So far RIBS has had an eventful month!
The 9th Annual Ocean State Homebrew Competition was an amazing success once again! There was a total 563 judged entries in 36 separate judging categories. It took two nights of pre-judging and three judging sessions during the competition weekend to get through it all. OSHC represented all BJCP major Beer, Mead and Cider categories and nearly all subcategories as well. Entries were sent from 18 different states from Maine to Tennessee to Michigan and all the way from Oregon. Through entry fees and an awesome charity raffle OSHC raised $2200 dollars for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and were able to collect 450 pounds of food as well. Also important to note, OSHC recycled nearly every plastic cup used. All empty bottles were taken away to be reused again and all remaining entry beers were distributed to be enjoyed and reused as well. Any remaining cardboard boxes were broken down for recycling as well.
Monthly Meeting: RIBS was able to host Eric Olson of Olson and Son Hopyard for a hops growing presentation. Eric was able to educate our members about the hop growing process on his multi-location hop farms. His business is family run and in addition to creating great hops to Rhode Island brewers, Eric also advocates for families of children with disabilities. We are very grateful that Eric spent the evening with us once again and we look forward to future home-brews with local hops. For more information on Olson and Son Hopyard please check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/olsonandsonhops
Lastly, RIBS hosted their annual April Sours event. Members spent the day sharing some of their favorite sour beers from vintage blended lambics to the humblest fruited goses. Members also emptied the barrel of the RIBS Barrel-Aged Golden Sour and divvied it up into kegs. And of course there was a group brew day happening at the event as well!
This month has been a blast and RIBS looks forward to all the upcoming meetings and events that will be had as we are quickly approaching the summer months. Cheers!