Spirit of Free Beer


 

Founded in 1981 by Avid Homebrewers

Brewers United for Real Potables

Rules

  • This year's competition will only accept BEER.
  • On-line registration is required.
  • More than one entry may be made per sub-category, however they must be from different fermentations or of different ingredients. Identify the different entries on the entry form and bottle labels (for example, IPA#1, IPA#2, etc.).
  • Please list any and all Co-Brewers under the "General" heading on the "Add an Entry" page.
  • BEER entries shall consist of (2) two 10-12 oz. capped bottles, or (2) two 10-12 oz aluminum cans. DO NOT submit a combination of one bottle and one can for an entry. An entry must be two bottles OR two cans.
  • All BEER entries will be transported in standard 4x6-pack case boxes.
  • Bottles may be brown or green glass and must be free of any labels. In addition, these should not have raised glass designs, etched logos, or any other identifying marks. Bottle caps must be either plain or blacked out with a magic marker. Attach the bottle label to each bottle with a rubber band.
  • Cans should be aluminum cans and must be free of any labels, designs, logos, or any other identifying marks. Attach the can label to each can with a rubber band.
  • Note: Irregular shaped bottles require special handling and increase the risk of accidental mishandling.
  • All entries must be brewed at home.  Beer brewed in a Brew on Premise is acceptable, but beer brewed in a commercial brewery will not be accepted.
  • All entries become the property of Brewers United for Real Potables.
  • It is the entrant's responsibility to enter his or her BEER in the proper category, as specified in the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines. No entry will be reclassified.
  • While it is not necessary to provide full recipe information for each entry, those wishing to qualify for the Bill Moe Award for the best extract-based (at least 50%) BEER should specify that their entry is extract-based and include recipe information.Entries do not have to be completely extract based. 
  • Entries in some BEER categories/sub-categories need to specify special ingredients and/or classic style information on the entry form and bottle labels. See the 2021 BJCP guidelines for more info.
  • The entry fee is ten dollars ($10) per entry. Payment will only be accepted using PayPal (which also accepts credit cards). When dropping off or sending bottles, please attach your PayPal or credit card receipt.
  • Registration deadline is Friday, March 29th. All entry drop-offs must be received by 1 pm on Friday, March 29th.
  • Winners will be posted on this site by 12:00 PM on April 13th. Scoresheets will be available on the website as soon as possible thereafter. Ribbons and prizes will be distributed at a later date.
  • Any questions about the competition regulations, procedures, awards, etc., should be directed to the organizer (see under Contacts).

Entry Acceptance Rules

Number of Bottles Required Per Entry: 2

  • BEER entries shall consist of (2) two 10-12 oz. capped bottles, or (2) two 10-12 oz aluminum cans. DO NOT submit a combination of one bottle and one can for an entry. An entry must be two bottles OR two cans.
  • All BEER entries will be stored at the remote judging sites in standard 6 bottle (six-pack) holders.
  • Bottles may be brown or green glass and must be free of any labels. In addition, these should not have raised glass designs, etched logos, or any other identifying marks.
  • Bottle caps must be either plain or blacked out with a magic marker.
  • Cans should be aluminum cans and must be free of any labels, designs, logos, or any other identifying marks. Attach the can label to each can with a rubber band.
  • Note: Irregular shaped bottles require special handling and increase the risk of accidental mishandling.
  • Entries brought to drop-off points should be delivered in 4-pack or 6-pack holders. Loose bottles are difficult for drop-off points to handle and run a high risk of breakage.
  • Attach a bottle/can label to each bottle or can entered with a rubber band.

Competition Officials

You can send an email to any of the following individuals via Contact.

  • Chuck Hughes — Competition Organizer
  • Mark Raker — Steward Coordinator
  • Bob Rouse — Registrar
  • Thomas Sords — Judge Coordinator

Sponsors

Brewers United For Real Potables (BURP) is proud to have the following sponsors for the 30th Spirit Of Free Beer (SOFB) 2024 Homebrew Competition.

Cairo Wine & Liquor (DC Wine Guy.Com)
Washington, DCCairo Wine & Liquor (DC Wine Guy.Com)
DC Brau Brewing
Washington, DCDC Brau Brewing
Flying Barrel
Frederick, MDFlying Barrel
Maryland Homebrew
Columbia, MDMaryland Homebrew
Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant
Bethesda, MDRock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant
Silver Branch Brewing Co
Silver Spring, MDSilver Branch Brewing CoHost site of the 30th Spirit of Free Beer Homebrew Competition


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