Wynkoop Announces Beer Drinker of the Year 2013 Finalists

Our judging panel has casts its votes for the finalists for the 2013 Beerdrinker of the Year award. As you know, our 17^th annual search celebrates America’s most passionate beer lovers.

These super beer geeks must have a deep understanding of how beer is made, its many styles and its importance in advancing civilization. They must have a vast array of beer tasting experiences and be shining ambassadors for the culture of fine beer.

The 2013 finalists will compete in the Beerdrinker of the Year Finals on February 23, at 2 PM, at Wynkoop Brewing Company. The event’s open to the public andadmission is free. The top three entrants in this year’s resume pool are:

Kevin Cox, a Muncie, Indiana beer hunter, homebrewer and beer advocate. Cox has visited over 400 breweries, tasted over 6000 different beers and "stalked the perfect pint" on 4 continents and in 12 countries. In 2012 he drank beer at numerous beer festivals in the US, Belgium, England and Germany. He’s been a member of the American Homebrewers Association since 1983 and a member of

Britain’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) since 1985

His philosophy of beer drinking: "Beer is my passion, it’s a religion. I like to think of it as my beer ministry, teaching the virtues of good beer and safe drinking."

His home beer bar: Broad Ripple Brewpub, Indianapolis, IN

Warren Monteiro, a New York City freelance writer, beer traveler, homebrewer and beer columnist. Monteiro has sampled beers throughout the United States, Europe, Central American, India, Sri Lanka and other nations. In 2012 he visited breweries and beer festivals in England, Belgium, the Netherlands and the US. He samples an average of 350 beers each year.

His philosophy of beer drinking: "It’s not a habit, it’s a lifestyle. This is why I constantly travel – to get a taste of a new brew or one I’ve been missing, and to find a way to share it whenever possible. I consider creative beer drinking to be an essential part of the tapestry of art and fellowship contributing to a full life."

His home beer bar: Blind Tiger Ale House, New York City

Jen Schwertman, a New York City bartender and beer evangelist who got her start in beer in 1992 at Wynkoop Brewing Company. An NYC resident since 1999, Schwertman has worked at the city’s famed Ginger Man and now works at the equally famed Blind Tiger Ale House. She has a consulting business for beer servers, co-hosts an Internet radio show about beer, and in 2012 drank and brewed beer at festivals and breweries across the US and Belgium.

Her philosophy of beer drinking: "The volume of incredible beer I’ve been lucky enough to consume is immeasurable. The number of people I’ve helped to educate is significant. But the greatest gift of my beer career has been the phenomenal people I’ve been able to meet, learn from and claim as friends. They hold an infinitely valuable place in my heart."

Her home beer bar: Blind Tiger Ale House, New York City 

At the Beerdrinker of the Year finals, these finalists will be grilled by a panel of previous Beerdrinker of the Year winners and beer experts. The judges (in traditional jurist wigs and robes) will challenge the finalists with difficult beer questions and then choose the 2013 winner.

The winner wins free beer for life at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, $250 worth of beer at their local brewpub or beer bar, and clothing proclaiming them the 2013 Beerdrinker of the Year.

While in Denver (at Wynkoop’s expense), the finalists will stay at Denver’s famed Brown Palace Hotel.

J. Wilson of Prescott, Iowa is the reigning Beerdrinker of the Year and will be a judge at this year’s Finals.

Beer nuts, make plans to attend the Finals, it’s a wonderfully unique event and Wynkoop tradition.
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