Celebrity judges rock in to Feb BrewShare

Who doesn't love summer? Who doesn't love beer?

Anyone who answers 'no' to either question may tune out now...

With a theme such as 'summer', we knew that this instalment of BrewShare would produce some inspired elixirs. We could not, however, have predicted just how inspired. The scale of imagination, ingenuity and practical application exhibited by our 25 brave home brewers made me think 'Geez this is a progressive city!'.

With beers ranging from raspberry pale ales to golden rye I.P.A.'s, Tuesday night at the Taphouse felt more like a picnic at Palm Beach. Fifty odd homebrew enthusiasts gathered into teams to taste, talk, counsel, coach and critique each others D.I.Y. offerings. In line with tradition, the enlightened mob filtered through the collective body of work down to a top three.

This is the part where Dave (of Dave's Home Brew) and myself labour over the arduous task of deciding on a first, second and third place. Men of great nobility, charm (and flawless good looks) we decided on this occasion to pass on the responsibility. As luck would have it, in town to judge at the Royal Easter Show Beer Comp, were Brad Rogers of Stone & Wood and Richard Watkins of Wig and Pen fame took to the challenge with the kind of poise possessed by only the truest pro's.

Sam Haldane came out on top with his InnerWest Berlinerweisse (winning the $100 voucher from Dave's homebrew). Runners up were Jack McIntyre with his RyeIPA, Sam Fletcher with his
Jabberwock Hoppy Pilsner and an amazingly drinkable Fennel Wit from Glen.

Much thanks also to Richard Adamson from Young Henry (previously from Barons Brewing) and Brian Watson for hanging out to talk beer with Sydney's up n' comers of the scene.

The next Brewshare is set for 22/05/2012 with the theme 'single hop'.

So come on Sydney, get brewin'!