GToCG 2016 Homebrew Berliner Analysis

Great Taste of Cottage Grove 2016 – Homebrew Berliner Results

Gold Medal – Ryan Turner’s Jungle Cat

Silver Medal – Jeremy Ahrens’ Bear-liner Weisse

Bronze Medal – Andy Attwood’s Berliner Weisse

Other Participants: Josh Agate’s Rhythm is Life, Matt Frost’s Bad Apple, Dan Weiser’s Mainliner

 Analysis

The beers that Jeremy and Ryan put out both had the greatest amount of pucker factor, which was definitely popular with the voters.  I think Andy did the best job of putting together something that would traditionally strike you as a Berliner and that helped him secure the bronze

My Ballot

1) Bruery Hottenroth 2) Attwood 3) Agate 4) Turner 5) Jeremy 6) Frost 7) Weiser

The Takeaway

I think everyone that submitted a beer would fully admit they were not able to fully encompass what it is that makes a great berliner.  As an interesting reference point, I threw in The Bruery’s Hottenroth.  Tasting that beer it was immediately my favorite because it checked all the boxes in what I love in Berliner: big lactic notes up front, followed by the clean crisp finish.  The Bruery beer would have finished 4^th if it would have been included.  I think Attwood overall did the best take on the style.  But as this competition dictates, this is open to the brewer’s interpretation and the people ranking the beers are choosing based on personal preference.  And the sour treats that Turner and Ahrens put together were absolutely fantastic.  Ryan Turner has secured bragging rights for the next 365 days.  Thanks to everyone that participated and I cannot wait until next year!