Well what a fantastic evening it turned out to be at LJRs.  The number of entrants was low, the quality on the other hand was extremely high.  If i’m honest when we set up this little competition I didn’t quite know what to expect from it.  Would it be a shambles and nobody turn up or even enter?  Would it be out of control and way to busy for it’s own good?  No, in fact it was an extremely pleasant middle point of the two.

5 entries in total, 2 from the same team and one entered completely last minute by Jim who had a brew at home and kind of stumbled over the comp by a planned accident, but let me tell you the quality was high.  Lining up alongside Malcolm Irving (all round brewing guru and boss of Irving & Co. Brewery) and Stuart Ainsworth (Landlord of the Leoplold Tavern and all round beer expert) I felt a little bit of a novice on the panel however I do have 8 years experience in the industry myself so not too much of an amateur.

First up was a Porter brewed up by a first timer.  Lovely taste, great dark colouring and a most excellently presented bottle and label.  Clarity was hard to judge with it being a Porter however a nice chocolate aroma as well as coffee hit you as soon as the lid was removed.  This entry finished 3rd however he can feel desperately unlucky as it was a great effort and in my opinion the best presented entry.  Next up were the 2 entries from the Bad Manners Brewers from Southsea.  First off was BPA, a lovely light golden colour with a potent fruity aroma.  This was followed by Island Hopper, a slighty darker colouring than the BPA but again with a very fruity aroma this was a wonderfully smooth ale and for me was the best all round.  The only entrant into the Specified Brew category was Cannon Barrel and was also the effort of a first time brewer.  Clarity wasn’t all together up to scratch but taste was good and he brought it all in with a fantastic label design.  It was a real eye catcher.  The last was the Jolly Jaunt Ginger Beer.  WOW!  What an explosive taste this drop had!  A little heavy on the ginger for me personally but let’s not take anything away from it.  A nice kick thanks to the green chillis involved in this brew, an impressive and refreshing taste.  It was so good I caught Paul on more than one occasion dashing for a refill! In my opinion and also that of the other judges, it was better than other commercially available ginger beers (not naming names). Again desperately unlucky not to have claimed a prize.

Well done to the Bad Manners boys who produced 2 top notch ales but equally so to all the other entrants who made the 1st Annual event one to remember. Also we had the news from Malcolm that he intends to brew the winning ale for distribution.  Amazing stuff, a Strong Island ale coming soon to a pub near you!

This is an event that we at Strong Island hope is to grow and grow over the next few years and see some more excellent ales and beers being produced.  Remember it’s open to anyone and everyone so next time get involved!

1st Place Unrestricted – Island Hopper by Simon Vasey & Paul Hawkins
2nd Place Unrestricted – Belchers Pale Ale by Simon Vasey & Paul Hawkins
3rd Place Unrestricted – Nosey Porter by Martin Hoy

1st Place Specified – Canon Barrel by Phil Bennett

Best in Show – Island Hopper by Simon Vasey & Paul Hawkins

Judges Recommendation – Jim’s Last Minute Jolly Jaunt Ginger Beer by Jim Culverwell

Photos: Matt Saxey

Photos: Tristan Savage

Poster Design: Tristan Savage