Seattle’s Reuben’s Brews Lauches “Hop Idol” Homebrew Contest

“Homebrewing is where it started for us,” says Adam Robbings, Co-Founder and Head Brewer of Reuben’s Brews. “Homebrewing competitions gave me the confidence to take a chance at opening a brewery. We’ve wanted to start a competition like this for some time as a way to try new beers, support the homebrew community, all while having a lot of fun!”

The winner will receive $250 and get to brew their beer with the Reuben’s Brews team at their brewery in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. The finished brew will available on tap in the Reuben’s taproom and see some distribution around the Pacific Northwest. It is also planned to be entered in the Pro-Am category at one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the country – the Great American Beer Festival (GABF).

How will they choose a winning beer? Like a former reality show with a similar name, the judging will be led by a Brit with a high standard of excellence – U.K native Robbings.

“This will be a Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) certified homebrew competition,” says Robbings. “All entries will be judged against the BJCP style guidelines, focusing on hoppy styles. We love hoppy beers and think it will be fun to focus on that category!”

Here are a few of the basic rules for entry: