Congratulations J. Wilson – 2012 Beerdrinker of the Year

Some of the greatest beer minds in the country gathered at the Wynkoop Mercantile Room on Saturday for the National Finals of the 2012 Beerdrinker of the Year competition.  I had the honor of being a judge (for the third straight year) along with outgoing champion Phil Farrell, Wynkoop head brewer Andy Brown, Jill Redding – Editor-in-Chief at the Brewer’s Association, and the first person to ever win the competition - 1997 Beerdrinker of the Year Jack McDougall.   After two hours of questioning, presentations, and being asked to identify three different blind beer samples, J. Wilson a Prescott, Iowa writer, homebrewer, beer judge and beer blogger took home the top honors.   J. Wilson edged out Greg Nowatzki of Las Vegas, Nevada and Warren Monteiro of New York city.  All three finalists proved that they were more than worthy to be on the national stage with their deep knowledge of all things related to beer. 

What it takes

J. used a combination of wit, knowledge, and passion along with his keen sensory perception to sway the judges.  He also kept the packed Mercantile room crowd thoroughly entertained throughout the event.  The judges were impressed with his advocacy and outreach efforts relating to beer and his drive to educate others about the drink we all love so much.  His philosophy is to create a balance in life between friends, family, work and his appreciation for beer – to promote responsible beer drinking.  He is one of those people that you want to sit down and have a beer with – and that is what the event is all about.

2011 and The Fast

J. had numerous beer related accomplishments in 2011, which helped get him to the finals, but the most impressive was his 46-day fast living on nothing more than water and a Doppelbock he brewed with a local brewery.  The Doppelbock style originated with the Paulaner monks in Munich who would brew the strong, nutrient-rich beer to sustain them while fasting during lent.  The Bockbier of that time had a similar original gravity, but was far less attenuated, leaving more residual sugar and less alcohol.  This is a story known by many beer lovers, but I’ve never known anyone to actually give it a shot.  J. is not a big guy, weighing in at 154 pounds during Saturday’s competition.  In order to prepare for the experiment, he put on 20 pounds before the fast.  Over the next month-and-a-half he would drink between four and a half and five beers per day.  (This diet takes a very understanding boss!)  He said after a few days his body “shifted” and got used to the new diet without any major issues or hunger.  He did, however, loose 26.5 pounds during that time.   His blogging and notes became a book that he published last year titled “Diary of a Part-Time Monk.”  If you want to learn more about his experiences I recommend surfing over to Amazon and purchasing the book.  He gifted each of the judges one during the “bribe” segment of the competition, and I’m looking forward to diving into it.

It is good to be the winner!

As the winner J. will receive, among other things, $250 to spend at his home pub (El Bait Shop, Des Moines, Iowa), a beer brewed in his honor by the Wynkoop for next year’s competition, free beer for life at the Wynkoop Brewery, and worldwide recognition.

It is always tough to not win, but Warren and Greg should be very proud of their performances. I am sure both will be back in the finals in the future.  Finally, I want to thank those of you that came downtown to take part in the event.  I know I had a great time, as always, and I hope you all did also!

2012 Beerdrinker of the Year Finalists Announced

Three new faces will be competing for the 2012 Beerdrinker of the Year National Finals on Saturday the 25th. This year’s lucky but deserving trio is Warren Monteiro from New York City, Greg Nowatzki from Las Vegas and J. Wilson from Prescott, Iowa. If you are in the Denver area, or have the means to travel, don’t miss this event – it is the most prestigious title in the country for beer aficionados. Being involved in the selection process, and having reviewed numerous resumes, I can guarantee you that these three are on a different level when it comes to beer knowledge and appreciation. Warren, Greg and J. Wilson will be flown in for the long weekend and pampered at the Brown Palace at the Wynkoop's expense.

The competition is open to the public and will be held in the Wynkoop Mercantile Room on Saturday, February 25th starting at 2 pm MT. Get there early to nab a seat and have time to enjoy happy-hour priced beers, including a whiskey-barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout brewed to honor last year’s champion Phil Farrell.

More information about the Friday and Saturday events can be found at:

http://wynkoop.com/about-us/latest-news/279-wynkoops-2012-beerdrinker-of-the-year-finalists

Here is a bit of background on each of the finalists.
 

Warren Monteiro

Warren Monteiro, a New York City beer traveler, homebrewer and BeerSensei contributor for Alestreet News. Monteiro has sampled beers in Europe, Central American, India, Sri Lanka, numerous other nations and throughout the United States. In 2011 he visited breweries and beer festivals in England, Belgium, the Netherlands and the US. He samples an average of 350 beers each year.

His philosophy of beer drinking: “It’s not a habit, it’s a lifestyle. This is why I constantly travel – to get a taste of a new brew or one I’ve been missing, and to find a way to share it whenever possible. I consider creative beer drinking to be an essential part of the tapestry of art and fellowship contributing to a full life. The beauty of beer hunting now as opposed to the early ‘80’s is that I’ll never catch up!

His home beer bar: Blind Tiger Ale House, New York City.

Greg Nowatzki

Greg Nowatzki, a Las Vegas, Nevada accountant, home brewer and beer judge. Nowatzki has tasted over 13,600 beers from 84 different countries and all 50 states in the US. He has visited over 500 breweries in 32 different states and the District of Columbia, and attended over 150 beer festivals in 8 states. In 2011 he visited 16 beer festivals (including an 11th consecutive Great American Beer Festival) and visited over 100 different breweries in 7 states.

His beer philosophy: “Everyone likes beer. Some just haven’t tasted enough to find the ones they like yet.”

His home beer bar: Big Dog’s Draft House, Las Vegas, Nevada

J. Wilson

J. Wilson, a Prescott, Iowa writer, homebrewer, beer judge and beer blogger. He has a 3-tap, 8-foot home bar supplied by a 10-gallon brewing system in his basement. An advocate for beer for 15 years, he organized numerous beer events in his hometown in 2011. The past year was highlighted by a research project in which he fasted for 46 days on water and a dopplebock he brewed with a local brewery. It became a book, Diary of a Part-Time Monk.

His philosophy about beer: Living life in search of brewvana (an ideal condition of harmony, beer and joy), I seek to educate and advocate on behalf of craft beer, folding good beer into a good life.

His home beer bar: El Bait Shop, Des Moines, Iowa

Classic Waterin’ Holes – The “New” Atlas Bar

Columbus, MT
528 East Pike Avenue
(406) 322-9818

While back in God’s Country over the holidays, I had the chance to visit one of my favorite old west waterin' holes – The “New” Atlas Bar in Columbus. If you are traveling through Montana, there is a good chance you’ll end up on I-90 between Billings and Bozeman. While in the area make sure and stop off in Columbus and head “downtown” to The Atlas and blow the froth off a couple at this classic saloon.

History

This bar has a lot of history. Built in 1906 the bar boasts some unique features. Most first time visitors will notice that the men’s bathroom is in the back of the bar (complete with a Crane urinal trough), while the women’s bathroom is in the front near the main door. There is also a rustic game room in front.

There is a good explanation for this historic relic. In the old days women were not allowed past the front area into the main bar – that area was reserved for the men. Women had their own small section (the current game room) where they were packed in and served drinks through a window into the main bar. Their bathroom was across the walkway so there was no need to even consider straying further inside. Nowadays both sexes are welcome all the way inside, but the disassociated bathrooms remain. (More about other unique features in the next section…)

In the early twentieth century, this bar was called the “Atlas Bar.” Of course prohibition was a difficult period in our country’s past. Thankfully for all of us in 1933 cooler heads prevailed, and with the ratification of the 21st Amendment bars were back in business. It is rumored that the Atlas Bar received Montana’s first post-prohibition liquor license and was reborn as “The New Atlas Bar.” It has always been a main congregation spot for Stillwater county locals. Today it is known as one of most historically accurate, and most famous, bars in the state. When you walk in the front door you’ll feel like nothing has changed for the past 100 years. Last summer the National Park Service even added the bar to the National Register of Historic Places. Quite an honor for a small town saloon!

The Dead Animal Bar

The atmosphere in this bar is almost museum-like. The massive backbar is a work of art itself - composed of sturdy arches, wood columns, mirrors, and elaborate, dark-stained woodwork. It is adorned with notes, signs, and random currency plastered all over the place. Underneath the pressed tin ceiling, the long, narrow bar is packed with mounts of every critter you could imagine. Elk, whitetail & mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, a mountain lion, bobcat, wolverine, badger, eagles, buffalo, etc, etc, etc. There is even an albino deer and two-headed calf. Needless to say, this is not the place to take your card-carrying PETA friend for a drink. Most of these mounts have been around since at least 1916 – and they show it! This is the reason locals affectionately call the place “The Dead Animal Bar.”

Spittoons are mounted in the base of the bar to accommodate those belly-uppers that prefer their tobacco smokeless. When is the last time you drank a Pale Ale with a built-in brass pot at your feet? There are also pool tables in the back half of the Atlas to accommodate rural Montana’s favorite pastime. (Winning a few bucks and maybe getting into a little scrap.)

A few changes over the years…

Not many things have changed over the century, but one important one has – the beer selection. Yes, they have Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Coors, and of cause PBR, but they also have a great selection of craft bottles and drafts. On tap they offered Sam Adams Boston Lager, Bozone Amber (Bozeman, MT), Red Lodge Beartooth Pale Ale (Red Lodge, MT), and Bayern Dragon’s Breath Dunkelweizen (Missoula, MT). And in classic Montana fashion, 16oz micro drafts are only $2.50. Happy Hour is even cheaper! Great beer at this price really can’t be beat.

Old West Charm

In my September, 2011 blog entry titled “30 things to add to your to do list” number 13 recommended that one “Drink a local Montana craft beer in a real, old-school western watering hole.” For those checking items off their list - there are countless options for this one. The Hofbräu or Crystal in Bozeman, Grizzly Bar in Roscoe, Cowboy bar in Fishtail, Bulldog in Whitefish, Mooses in Kalispell… the list goes on and on. (What is your favorite?) But the New Atlas is a classic that can’t be missed. It is a totally unique experience and a great place to enjoy a few Montana brewed specialties. And then you can also brag that you’ve been to the Dead Animal Bar!

‘Tis The Season

It is that time of year again. The leaves have long since fallen, and snow is on the ground. This year has blown by and it is hard to believe it is already December. Speaking of December - on my beer calendar for this month there are a couple of important entries: keeping an eye out for winter warmers, and preparation for the upcoming Beerdrinker of the Year competition.

Seasonal Beers

This is a great time of the year for winter warmers. Most breweries brew something special for the cold weather – whether it is AC Golden’s Winterfest (Coors), Sierra Nevada’s Celebration, or your local brewpub’s specialty. It is a great time to visit your local brewery or pick up that special six-pack at the liquor store.

If you’re in the Denver area, one great place to go to try out a number of seasonals, including special releases, is the Falling Rock Tap House. (http://fallingrocktaphouse.com/) They’ve got specialties from Colorado, other parts of the country, Belgian Noels, and great beers from all over the world.

Tonight I happen to be bundled up at home, and I am partaking in 4 Calling Birds from The Bruery in Placentia, California. It is an 11% abv Belgian-Style Dark Ale, and the fourth in their annual series. (What will they do after 12?) For lovers of spiced beers, Barleywines, Strong Ales, Imperial Porters, and Wassail, this time of the year cannot be beat!

2012 Beerdrinker of the Year Search

You could be the next Beerdrinker of the Year. If you are reading this blog you are a beer lover – and that is the first step! To apply you need to submit a Beer Resume. This document must include your beer philosophy, details on your passion for beer, and your 2011 beer experiences. It should “detail the entrant’s understanding of beer and its history and importance to civilization, and the entrant’s efforts to educate others to the joys of great beer.” And all of this cannot exceed three 8.5 x 11″ pages in 12-point font. Your beer resume needs to be emailed into the Wynkoop no later than Saturday, December 31st. There are a few other rules, so make sure and check out the official Beerdrinker of the Year web site for all of the details. (http://wynkoop.com/component/content/article/14-events/208-2012-beerdrinker-of-the-year)

As an example, and to view the resume that got me into the finals, check out my 2009 resume. Each year, all of the beer resumes received by the Wynkoop are reviewed and thinned down to the top 10, at which point they are sent out to a panel of experts around the country to select the three finalists. Those lucky three will be flown to Denver for the finals on February 25th, 2012, at which time seven wigged & robed judges will ultimately select the winner.

The winner will receive free beer for life at the Wynkoop, $250 at their local brewpub or beer bar, apparel, and their name will be engraved on the Beerdrinker of the Year trophy at the Wynkoop Brewery.

A good resume will take some work, so hopefully you’ve already started, or are touching up a previous year’s application. (I submitted a resume in 1997 and 2005 before my 2009 resume got me to the finals.) I encourage all of you to take a shot at the ultimate beer accolade!