Author: Tim Belczak

AWOG 2019 Winners

Thanks to all who entered and everyone who volunteered. Our 23rd year was another outstanding success!

Congratulations to all the winners who took home some amazing prizes thanks to our generous sponsors:

PLEASE NOTE: Score sheets and prizes were available at the awards banquet on Saturday, March 16 and most were distributed that evening.  Those who did not attend the banquet will receive their score sheets (and prizes, if applicable) in the next week or two.  This competition is run entirely on volunteers and sorting/shipping will take place as soon as possible.  Your patience is appreciated.

Best of Show - Beer

Best of Show

Mark Zambron
There Are Two ‘o’s In Goose
Gueuze

2nd Best of Show

Mark Zambron
Wicked Blizzard
Eisbock

3rd Best of Show

Rob Sells
Total Eclipse Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout

Honorable Mention

Michael Kanick
Trojan Bob
American Porter

Best of Show - Mead and Cider

Best of Show

Phil Boulanger
Pommedemonium
New World Cider

2nd Best of Show

Tim Collins
Spring Hydromel
Semi-sweet Mead

3rd Best of Show

Jeffrey Kochems & Gary Kochems
Holiday Donkey
Cider w/ Herbs/Spices

American Light Lager & Ale

1st Place

Mike Eagan & Geoff Heusinger
Huh?
Cream Ale

2nd Place

Mark Zambron
The Emperor’s New Clothes
American Lager

3rd Place

Mark Zambron
Cuz I Can
American Light Lager

Malty Continental Lager

1st Place

Rob Sells
Volksfest Lager
Marzen

2nd Place

Mark Zanatian
Bavarian Sunrise
Munich Helles

3rd Place

Scott Kroon
Lederhosen Splitter
Festbier

Pilsner & Export Lager

1st Place

Brian Milleville
Das Haus
German Pils

2nd Place

Kevin DiTondo
Play Maker Pilsner
German Pils

3rd Place

Mark Zambron & Brian Milleville, John Crossett
Heavyweight Export
German Helles Exportbier

Continental Bitter Beer

1st Place

Mike Eagan & Geoff Heusinger
The Edgewood Kolsch
Kolsch

2nd Place

Mark Zambron & Brian Milleville, John Crossett
Featherweight
German Leichtbier

3rd Place

Kevin DiTondo
Penalty Kill Kolsch
Kolsch

Strong Lager

1st Place

Mark Zambron
Wicked Blizzard
Eisbock

2nd Place

Ken DeMarree & John Crossett
Insert Insult of Tim Collins Here
Dopplebock

3rd Place

Rob Sells
Big Scandanavia
Baltic Porter

Wheat Beer

1st Place

Rob Pilon
White Stripper
Weissbier

2nd Place

Mark Zambron
Rogue-One-Beer
Roggenbier

3rd Place

Sean Wall
Weak Wine
Wheatwine

Light & Amber British Ale

1st Place

Joe Lenhard
Get Off My Lawn
Strong Bitter

2nd Place

Rob Sells
Old Man Bitter
Best Bitter

3rd Place

Bob Charboneau
Golden Ale
British Golden Ale

Dark British Ale

1st Place

Mark Zambron
Your Momma Was A Cajun Queen
British Brown Ale

2nd Place

Brian Milleville
New Mild
Dark Mild

3rd Place

Rob Sells
Yorkshire Brown
British Brown Ale

Scottish & Irish Ale

1st Place

Mark Zambron
Limp Bagpipe
Scottish Light

2nd Place

Michael Sullivan & Tyler Sullivan
Danny Boy
Irish Red Ale

Stouts

1st Place

Patrick Bradley & Chris Blume
Chaclat Milk Stout
Sweet Stout

2nd Place

Ryan Imondi
Muddy Brook Stout
American Stout

3rd Place

Scott Kroon
Going Back To The Tropics
Tropical Stout

Imperial Stout

1st Place

Rob Sells
Total Eclipse Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout

2nd Place

Todd Jech & Jeff Morante
Attridge Grove Imperial Rye Stout
Imperial Stout

3rd Place

Daniel Cassetta
Yukon Howler
Imperial Stout

Honorable Mention

Daniel Cassetta
Bortles 10
Imperial Stout

British Strong Ale

1st Place

Rob Sells
Sip, Stare, Repeat
English Barleywine

2nd Place

Matthew Clohessy
Barleywine 1
English Barleywine

3rd Place

Thomas Bacon
Old Grandad
English Barleywine

Wee Heavy

1st Place

John Crossett & Tom Bacon, John DePaolo
A Trio Heavy
Wee Heavy

2nd Place

Kevin DiTondo
Whistle Wee Heavy
Wee Heavy

3rd Place

Mark Zambron
Caber Toss
Wee Heavy

American Light & Amber Ale

1st Place

Steven Fitzgerald
Dad’s Favorite Blonde
Blonde Ale

2nd Place

Michael Sullivan
Dog Day
American Pale Ale

3rd Place

John Crossett & Brian Milleville
20 Load Showdown
American Pale Ale

American Dark Ale

1st Place

Michael Kanick
Trojan Bob
American Porter

2nd Place

Corey Dudish & Jenny Hare
Kid In the Bushes
American Brown Ale

3rd Place

Vince Polino
Styles’ More Betterer Robust Porter
American Porter

American IPA

1st Place

John Crossett
Leftover American IPA
American IPA

2nd Place

Brian Milleville
Dank As Night
American IPA

3rd Place

Brian Milleville
Rose Water IPA
American IPA

Specialty IPA

1st Place

Mike Eagan & Geoff Heusinger
Amy’s IPA
New England IPA

2nd Place

Mark Zambron
I Don’t Usually Like IPAs
Belgian IPA

3rd Place

Mike Eagan & Geoff Heusinger
Birkenstock IPA
White IPA

Honorable Mention

Phil Boulanger
Tranquility
Specialty IPA

American Strong Ale

1st Place

Scott Kroon
Wait Until You Taste The Barrel Version
American Barleywine

2nd Place

Jeff Murbach
Barleywine
American Barleywine

3rd Place

Paul Weisenburger & Amy Weisenburger
The Magic Pickle
Double IPA

Sour Beer

1st Place

Mark Zambron
There Are Two ‘o’s In Goose
Gueuze

2nd Place

Michael Nowakowski
Blambic
Lambic

3rd Place

Michael Nowakowski
Purple Drank
Fruit Lambic

Belgian Ale

1st Place

Rob Pilon
Empty From The Neck Up
Belgian Blonde Ale

2nd Place

Mark Zambron
Blue Loon
Witbier

3rd Place

Mark Zambron
Vow of Silence
Trappist Single

Light Belgian Strong Ale

1st Place

John DePaolo
Oakwood Abbey Salvation Strong Golden
Belgian Golden Strong Ale

2nd Place

Mark Zambron
Mephistopheles Is Not Your Name
Belgian Golden Strong Ale

3rd Place

Eric Burt & Wally Kopinski
Tripel X
Belgian Tripel

Dark Belgian Strong Ale

1st Place

Rob Sells
Night Terror
Belgian Dark Strong Ale

2nd Place

Vince Polino
Narcolepsy 2017
Belgian Dark Strong Ale

American Wild Ale

1st Place

Bob Charboneau & Deron Weet
Wild Child Blueberry
Wild Specialty Beer

2nd Place

Craig Sherwood
Razhaze Sour
Wild Specialty Beer

3rd Place

Joseph Flett
Strawberry Fields For Never
Wild Specialty Beer

Fruit Beer

1st Place

Craig Sherwood
Razhaze
Fruit Beer

2nd Place

Rob Sells
Raspberry Delight
Fruit Beer

3rd Place

John Crossett & Brian Milleville, Mark Zambron
A Little Lemon Tonight
Fruit Beer

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

1st Place

Mike Soltiz
Pfeffernusse Christmas Ale
Winter Seasonal Beer

2nd Place

John Prey
Pita Pumpkin Ale
Autumn Seasonal Beer

3rd Place

Jeremy Keller
#37
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

Honorable Mention

Vince Polino
Thin Mint Porter
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

Smoked & Wood Aged Beer

1st Place

Steven Landgren & Peter Leas, Jeff & Maureen Reimer, Mark Hall, Greg Savich, Naomi Reutz, Jason McLaughlin, Amy & Dan Harris
Burning Leaves
Rauchbier

2nd Place

Joe Lenhard
Drunken Peeps
Wood Ages Beer

3rd Place

Mark Scibilia
WBA Millennium Falcon
Specialty Wood Ages Beer

Honorable Mention

Corey Dudish & Jenny Hare
Don’t Be A Dyngus
Piwo Grodziskie

Alternative Fermentables & Experimental Beer

1st Place

Ken DeMarree & Alex Placito
This Was Not Supposed To Taste Like This…
Experimental Beer

2nd Place

Corey Dudish & Jenny Hare
Secret Sauce
Alternative Sugar Beer

3rd Place

John DePaolo
Luscious Maple Porter
Alternative Sugar Beer

Honorable Mention

Keith Curtachio
Maximón
Experimental Beer

Standard Cider & Perry

1st Place

Phil Boulanger
Pommedemonium
New World Cider

2nd Place

Jeffrey Kochems & Gary Kochems
Pear-A-Legal
Traditional Perry

3rd Place

John DePaolo
Best Ever Sparkling Apple Cider
English Cider

Honorable Mention

John Crossett
Big Apple Cider
New World Cider

Specialty Cider & Perry

1st Place

Jeffrey Kochems & Gary Kochems
Holiday Donkey
Cider w/ Herbs/Spice

2nd Place

Mark Zambron & Dan Gestwick, John Crossett
Sore Arms Apple Crushers
New England Cider

3rd Place

Dan Gestwick
Yet Another New England Cider
New England Cider

Traditional Mead

1st Place

Tim Collins
Spring Hydromel
Semi-Sweet Mead

2nd Place

Tim Collins
Yeast Pitch Experiment – Staggered Nutrients
Dry Mead

3rd Place

Christian Doeing
Dry Traditional
Dry Mead

Fruit Mead

1st Place

Tim Collins
Black Currant Mead
Berry Mead

2nd Place

Tim Collins
Cherry and Mixed Berry Mead
Melomel

3rd Place

Tim Collins
Brew At the Bison Cherry Mead
Stone Fruit Mead

Spiced Mead

1st Place

Tim Collins
Ginger Mead
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Mead

2nd Place

John DePaolo
Condor Nest Elixir of Love
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Mead

3rd Place

Tim Collins
I Heart Crossett #3
Fruit & Spice Mead

Specialty Mead

1st Place

Christian Doeing
Braggot Barley Wine
Braggot

2nd Place

Tim Collins
FU Crossett #3
Experimental Mead

3rd Place

Tim Collins
American Oak Mead
Experimental Mead

AWOG 2018 Winners

Thanks to all who entered and everyone who volunteered. Our 22nd year was another outstanding success!

Congratulations to all the winners who took home some amazing prizes thanks to our generous sponsors:

Best of Show - Beer

Best of Show

Craig Sherwood, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Specialty Beer
Spruce Juice

2nd Best of Show

David Williams
Fruit Beer
British Tart

3rd Best of Show

Michael Florez, Cincinnati Malt Infusers
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer
Jack Russell Terrorist

Honorable Mention

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Belgian Ales
Oui! Oui!

Best of Show - Mead and Cider

Best of Show

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Traditional Mead
FU CROSSETT #2

2nd Best of Show

Robert Schweizer
Flavored Mead
The Admiral

3rd Best of Show

John DePaolo, Sultans Of Swig
Fruit Specific Cider & Perry
Pomegranate Still Cider

Honorable Mention

Neal Steward, Brewbonic Plague
Common Cider & Perry
Clancy’s Champagne

Light Lager

First Place

Rob Sells, Crooked Lamp Post Brewing Club
My Genesee

Second Place

Richard Romanko, Three Rivers Underground Brewers (TRUB) – PA
Munich Helles

Third Place

David Kimmel
Liquid Sunshine

Honorable Mention

Zach Kosslow, Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers – PA
House Helles

Continental Bitter Beer

First Place

Kevin Ditondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
German Pils

Second Place

Marius Fekete
Go With Christ Kolsch

Third Place

Marius Fekete
Yellow House Pilsner

Amber Lager

First Place

Kevin Ditondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Vienna

Second Place

Michael Gullia, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
The Sara Jane

Third Place

Richard Romanko, Three Rivers Underground Brewers (TRUB) – PA
California Dreaming

Honorable Mention

Mike Eagan, Crooked Lamp Post Brewing Club
La Lackawanna Common

Dark Lager

First Place

Adam Akers
Like the Shade

Second Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Doppelbock 2017

Third Place

Steven Landgren, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Do It In the Dark

Bock

First Place

Richard Romanko, Three Rivers Underground Brewers (TRUB) – PA
Helles Bock

Second Place

Sean Wall, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
This Is What Awsome Tastes Like

Third Place

Brian Milleville, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Hoppily Dopply Bock

British Ales

First Place

Christopher Schaeffer, North Chautauqua Homebrewers
Aengus’s Moralltach

Second Place

Mark Scibilia, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Wakatu Smash

Third Place

Mark Costa, Glen Ridge Homebrewers Association
Come On You Reds

Dark English Ales

First Place

David Williams
Sir Robin’s Old Ale

Second Place

Michael Florez, Cincinnati Malt Infusers
London Calling

Third Place

Mike Cozart, BrewlyBoys
Davy’s Big Nut Brown

Stouts

First Place

Eric Militello, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Wake Up And Smell The Coffee

Second Place

Scott Kroon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Getting Tropical At The Fair

Third Place

Mark Zamaitis, New York City Homebrewers Guild
Toastmeal Stout

Imperial Stout

First Place

Daniel Cassetta, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Bortles 10

Second Place

Dave Oconnor, Junkshow Brewing Club
Barnes and Chernobyl

Third Place

Mike Eagan, Crooked Lamp Post Brewing Club
The Russian Imp

American Pale Ale

First Place

Tim Ali, Brewlyboys
Bono’s A.F.

Second Place

William Ihburg
9 Month Investigation

Third Place

John Hyman , Sultans Of Swig
Dr. Nelson Sauvin M.D. Hop Therapist

American Porter

First Place

Vince Polino, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Styles’ Porter

Second Place

Neal Steward, Brewbonic Plague
Mistake On the Lake Porter

Third Place

Kevin Ditondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Playoff Porter

American Blonde, Amber & Brown Ale

First Place

Rob Sells, Crooked Lamp Post Brewing Club
Blonde and Beautiful

Second Place

Ian Calder, Crooked Lamp Post Brewing Club
Alec’s Amber

Third Place

Rachel Spallina
Busty Brown
Corey Dudish
Kid In the Bushes

British Strong Ale

First Place

Greg Bogan
English Barleywine

Second Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
In the Carboy Too Long

Third Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Christmas Eve Wee Heavy

American Strong Ale

First Place

Brian Meyer, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Covfefe

Second Place

Greg Bogan
Imperial IPA

Third Place

Paul Weisenburger
The Magic Pickle

Specialty IPA

First Place

Tim Ali, Brewlyboys
Session #69

Second Place

Joe Dufresne
Helms Deep

Third Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Ding A Ding Dang My Dang Along Ling Long

American IPA

First Place

Albe Pilon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Buffalo Style IPA

Second Place

John Crossett, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Neighborhood IPA

Third Place

Alex Buckley, Sultans Of Swig
Your Brain On Hops

New England IPA

First Place

Mike Cozart, BrewlyBoys
Cozy Juice

Second Place

Phil Boulanger, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Lupulo Nimbus

Third Place

Jason Chang
Juicy 14

Sours

First Place

Michael Nowakowski
Boomblambic

Second Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Crimson Funk

Third Place

Erwin Brese, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Gueueze 2013

Belgian Ales

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Oui! Oui!

Second Place

Krzysztof Lasocki, Brew Haven
Red Keep

Third Place

Sean Kinnas, Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers – PA
Fate’s Singel Finger Salute

Light Belgian Strong Ales

First Place

Krzysztof Lasocki, Brew Haven
Hard Will Saison

Second Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Soul Manager

Third Place

Erik Reinheimer
Tripel 18

Dark Belgian Strong Ales

First Place

Jim Buettner
Burly Bel-Jim

Second Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
12 Westies

Third Place

Michael Florez, Cincinnati Malt Infusers
Belgian Malinois

Wheat & Rye Beer

First Place

Lee Kexel, Brewtherville Labs Brew Club
Wheat Bock

Second Place

Sean Wall, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Weak Wine

Third Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Heifer-Wizen

American Wild Ale

First Place

Ken Demarree, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
2017 Small Boned Royal Son

Second Place

Ken Demarree, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Not An IPA

Third Place

Zach Kosslow, Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers – PA
Cherry Pie

Honorable Mention

Zach Kosslow, Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers – PA
Berries ‘n’ Chill

Honorable Mention

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Key Lime Pie

Fruit Beer

First Place

David Williams
British Tart

Second Place

Wally Kopinski, NAH/SOS
Fall Saison

Third Place

Mike Cozart, BrewlyBoys
Blu Bal Porter

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

First Place

Michael Florez, Cincinnati Malt Infusers
Jack Russell Terrorist

Second Place

Layne Kasprzyk, Sultans Of Swig
Wally’s Warmer

Third Place

Phil Boulanger, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Aztec

Smoked Beer

First Place

Todd Jech, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Attridge Grove Smokey Grove Porter

Second Place

Zach Kosslow, Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers – PA
Smoke If Ya Got ’em!

Third Place

Bert Dyster, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Did Walley Win?

Wood-Aged Beer

First Place

Phil Boulanger, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Leroy

Second Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans Of Swig
Bear Scratcher Stout

Third Place

John DePaolo, Sultans Of Swig
Chancellor’s Oak Aged Barleywine

Specialty Beer

First Place

Craig Sherwood, Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
Spruce Juice

Second Place

John DePaolo, Sultans Of Swig
Tommyknocker Maple Mild

Third Place

John Sullivan
Saison de Seigle

Traditional Mead

First Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
FU CROSSETT #2

Second Place

Brian Bookmiller
Jim Morrison Was A Cia Operative

Third Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Breakfast mead

Flavored Mead

First Place

Robert Schweizer
The Admiral

Second Place

Robert Schweizer
Cloudberry Mead

Third Place

Robert Schweizer
I Can’t Believe That Amy Likes This Mead

Honorable Mention

Robert Schweizer
Grape Blast

Common Cider & Perry

First Place

Neal Steward, Brewbonic Plague
Clancy’s Champagne

Second Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Perry the Ornithorhynchus

Third Place

Thomas Piwtorak
Wild Wny Cider

Specialty Cider & Perry

First Place

James Gorman, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Finger Lakes New England (oaked)

Second Place

James Gorman, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
2017 New England (oaked)

Third Place

John Erste, Little Mountain Homebrewers Association
Grandma’s Wassail Cider

Fruit-Specific Cider & Perry

First Place

John DePaolo, Sultans Of Swig
Pomegranate Still Cider

Second Place

Jeffrey Kochems
Double Dark Donkey

Third Place

Jeffrey Kochems
Elderberry Saison Donkey

Red Mrozek Award Winners

Congratulations to all the historical Red Mrozek Award recipients.  Larry “Red” was Tim Herzog’s original partner in starting up Flying Bison Brewing Company, and he tragically lost his life in a 1997 motorcycle accident before Flying Bison opened its doors.  That same year, the Western New York Homebrew Competition (later called “Amber Waves of Grain”) was born and since then the winner of the Strong Ales category receives a special award in Red’s honor.

We’ve compiled this list from the records we were able to find.  For additions or corrections, please contact John Crossett <jpcrossett@gmail.com> or Tim Belczak <tbelczak@niagarabrewers.org>.

  • 1998: David Chudy
  • 1999: Ed D’Anna
  • 2000: Paul Jackson
  • 2002: Keith Curtachio
  • 2003: Ed D’Anna
  • 2004: Dan Cassetta
  • 2005: Paul Dyster
  • 2011: Shawn Kerr
  • 2012: Kyle Costello
  • 2013: Rob Sells
  • 2014: Tim Belczak
  • 2015: Rob Sells
  • 2016: Tim Belczak
  • 2017: Brian Richards
  • 2018: Greg Bogan
  • 2019: John Crossett
  • 2020: Sean Wall
  • 2021: Dominque Burshnick & Donald Burshnick
  • 2022: John Crossett
  • 2023: Evan Brill
  • 2024: Tim Collins

Best of Show Winners: Cider & Mead

Congratulations to all the historical Best of Show (Cider/Mead) winners.  We’ve compiled this list from the records we were able to find.  For additions or corrections, please contact John Crossett <jpcrossett@gmail.com> or Tim Belczak <tbelczak@niagarabrewers.org>.

2004

  • 1st BOS: Kevin Flood & Mick Barnes, NEW ENGLAND STYLE CIDER
  • 2nd BOS: Ed D’Anna, OTHER FRUIT MELOMEL

2005

  • 1st BOS: Todd Snyder, OTHER SPECIALTY CIDER OR PERRY
  • 2nd BOS: Ed Moore, SWEET MEAD
  • 3rd BOS: Brian O’Malley, CYSER
  • Honorable Mention: Keith Bailey, METHEGLIN

2006

  • 1st BOS: Keith Curtachio, OTHER FRUIT MELOMEL
  • 2nd BOS: Ric Cunningham, OPEN CATEGORY MEAD
  • 3rd BOS: Todd Snyder, OTHER SPECIALTY CIDER OR PERRY

2009

  • 1st BOS: Jake & Tom Ocque, SWEET MEAD
  • 2nd BOS: Dan Gestwick, NEW ENGLAND CIDER
  • 3rd BOS: Joseph Schneider, COMMON CIDER

2010

  • 1st BOS: Ric Cunningham, OTHER SPECIALTY CIDER OR PERRY
  • 2nd BOS: Dan Gestwick, OTHER FRUIT MELOMEL
  • 3rd BOS: Thomas Ocque, COMMON CIDER

2011

  • 1st BOS: Mary Lee, OTHER FRUIT MELOMEL
  • 2nd BOS: Brian Salapek, DRY MEAD
  • 3rd BOS: Michael Passino, FRUIT CIDER

2013

  • 1st BOS: Doug Brainard, BRAGGOT
  • 2nd BOS: Patricia Marshall, PYMENT
  • 3rd BOS: Timothy Collins, OTHER SPECIALTY CIDER OR PERRY
  • Honorable Mention: David Johnson, COMMON CIDER

2014

  • 1st BOS: Timothy Collins, OTHER FRUIT MELOMEL
  • 2nd BOS: David Biun, FRUIT CIDER
  • 3rd BOS: Timothy Collins, SWEET MEAD

2015

  • 1st BOS: Robert Hilferding, COMMON CIDER
  • 2nd BOS: Mark Zambron, METHEGLIN
  • 3rd BOS: Tim Collins, SEMI-SWEET MEAD

2017

  • 1st BOS: Dan Gestwick, NEW ENGLAND CIDER
  • 2nd BOS: Robert Schweizer, FRUIT & SPICE MEAD
  • 3rd BOS: Robert Schweizer, MELOMEL

2018

  • 1st BOS: Timothy Collins; TRADITIONAL MEAD
  • 2nd BOS: Robert Schweizer, FLAVORED MEAD
  • 3rd BOS: John DePaolo; FRUIT SPECIFIC CIDER & PERRY
  • Honorable Mention: Neal Steward, COMMON CIDER & PERRY

2019

  • 1st BOS: Phil Boulanger; NEW WORLD CIDER
  • 2nd BOS: Tim Collins, SEMI SWEET MEAD
  • 3rd BOS: Jeffrey Kochems & Gary Kochems, CIDER W/ HERBS/SPICES

2020

  • 1st BOS: Timothy Collins; Spiced, Historical & Experimental Mead
  • 2nd BOS: Timothy Collins; Fruit Mead
  • 3rd BOS: Timothy Collins; Traditional Mead

2021

  • 1st BOS: Benjamin Gilmore & Danae Gilmore; Semi-Sweet Mead
  • 2nd BOS: John Crossett & ABCZ Makers; New World Cider
  • 3rd BOS: Stephen Wilson; Cyser

2022

  • 1st BOS: Ben Gilmore & Danae Gilmore; Stone Fruit Mead
  • 2nd BOS: Timothy Collins; Fruit and Spice Mead
  • 3rd BOS: Bill Boyer; New World Cider

2023

  • 1st BOS: Bill Boyer; Quest For The Holy Grail 2023 ; M2B: Pyment; North Georgia Malt Monkeys
  • 2nd BOS: Bill Boyer; Brother Maynard 2023; M4C: Experimental Mead; North Georgia Malt Monkeys
  • 3rd BOS: Kyle Ducharme; Greensboro; M2E: Melomel; Green Mountain Mashers

2024

  • 1st BOS: Mark Zambron; Bear Market Bochet; M4C: Experimental Mead Niagara Association of Homebrewers
  • 2nd BOS: Brian Milleville; Bubba’s New World Cider; C1A: New World Cider Niagara Association of Homebrewers
  • 3rd BOS: Mark Zambron; Hey Buckwheat!; M1C: Sweet Mead Niagara Association of Homebrewers

Best of Show Winners: Beer

Congratulations to all the historical Best of Show (Beer) winners.  We’ve compiled this list from the records we were able to find.  For additions or corrections, please contact John Crossett <jpcrossett@gmail.com> or Tim Belczak <tbelczak@niagarabrewers.org>.

1997

  • 1st BOS:  Gordon Diffenderfer, Classic Style Herb & Spice
  • 2nd BOS:  David E. Purcell, India Pale Ale

1998

  • 1st BOS: Dave Chudy

1999

  • 1st BOS: Keith Curtachio

2000

  • 1st BOS: Paul Jackson

2001

  • 1st BOS: Thomas R. Heftka, Export 80/-

2002

  • 1st BOS: Dan Gestwik

2003

  • 1st BOS: Dan Cassetta

2004

  • 1st BOS: Erv Brese, Gueuze Style Ale
  • 2nd BOS: Manny Holl, Northern German Pilsner
  • 3rd BOS: Ray Lewis, Munich Dunkel

2005

  • 1st BOS: Manny Holl, Munich Helles
  • 2nd BOS: Randall Contreras, American IPA
  • 3rd BOS: Kevin Flood & Mick Barnes, Old Ale

2006

  • 1st BOS: Gerald & Mark Berdysiak, American Amber Ale
  • 2nd BOS: Joseph Schneider, American IPA
  • 3rd BOS: Manny Holl BOS: Munich Helles

2008

  • 1st BOS: Timothy Collins, Belgian Tripel
  • 2nd BOS: Scott Ofslager, Wood-Aged Beer
  • 3rd BOS: Thomas Ocque, Dry Stout
  • 1st Honorable Mention: Jeff Farrar & Andy Feyl, California Common Beer
  • 2nd Honorable Mention: Rodney Kibzey, Weizenbock

2009

  • 1st BOS: Todd Dirrigl, Strong Bitter/English Pale Ale
  • 2nd BOS: Terry Felton, Wood-Aged Beer
  • 3rd BOS: Todd Snyder, Dortmunder Export
  • Honorable Mention:  Kyle Costello, Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer

2010

  • 1st BOS: Michael Reda, Munich Helles
  • 2nd BOS: Ray Krystofik, Duesseldorf Altbier
  • 3rd BOS: Bob Watkins, Imperial IPA
  • 1st Honorable Mention: Jeff Murbach, Specialty Beer
  • 2nd Honorable Mention: Marty Hanscomb, American Brown Ale

2011

  • 1st BOS: Dan Cassetta, Baltic Porter
  • 2nd BOS: Kyle Costello, Wood-Aged Beer
  • 3rd BOS: Patrick McGrath, Schwarzbier

2012

  • 1st BOS: Dan Cassetta
  • 2nd BOS: Timothy Collins, Imperial Stout

2013

  • 1st BOS: Timothy Collins, Imperial Stout
  • 2nd BOS: Timothy Collins, Dopplebock
  • 3rd BOS: Josh Sled, Fruit Beer

2014

  • 1st BOS: Michael Winter
  • 2nd BOS: Mark Zambron, Northern English Brown Ale
  • 3rd BOS: Terry Felton, Belgian Specialty Ale
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Placito & Eric Stellrecht, American Pale Ale

2015

  • 1st BOS: Robert Pilon, Belgian Blonde Ale
  • 2nd BOS: Thomas Ocque, Imperial IPA
  • 3rd BOS: Scott Kroon, American Wheat/Rye
  • Honorable Mention: Ian Howard, Strong Scotch Ale

2016

  • 1st BOS: Rob Sells, Specialty Beer
  • 2nd BOS: John Crossett, Scottish Ales
  • 3rd BOS: Andy Urban, American Stout
  • Honorable Mention: Adam Kugler, Specialty IPA

2017

  • 1st BOS: Kevin DiTondo, Kolsch
  • 2nd BOS: Kevin DiTondo, Munich Dunkel
  • 3rd BOS: Tim Belczak, Festbier

2018

  • 1st BOS: Craig Sherwood; Specialty Beer
  • 2nd BOS: David Williams; Fruit Beer
  • 3rd BOS: Michael Florez; Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

2019

  • 1st BOS: Mark Zambron; Gueuze
  • 2nd BOS: Mark Zambron; Eisbock
  • 3rd BOS: Rob Sells; Imperial Stout
  • Honorable Mention: Michael Kanick; American Porter

2020

  • 1st BOS: Daniel Hamm-Johnson; Fruit Beer
  • 2nd BOS: Rick Felser; Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer
  • 3rd BOS: Ken DeMarree; Light Belgian Strong Ale

2021

  • 1st BOS: John Crossett; Irish Extra Stout
  • 2nd BOS: Mark Scibilia; Black IPA
  • 3rd BOS: Leonard Modelewski; Piwo Grodziskie
  • Honorable Mention: Rob Sells; Belgian Dark Strong Ale

2022

  • 1st BOS: Brian Marmoreo; Flanders Red Ale
  • 2nd BOS: Brian Milleville; Trappist Single
  • 3rd BOS: Andrew Urban; Wee Heavy

2023

  • 1st BOS: Mark Scibilia; Smoke From The Malter, Fire In Disguise; 32A: Classic Style Smoked Beer
    Niagara Association of Homebrewers
  • 2nd BOS: Bill Serowski; Thunder Snow Porter; 13C: English Porter
  • 3rd BOS: Brian Milleville; Trappist Single V2; 26A: Belgian Single; Niagara Association of Homebrewers

2024

  • 1st BOS: Brian Milleville; Creamy Blend; 1C: Cream Ale; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
  • 2nd BOS: Sam Tischler, Bob Charboneau; Black Button Beast; 33A: Wood-Aged Beer; Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
  • 3rd BOS: Bob Charboneau, Deron Weet ;Jack And Joe’s Sour Cherry 2; 28C: Wild Specialty Beer Upstate NY Homebrewers Assn
  • Honorable Mention: Brian Milleville; Kelly’s Sour (She Is The Best!); 29A: Fruit Beer Niagara Association of Homebrewers

AWOG 2017 Winners

Thanks to all who entered and everyone who volunteered. Our 21st year was another outstanding success!

Congratulations to all the winners who took home some amazing prizes thanks to our generous sponsors:

Best of Show - Beer

Best of Show

Kevin DiTondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Continental Bitter Beer
Penelty Kill Kolsch

2nd Best of Show

Kevin DiTondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Dark Lager
Dangle Dunkel

3rd Best of Show

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Amber & Seasonal Lagers
Sweater Vest Fest

Honorable Mention

Russell Byington, The Brewing Network
British Beer
British Me Mild

Best of Show - Mead and Cider

Best of Show

Dan Gestwick, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Specialty Cider
Tom Brady Had Nothing To Do With The Brewing Of This Cider

2nd Best of Show

Robert Schweizer, SoChe Meadery
Specialty Mead
Kakaw Fruit Bomb

3rd Best of Show

Robert Schweizer, SoChe Meadery
Fruit Mead
Admiral Morrison

Light Lager

First Place

Kevin DiTondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Coast To Coast Cream Ale

Second Place

John Hyman
Highway To Helles

Third Place

John Hyman
Stars & Strips

Amber & Seasonal Lager

First Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Sweater Vest Fest

Second Place

Brian Richards
F5 Erneuern

Third Place

William Serowski, Das Hausbrauers
Spoktoberfest, Live Long And Prosper

Continental Bitter Beer

First Place

Kevin DiTondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Penelty Kill Kolsch

Second Place

Dan Cassetta, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Colonel Klink Alt

Third Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Czech Engine Light

Dark Lager

First Place

Kevin DiTondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Dangle Dunkel

Second Place

Chris Saunders & Virginie Corneau, HOZER
Babbys’ First Schwarzbier

Third Place

Geoff Heusinger & Mike Eagan, Crooked Lampost Brewing Club
Oprah’s Weight Loss Secret

Bock

First Place

Scott Kroon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Doofenshmirtz Doppelanator

Second Place

Kevin DiTondo & John Crossett, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Another Miracle On Ice

Third Place

Albe Pilon & Eric Militello, Tom Piwtorak; Niagara Association Of Homebrewers
Trios Dopple Bock

Wheat Beer

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Glutenous Maximus

Second Place

Robert Pilon, Former Member of Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Wiener Schnitzel

Third Place

Scott Kroon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Make American Wheat Again

British Beer

First Place

Russell Byington, The Brewing Network
British Me Mild

Second Place

Ian Howard & Aaron Ohar
Hay Bale Ale

Third Place

Brian Richards
ESB

Scottish & Irish Red Ale

First Place

Edward Colman
Beaver Club

Second Place

Donald Burch
Irish Red Ale

Third Place

Russell Byington, The Brewing Network
Nelly’s Mystical Ale

Heavy Stout

First Place

Geoff Heusinger & Mike Eagan, Crooked Lampost Brewing Club
Have You Seen Ben’s Turtleneck

Second Place

Trevor Riley, Alfred/Almond Guild
KanAmStout

Third Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans of Swig
Sitting By The Fire With My Cocoa Stout

Porter

First Place

Andrew House
Kitchen Sink Porter

Second Place

Joe DuFresne
Helms Deep

Third Place

Marcus Palmisano & Tom & Timmy; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Is This A Stout Or A Porter?

Honorable Mention

Kevin DiTondo, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Power Play Porter

Heavy Ale

First Place

Brian Richards
Hurricane Bawbag

Second Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Christmas Eve

Third Place

Tom Bacon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Up Your Kilt

Pale American Ale

First Place

Jeffrey Baker
JB APA1

Second Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Dorada Pampeana

Third Place

Jeffrey Baker
Blonde Bubbles

American Amber & Brown

First Place

Ian Calder & Ben Hamm, Crooked Lamp Post Brewing Club
Ben Took The Brown Eye Flight Home

Second Place

Collin Corcoran & Drew Celestino, Sultans of Swig
Call The Amberlamps

Third Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Single Hop Amber #07270

Common Stout

First Place

Peter Woodworth, Salt City Brew Club
Four Clover Milk Stout

Second Place

Russell Byington, The Brewing Network
Oat N’ Grain

Third Place

Zachary Puca
Just In Time

American IPA

First Place

Eric Stellrecht & Alex Placito, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
A.P.E.S. IPA

Second Place

Jeffrey Baker
JB IPA1

Third Place

Jeffrey Baker
B47

Specialty IPA

First Place

Adam Akers & Evelyn Akers
Blaze On IPA

Second Place

Scott Kroon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Little Red

Third Place

Matthew Lehde
Foolish Ambition DDH NE IPA

Strong Ale

First Place

Neal Steward, Brewbonic Plague
Definitely Not A Session Ale

Second Place

Alexander Buckley, Sultans of Swig
Old Ben Kenobi

Third Place

Phil Boulanger, UNYHA
Big Decisions

Honorable Mention

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
About Damn Time, Barleywine (2013)

Sour Beer

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Kriekside Cherry

Second Place

Sean Wall & Marcus Pamisano, & Mark W.; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
2016 Random Trios Berliner

Third Place

Bob Charboneau, Deron Weet & Steve Schaefer; UNYHA
KD’s Sour Cherry

Belgian Light Ale

First Place

Brian Richards
Russian Golden Shower

Second Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Niagara Homegrown 100% Niagara Malt BGS

Third Place

Dan Cassetta, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Tintin

Double IPA

First Place

Jay Locke & Chris
Western IIPA

Second Place

Alexander Buckley & Devin Carman, Sultans of Swig
Loose Nugget

Third Place

Rich Carroll, Stoney Creek Homebrewers
Mas Guapo

Saison

First Place

Scott Ackerson
Copperleaf Saison

Second Place

Jim  Wieand & Andy/Mike Schalberg; 1983
Saison

Third Place

Alexander Buckley & Devin Carman, Sultans of Swig
Frenchie

Belgian Dark Ale

First Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans of Swig
Grog’s Fest Ale

Second Place

Erik Reinheimer
2014 Quadrupel

Third Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
12 Westies (2014)

Specialty Beer

First Place

Craig Sherwood, UNYHA
Samoa Cookie

Second Place

Terry Felton, Sultans of Swig
Hopped Gose The Wheatsel

Third Place

Brian Richards
B.Rye

American Wild Ale

First Place

Ken DeMarree, Alex Placito, Eric Stellrecht & Jeannie Alexander; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Small Boned Royal Son

Second Place

Chris Saunders, HOZER
Just Add More Things, That’ll Fix It

Third Place

Ken DeMarree, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Sundried Sour

Fruit Beer

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Grape Ape

Second Place

Rob Sells, The Crooked Lamp Post Brewing
Imperial Berry Patch Stout

Third Place

Jeffrey Baker
UpHill Battle3

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

First Place

Craig Sherwood, UNYHA
Xoco

Second Place

Mark Scibilia, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Cafe Du Porter

Third Place

Phil Boulanger, UNYHA
Aztec Stout

Imperial Stout

First Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans of Swig
To Russia With Love

Second Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
SS RIS

Third Place

John Crossett & Tim Collins & Michael Conley; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
A Stubborn Stuck MFing Stout

Smoked Beer

First Place

Brian Meyer & Corey Dudish
Crimson Cobra

Second Place

Wally Kopinski Sr, Wally Kopinski Jr, Charlie Pilon, Roger L & Dan Baish (NAH, Sultans)
Smoke On The Water

Third Place

Tim Belczak & Tom Piwtorak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Roycroft 100% NY Craft Malt Smoked Festbier

Wood-Aged Beer

First Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans of Swig
Deep Cavern Dark

Second Place

Weston Wright, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Keep Pounding

Third Place

Brian Richards
Oaked Hurricane Bawbag

Honorable Mention

Peter Marra, Niagara Association of Home Brewers
Brave Heart

Traditional Mead

First Place

Michael ClarkPywar & MCP, Saratoga Thorougbrews
Devil’s Braggot

Second Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Bubbly Bee

Third Place

Robert Schweizer, SoChe Meadery
Pavel

Fruit Mead

First Place

Robert Schweizer, SoChe Meadery
Admiral Morrison

Second Place

Steven Landgren, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
Just Peachy

Third Place

Mark Zambron, Michael Aronica & William Blymire; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Missing In-Cyser

Specialty Mead

First Place

Robert Schweizer, SoChe Meadery
Kakaw Fruit Bomb

Second Place

Timothy Collins & Dr. Mark, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
FU Crossett

Third Place

Dan Baish & Tony Cefali; Sultans of Swig, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Honeymoon Mead

Common Cider & Perry

First Place

Jeffrey Kochems, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Applewien W Yeast

Second Place

John Hyman
Apple Obsession

Third Place

John Hyman
Happy Orchards

Specialty Cider

First Place

Dan Gestwick, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Tom Brady Had Nothing To Do With The Brewing Of This Cider

Second Place

Sean Hill
Bourbonic Plague

Third Place

James Gorman, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
New England CB

Honorable Mention

Mark Zambron, Michael Winter & Michael Aronica, Michael Murray; Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Japplepeno & Molasses


June 2016 Meeting Minutes

Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Meeting Minutes: June 28, 2016

Member Announcements

  1. 19 current members were present.
  2. Wes Wright was voted in as a new member.
  3. Brian M. attended his first meeting.

Business Meetings/Socials

  1. June’s Social was at Pizza Plant Canalside.  There were a handful of members who made it out to the event.
  2. July’s Social will be at New York Beer Project.  Unofficial start is 7:00 on July 12th PM and all are welcome.  We’re hoping A.P.E.S. IPA is on tap by then to be enjoyed by all.  Congratulations once again to Alex Placito and Eric Stellrecht.
  3. The next business meeting will be held on Tuesday, July  26, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Crazy Jake’s.
  4. THERE WILL BE NO SOCIAL IN AUGUST DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF THE WNY BREWERS’ PICNIC.

Business Topics

  1. The Western New York Brewers’ Picnic will be Sunday, August 7th at Sheridan Park.
  2. The Dude Hates Cancer will be happening once again at Resurgence Brewing this August.  Entries are capped at 25 and each brewer should enter a 5 gallon batch whether in kegs, growslers, or bottles.  A people’s choice voting method will be use to to determine the winner who gets to brew a barrel of their recipe at Resurgence.  It was mentioned that there are only eight spots remaining.
  3. NYBP will be holding a homebrew competiton and fundraiser on August 28th.  We are awaiting more details.
  4. The VP election will be held in October.  You may nomimate yourself or any member in good standing to be on the ballot.  We ask that nominees have been a member of the club for at least 2 years.  Please contact Tim Belczak or Marcus Palmisano with any nominations.

BJCP Style Education

  1. Greg Zorn gave a good presentation on Hefeweizen and brought two commercial examples to compare and enjoy.
  2. July’s style will be Munich Helles, presented by Marcus Palmisano.
  3. August’s BJCP style will be Kolsch, presented by Alex Placito.
  4. If you want to present a style and perhaps brew an example of your own to go along with your presentation, contact Tim Belczak to get on the list. We’d like to fill the list up several months in advance to give members the opportunity to brew an example for the presentation if they desire.  If you’re not an expert, this is a great way to lean a style and educate others.  The club pays for the beer and you can find all the information you need on the BJCP website.  New presenters are always encouraged.

Meeting was adjourned and we shared some delicious homebrew with one another.

May 2016 Meeting Minutes

Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Meeting Minutes: May 24, 2016

Member Announcements

  1. 17 current members were present.

Business Meetings/Socials

  1. May’s Social was at Lockhouse Distillery.  We were treated to a tour and were set free on their extensive flavor library with measured amounts of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, etc. in a measured volume of neutral spirits.
  2. The next business meeting will be held on Tuesday, June  28, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Crazy Jake’s.
  3. June’s Social will be at Pizza Plant Canalside.  Unofficial start is 7:00 on June 14th PM and all are welcome.

Business Topics30

  1. “Brew at the Bison” will be June 11 in the Flying Bison parking lot.  More details here.
  2. The Western New York Brewers’ Picnic will be Sunday, August 7th at Sheridan Park.
  3. The Dude Hates Cancer will be happening once again at Resurgence Brewing this August.  Entries are capped at 25 and each brewer should enter a 5 gallon batch whether in kegs, growslers, or bottles.  A people’s choice voting method will be use to to determine the winner who gets to brew a barrel of their recipe at Resurgence.

BJCP Style Education

  1. Erv Brese gave a great overview of sours and blending.  He provided some wonderful homebrewed examples produced by him and others. He also shared some commercial examples from his cellar.
  2. June’s style will be Weissbier, presented by Greg Zorn
  3. July’s style will be Helles, presented by Marcus Palmisano.
  4. If you want to present a style and perhaps brew an example of your own to go along with your presentation, contact Tim Belczak to get on the list. We’d like to fill the list up several months in advance to give members the opportunity to brew an example for the presentation if they desire.  If you’re not an expert, this is a great way to lean a style and educate others.  The club pays for the beer and you can find all the information you need on the BJCP website.  New presenters are always encouraged.

Meeting was adjourned and we shared some delicious homebrew with one another.

AWOG 2016 Winners

Thanks to all who entered and everyone who volunteered. Our 20th year was an outstanding success!

Congratulations to all the winners, who took home some amazing prizes thanks to our generous sponsors:

Best of Show - Beer

Best of Show

Rob Sells
Specialty Beer
Cornholio

2nd Best of Show

John Crossett, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Scottish Ale
Crossett Brother Leftover Shilling

3rd Best of Show

Andy Urban, Sultans of Swig
American Stout
To Russia With Love

Honorable Mention

Adam Kugler, Salt City Brew Club
Specialty IPA
Equinox India Pale Lager

Best of Show - Mead and Cider

Best of Show

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Common Cider & Perry
Michelin Man

2nd Best of Show

Christopher St. Mary, Sultans of Swig
Fruit Mead
Stinger

3rd Best of Show

Tim Mannion
Specialty Cider
Brett Cider

Light Lager

First Place

Steven Landgren, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
Good? Helles Yeah!

Second Place

Joe DiPerna
Hell Es La Ger

Third Place

Kevin DiTondo
Cream Ale

Bitter Continental Beer

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Wienerschnitzel

Second Place

Rob Sells
Trip To Vienna

Third Place

Dan Cassetta, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Hip Aunt Alt

Amber & Dark Lager

First Place

Alexander Buckley, Sultans of Swig
Biere De Garde (Brown)

Second Place

Paul Klammer, S.N.O.B.
Munchkin Duel

Third Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Traditional Bock

Strong Lager

First Place

John Crossett, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Impregnator

Second Place

Robert Jewell III, Sultans of Swig
3/4 Baltic Baish

Third Place

Paul Klammer, S.N.O.B.
Portermortis

Wheat Beer

First Place

Dan Cassetta, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Grace Bay Bock

Second Place

Stephen Wilson, Salt City Brew Club
Roggenbier

Third Place

Devin Carman, Sultans of Swig
Black Willow Roggenbier

Honorable Mention

Robert Pilon
Hasselhoff’s Loin Oil

British Ale

First Place

Ray Krystofik, Sultans of Swig
One If By Land, Two If By Sea!

Second Place

Marcus Palmisano, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
I Wish This Was On Cask ESB

Third Place

David Kerling, Kaisertown Brewing
462 IPA

Honorable Mention

Michael Florez, Cincinnati Malt Infusers
English Bulldog

Scottish Ale

First Place

John Crossett, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Crossett Brother Leftover Shilling

Second Place

Ray Krystofik, Sultans of Swig
M-L-R Heavy

Third Place

Geoff Heusinger, Crooked Lampost Brewing Club
Red Is The Ale

International Stout

First Place

Michael Conley, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Pork Sandwich

Second Place

Andrew Mitchell, S.N.O.B.
Barn Owl

Third Place

Geoff Heusinger, Crooked Lampost Brewing Club
Shanahan Stout

Porter

First Place

Kevin DeTondo
Robust Porter

Second Place

Marcus Palmisano, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Lonster

Third Place

Devin Carman, Sultans of Swig
W.P Porter

British Strong Ale

First Place

Tim Belczak, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
About Damn TIme, Barleywine (2012)

Second Place

David Williams
Sir Robin’s Old Ale

Third Place

Robert Jewell III, Sultans of Swig
3/4 Velveeta Pirogi

American Pale Ale

First Place

John DePaolo, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Tessa’s One-Eyed Common

Second Place

Phil Boulanger, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
Cosmos

Third Place

John Crossett, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
20 Load Showdown C

American Amber & Brown

First Place

Collin Corcoran, Sultans of Swig
Grain Against The Machine

Second Place

Josh Roberts
Good Boy! Brown Ale

Third Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Clean The Cupboard Amber

American Stout

First Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans of Swig
To Russia With Love

Second Place

Edward Kent, Alfred Andover Area Homebrewers Guild
Imperial Stout

Third Place

Andrew Zwack
Late Night Beans

American IPA

First Place

Alex Placito, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
A.P.E.S. IPA

Second Place

Wally Kopinski, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Yellow Basket

Third Place

Joseph Parfitt, Salt City Brew Club
Hopnotique

Specialty IPA

First Place

Adam Kugler, Salt City Brew Club
Equinox India Pale Lager

Second Place

Alex Placito, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Citra Ass Brown

Third Place

Andrew Mitchell, S.N.O.B.
Super Crazy Fun Time

American Strong Ale

First Place

Brian Milleville, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Azacca On The Summit Of Apollo

Second Place

Marcus Palmisano, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Altitude IPA

Third Place

Michael Nowakowski, The Brewing Network
Otto The Orange

Sour Beer

First Place

Dan Baish, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Something Something Gose

Second Place

Brett Taylor, Brewdies
Sinister Rouge

Third Place

Jeremy Steinbacher
Cheerio Cherry Lambic

Belgian Light Ale

First Place

Brian Richards
Depew #4

Second Place

Brandon Kapral, Sultans of Swig
Patersbier

Third Place

Jeremy Steinbacher
Patersbiere

Light Belgian Strong

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
La Fin Du Monday

Second Place

John DePaolo, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Pat’s Blue Ribbon Tripel

Third Place

Eric Burt, Sultans of Swig
A Corruptable Silky Wink Tripel

Saison

First Place

Dan Baish, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Jurassic Toot Party

Second Place

Zachary Taggart
Rye Saison

Third Place

Geoff Heusinger, Crooked Lampost Brewing Club
Cinderella Saison

Dark Belgian Strong Ale

First Place

Sean Coughlin, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
The Abbey Cat Strikes Back

Second Place

Marcus Palmisano, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
El Quaderino

Third Place

Rob Sells
Night Terror

Honorable Mention

Jim Buettner
BrewBQ Belgian

Specialty Beer

First Place

Rob Sells
Cornholio

Second Place

William Sanders
Caitlyn’s Komb

Third Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Steelworker’s Stamina

American Wild Ale

First Place

Bob Charboneau, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
Sour Browntown

Second Place

Andrew Zwack
Funkin’ Peach Saison

Third Place

Sean Coughlin, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
Cherry Plantarum

Honorable Mention

Brett Taylor, Brewdies
Isidore

Fruit Beer

First Place

Adam Akers
Cranberry Relish Berliner

Second Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Do U Like Pina Colada?

Third Place

Alex Placito, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
PJ’s Coconut Stout

Honorable Mention

Ken DeMarree, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Sour Cherry Provincial

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer

First Place

Jon Claeys
Punky Brewster

Second Place

Marshall Van Tuyl
Noble Stout

Third Place

Kevin Ellis, MONKS
LunaPoo

Seasonal Spice Beer

First Place

John DePaolo, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Off The Grid Dark Spiced Saison

Second Place

Tom Bacon, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Pumpski

Third Place

David Drews
Dwale

Honorable Mention

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Bad Mormon

Smoked Beer

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Anchor Bar Medium Wings

Second Place

Andrew House, Sultans of Swig
Polish PIWO

Third Place

John Neidrich, Southern Tier Lager and Alemakers
Rauchweizen

Wood-Aged Beer

First Place

Joe DiPerna
The Joe’s Best Bourbon

Second Place

Michael Nowakowski, The Brewing Network
Kentucky Double Barrel

Third Place

Andrew Urban, Sultans of Swig
Grog’s Deep Cavern Dark

Honorable Mention

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Barrel Stout

Traditional Mead

First Place

Robert Schweizer, BKRT Brewing
Nottingham Mead

Second Place

Ian Howard
Session Mead

Third Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Mesquite Mead

Fruit Mead

First Place

Christopher St. Mary, Sultans of Swig
Stinger

Second Place

John DePaolo, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Gold Medal Pyment

Third Place

Steven Landgren, Upstate NY Homebrewers Association
Sweet Aloha

Honorable Mention

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Missing In-Cyser

Specialty Mead

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Hot Mama!

Second Place

Timothy Collins, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Cinnamon Mead

Third Place

John DePaolo, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Michelle And Nick’s Elixir Of Love

Common Cider & Perry

First Place

Mark Zambron, Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Michelin Man

Second Place

John DePaolo, Sultans of Swig & NAH
Tessa’s Classic

Third Place

John Hyman, Sheldon Grains
Sheldon Happy Orchards

Specialty Cider

First Place

Tim Mannion
Brett Cider

Second Place

Marshall Van Tuyl
House Cider

Third Place

Erik Hann, Brewbonic Plague
Cheery Heering Cider

March 2016 Meeting Minutes

Niagara Association of Homebrewers
Meeting Minutes: March 22, 2016

Member Announcements

  1. 21 current members were present.
  2. Jim was voted in as a new member.
  3. Vince joined us for his first meeting after speaking with us at Art of Beer and Beerology.
  4. 2016 dues ($25/individual; $30/couple) can be paid to Eric Stellrecht.

Business Meetings/Socials

  1. February’s Social was at 12 Gates Brewing Company and Rob Haag guided us on a personal tour.  It was also Taco Tuesday!
  2. The next business meeting will be held on Tuesday, April  26, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Crazy Jake’s.
  3. April’s social was recommended by Alex Placito.  We will visit Blue Monk for the last time as a group on April 12.  Should they close their doors prior to that, we’ll call an audible and the social will be at the Tavern at Windsor Park.
  4. May’s social will be at Lockhouse Distillery and will include the Sultans of Swig and the Buffalo Beer Goddesses.February 2016 Social at 12 Gates Brewing

20th Annual Amber Waves of Grain (AWOG)

Registration for Brewers is closed and we broke 600 entries once again.  Judges and Stewards may still sign up until March 30th.

Brewers’ Night Out (our annual awards banquet) is April 2 and the deadline on discounted tickets has been extended until March 30 when our final count is due.  The Sponsors List keeps growing and we’ve got some heavy hitters on board with some serious prizes.  For tickets and more information, visit our Brewers’ Night Out page.

Business Topics

  1. The Art of Beer and Beerology on back-to-back nights made for a busy weekend, but the foot traffic and interest in the club was impressive.  We brewed an American Mild (using NY Craft Malt) at Beerology that will be served at AWOG.
  2. “Brew at the Bison” will tentatively be June 11 in the Flying Bison parking lot.  We’ll look into generating generate some publicity out to the general public in case they want to see homebrewing in action.
  3. A good amount of discussion took place regarding BJCP exams and the associated prep classes.  There seemed to be a fair amount of interest in the classes, but we need an organizer.  A core group of judges is always happy to help guide the classes, but we need someone to find a venue, pool funds from participants, and organize beer purchases class-by-class.  Each student should be prepared to present a technical topic to the class at least once throughout the 10 sessions.  Judges will help by comparing and contrasting styles, helping with palate development and descriptors, and focusing on the following aspects of the exam score sheet:  perception, descriptive ability, scoring accuracy, completeness, and feedback.  In addition to stewarding, judging, and practicing on your own, this is the best venue to learn to become a judge or increase your BJCP rank.  Email Tim Belczak (tim@belczak.net) if you are interested in the class.  We’d like to find an organizer ASAP and start classes mid-April so it’s a relaxed (bi-weekly) pace leading up to the October 1 exam.
  4. Judges are needed in Rochester for UNYHA’s competition.  We’ve sent out emails asking for help as well.  They send a fair amount of judges our way every year for AWOG and we need to do our part to reciprocate.  Judging will be April 9 at the Fairport Brewing Company.
  5. It’s late notice, but the Erie County Fair just registered their homebrew competition on the BJCP website.  Entries are due at the Hamburg Farigrounds by Friday April 8th and judging will take place April 23.  If you can help judging or stewarding, you may hand-carry your entries the morning of judging as long as you arrive a little early.  More info can be found here and please contact Tim Belczak (tim@belczak.net) if you can judge or steward.  Plenty of help is needed.
  6. A general reminder was given to clean up the meeting room as you leave (take bottles home to reuse or recycle if possible).  The meeting room has looked great recently and thank you to everyone who pitches in!
  7. A general reminder was given to make sure you square up any tabs at business meetings or social events.  Members who stick around later at these events end up footing the bill.  It’s not a common occurrence, but something to be conscious of.
  8. Three members of the Buffalo Beer Goddesses joined our meeting and were the guest judges for this year’s random trios, which was a fantasy draft theme where we drafted ingredients and brewed two distinct beers.  We did not end up with enough participants to fill 8 teams, so we only ended up with four brewers on a team and one round of judging instead of a bracket.  A big thanks to Albe Pilon for organizing this annual event!

    First Place: California Common
    Brewers: Tim Belczak, John DePaolo, Wally Kopinski, Marcus Palmisano

    Second Place: Eisbock
    Dan Baish, Matt Shotwell, Eric Stellrecht, Mark Zambron

    Third Place: Russian Imperial Stout
    Tim Collins, Mike Conley, John Crossett, Harry Odebauer

    Fourth Place: American Brown
    Jason Crossett, Albe Pilon, Alex Placito, Sean Wall 

BJCP Style Education

  1. March’s style was Bock beers and Mike Conley gave a great overview of the style with examples from Spaten and Bell’s.
  2. April’s style will be California Common, presented by John DePaolo.
  3. No one volunteered to present a style in May.  If you want to present a style and perhaps brew an example of your own to go along with your presentation, contact Tim Belczak to get on the list. We’d like to fill the list up several months in advance to give members the opportunity to brew an example for the presentation if they desire.  If you’re not an expert, this is a great way to lean a style and educate others.  The club pays for the beer and you can find all the information you need on the BJCP website.  New presenters are always encouraged.

Meeting was adjourned and we shared some delicious homebrew with one another.

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