Citra, Simcoe hops push pale ale to the top in Bell’s Brewery’s annual Homebrew Competition

Twelve homebrews made it to the final round for this year’s Bell’s Brewery Homebrew Competition, but only one achieved the honor of best brew, earning a tap at the Eccentric Café. David Lyman, of Kalamazoo, Mich., will brew his Citra and Simcoe hopped Pale Ale at Bell’s original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo.

“This competition is a nod to our roots and we love the opportunity to give a little something back to the community that gave us our start,” said Laura Bell, Bell’s vice president.

Now in its fourth year, Lyman joins a growing list of those who have been able to see their winning brew’s name listed on the Café’s draft board. Last year’s winner, Nick Rodammer, took second place for his Double Rye IPA.

Third place went to Jay VanBuskirk for his IPA brewed with fresh hops, peaches and mangos.

Runners up are:
· Jason Stasienko, IPA
· Larry Yuhas, Cream Stout brewed with fresh mint and coffee
· Eric Drews, an American hopped concoction
· Aaron Hoffmann, Coffee IPA
· Bret Wagner with Beau Preston, Butter Pecan Java Chocolate Stout
· Drew Doster, Cafe con Leche Milk Stout
· David DalPonte, Pale Ale with green tea and honey
· Shannon Grossman, Vanilla Java Porter
· Nathan Widener, Jalapeño Pepper Beer

Congrats to all the homebrewers who took away honors and to those who just had fun and brewed great beer. Be sure to check out the Bell’s Brewery blog for more.