

ENDS

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