COMSTOCK, MI., U.S. – The winners of Bell’s 10th Annual Homebrew Competition were announced during the 11th Annual All Stouts Day at the Eccentric Café this past Sunday, Nov. 3. Three homebrewers placed out of the 122 entries submitted this year. First place went to Bill Blakeslee for his Imperial Coffee Blonde Ale. He will brew his recipe at Bell’s original brewery in Kalamazoo to then go on tap at the adjacent Café.
Blakeslee will also head to the 2020 Great American Beer Festival in Denver as a guest of Bell’s and compete alongside a Bell’s brewer in the Pro-Am Competition.
“This was another very solid year of homebrew entries. Once again there was no lack of off-the-wall and innovative recipe designs and execution,” said David Curtis, Bell’s General Store Operations Manager and competition organizer.
Second place went to Adam Cagle for his Blueberry Lavender Gose. Third place went to Nick Rodammer (2012 winner) for his dry-hopped Session Sour Ale with guava and sea salt.
This year’s honorable mentions are (in no particular order):
- Andy Akers – British-inspired Ale with honey and ginger
- Travis Wasson: Kettle-soured, smoothie-style Gose with lactose, Himalayan sea salt, mango and peach puree
- Taylor Pomeroy & Scott Horton – Cherry Cream Ale
- David Beerens – Belgian Saison
- Joe Stanley – English Porter
All were recognized during Sunday’s announcement and received a prize.
From ingredients, to equipment to advice, the Bell’s General Store continues supporting the homebrew community that helped Larry Bell get his start before the brewery sold its first commercial pint. Originally founded as the Kalamazoo Brewing Co., the Bell’s General Store opened in 1983.
