Home brewers ready for Campaign for Real Ale - South Okanagan competition

Home brewers are going to be putting their hops and ales to the test at the third annual Campaign for Real Ale – South Okanagan’s (CAMRA SO) Home Brewers competition on Nov. 10.

Hosted at the Tin Whistle Brewing Company, this free event is a chance to try homemade creations and ask questions about the brewing process.

There is no admission but attendees must pre-register at EventBrite and be of legal drinking age.

The event is also an opportunity for local home brewers to show off their craft and get feedback from the public.

The top three home brewers will receive bragging rights as well as sponsored prizes by Trellis and Vine Crafthouse and the B.C. Ale Trail.

“More than 10 home brewers are making their very best beers for guests to try. Guests at the event will have the opportunity to try these home brewed beers, cast their votes for their favourites, and give some feedback to the home brewers,” said Kim Lawton, president of CAMRA SO.

In addition, the judges’ choice award winner will have the opportunity to brew a commercial batch with Tin Whistle Brewing, who will also be brewing something up for the competition.

“Guests will have the opportunity to watch the brewing process as Tin Whistle Brewing’s Brewmaster Matt will be brewing an experimental beer during the event,” said Eike Hinz, director of education and home brewers liaison for CAMRA SO. “Tin Whistle will also be offering tours of their brewery during the event.”

Last year’s top choice winner, Warren Everton, is throwing his hat in the ring again this year to defend his title. The Pentictonite has been brewing home beer for the past five years and said this competition is a great opportunity to showcase his work and connect with other brewers.

“I was pretty happy about winning (last year), I like that style (stout) but I’ve been looking for something else to brew and show to people to get some feedback on,” said Everton.

His hobby turned passion has been a great way to connect socially with friends and family who like sampling his creations. Everton said they will frequently have “garage fests” at his place where sit and sample the beers he’s kegged.

Everton said this time around he will be offering attendees a variation on a stout and a “hoppier, surprise” beer. He added he’s excited to serve his beer and talk about it with beer enthusiasts, as well as visit and catch up with the other home brewers.

“I really like the feedback (this competition gives), because if I like something and I think it’s good, that’s just my own opinion. I like to get feedback and compare it to the commercial beers out there,” said Everton.

Everton is one of the B.C. representatives for the newly-formed Canadian Home Brewers Association and said the South Okanagan is one of the only areas in the province taking advantage of the new liquor laws that allow home brews to be served to the public.

“Nobody else has really done it yet in B.C., and this is the third time around for this competition,” said Everton. “It’s not hard to organize, but we’re the only ones who have done it, so we’re trailblazers in the South Okanagan. But I plan on taking this to the Home Brewers Association.”

The third annual CAMRA SO Home Brewing Competition will take place from 1-4 p.m. at the Tin Whistle Brewery at 1475 Fairview Rd.

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