It was sweltering Saturday; music was thumping, people were drinking beer out of tiny plastic cups and the fire marshal came. Frat-house keg party? Hardly. The Just Economics Just Brew it Homebrew Festival took place at the Wedge this weekend, featuring more than 50 brewers with approximately 100 brews. Part of Asheville Beer Week, the event was a smashing success before it even began, with tickets selling out almost 24 hours before the first beer was poured.
Judges arrived at 1 p.m. to get a jump on the crowd in an effort to taste as many beers as possible before the 4 p.m. deadline. Who has two thumbs, tasted each of the beers and thanks her lucky stars for the White Duck Taco Shop location within walking distance of the event venue? Yes, 100 beers — and most of them were astonishingly good.
Results should roll in soon, but until then, enjoy these photos that photographer Max Cooper captured of some of the judges at work.
*Updated! Here are the winners, according to Just Economics staff member and event organizer Mark Hebbard:
Green Man award: John Crnich/Saison De Buff
Oysterhouse award: Phillip Morris/Philly Breakfast Stout
Thirsty Monk award: Like Minded Brewing/Therese
Thirsty Monk award: Jacob Childrey/Maple Pecan Brown
Craggie award: Like Minded Brewing/Lola
Highland award: Jay Love/Hop Goblin IPA
Wedge award: Tim LaBruyere/Quasi Quasimota American Pale Ale
Riverbend and Echoview award: John Crnich/4 AM Pale Ale
Hops and Vines award: Bart Roberts/Patersbier
Brewgasm award: Alex Zdanovich/Chocolate Coconut Coffee Stout
Tony Kiss award: Matt Kane for LeFeet Po-Teet Saison
Best Name award: Craig Weitzel/ “Holy Sh!t it’s Hot” American Ale Runner up: Travis Michaels/“Swervy Mower”
The AVL.com award: Travis Michaels/ Echo-Bend Pale Ale
Celebrity Choice award: Chris Ivesdal and Luke Weber/Kissing Jimmy
People’s Choice award: Alex Zdanovich/Chocolate Coconut Coffee Stout
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