Battle Of The Brews At Delaware State Fair - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

HARRINGTON, Del. - Since 9 o' clock this morning, its been all about beer. Dozens of beer judges are here today to give local home brewers tips on how to improve their beer.

This year, the competition has 100 more beer entries than last year, so its been a huge success, the weather has been forgiving, and this is just a great way to support the local community and the craft beer industry.

More than 80 local home brewers compete for the 2nd annual Battle of the Brews. 29 certified beer judges from all across the country volunteer to critique more than 300 beers. Event organizer, Daniel Woodall, says "They'll drink it and taste it and get a good reception of the beer, so they don't drink the entire beer, but they will taste all 329 beers."

Brewers from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and the midwest look to improve and expand the craft beer industry. Ron Price, judge director, says "We go up to about 6 percent now of the total beer market, is craft beer. As you can see theres over 3000 new brewery start ups this year in the United States."

The beers are judged on aroma, appearance, flavor, mouth feel and overall impression. But the one thing that really makes a beer stand out? Price says "Balance. A beer must be balanced. If it's supposed to be on the sweeter side, you look for that sweetness. If it's a beer that's more bitter, than you look for bitterness."

Dan Weber, a judge from Dogfish Head, agrees saying "Balance is an important issue for a lot of home brewers.Sometimes they may use too much of one thing or too little of another thing, and the balance in-between the 2 doesn't always come through."