I thought that might get your attention.
I’m just back from the U.S. where the micro`s are powering on. The headline is all about an event called the "Brew-Ha-Ha". An Indianapolis street was closed off to vehicular traffic, microbreweries set up on both sides of the street and gave samples away.
It cost $20 to get in but it was like a dream for this little aussie brewer. It seemed to me that the most popular beers at this event were the I.P.A.`s, with the Wheat`s, Porter`s and Stout`s coming up behind.
The takings all went to a local struggling theatre group and from the success of the day I`d say the Brew-Ha-Ha could become a regular event. Congratulations to all those involved.
I spent five weeks in the U.S. touring from Chicago to Florida dropping into brew shops and micro`s. It`s the people who make a trip fun and this one is no different. Special thanks must go to Anita from Great Fermentations of Indiana, Earl Johnson and Emmet from Quenchers Saloon in Chicago and Dave from the Ram Brewery in Indianapolis.
I got back into Townsville just in time to help out with the judging at the Show. Good to see a fairly high standard of beers and a good number of entries as well. I have entered beers in competition in the south, requiring a special packing procedure.
My early attempts didnt travel that well and I had good beers that were rubbish when they were judged. The judging sheets I got back were scathing in their criticism. I hope brewers can look at the comments on the judging sheets for the tips that will help them in the future.
Townsville is indeed fortunate to have a competition here and with more time to prepare I would expect numbers to be up next year.
Thank you Graham Sanders for organising the competition and congratulations to all the winners.
Doug "everyone spells my name wrong" Bradey from our Kirwan shop entered one of our "specials" and picked up First place in the lager/draughts. Sorry Doug!
CHEERS,
YOUNGA