The Brewkettle's Jack Kephart won Best of Show again at this year's third annual "Celebration of the Hop", the IPA festival at Fat Head's Brewery & Saloon. Jack won the gold medal in the IPA category for his White Rajah IPA again, beating out about 30 or so other India Pale Ales. Winning the gold for the Imperial IPA was Eric Bean of Columbus Brewing Co for his Bodhi Double IPA. I happen to think Columbus' Super Fresh H-O-P wet-hopped IPA was pretty good, too. Part of their Hop Odessy series and wet-hopped with Ohio grown Nugget hops, it was my favorite new beer of the day, and was also the favorite of the crowd, winning the "People's Choice" award.
The Grand Champion belt went to Jack Kephart for Best of Show. This event is growing in size and popularity. Matt Cole of Fat Head's did not enter his own Head Hunter IPA, which recently won a medal at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. As Jack Kephart accepted his medal, I heard him say that "It's not a real competition until Head Hunter is in it." Cole doesn't feel he should enter his own competition apparently... or maybe he just enjoys being one of the judges, which he couldn't if he were entered?
At any rate, if you missed it, here are some pictures, and try not to miss it next year!
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