It has been another fun year and RIBS has had a blast; we look forward to another year of adventures in brewing! We ended the year on a high note with the return of Dog Fish Head to RI.
RIBS members were
able to have a rare opportunity to meet with Sam Calagione at the Dog Fish Head return party.
We would like to thank all the local businesses that have helped us keep brewing through out this year. Our members kept the beer flowing and the good times coming in 2013.
RIBS held quarterly beer competitions and turned out some great beers. The goal, aside from camaraderie is to break members from their brewing comfort zone to try styles they might not have tried before. We then mix in a bit of friendly competition and a 1st and 2nd place snazzy ribbon or trophy for a fun filled night of tasting.
The first competition, in a winter-fashion was a stouts and porters competition. Armando won with a killer Milk Stout and thus kicked off a great year of competitions.
The spring competition opened the gate for a golden beer competition. Justina, a relatively new home brewer won first place with her 2nd beer ever brewed! Her Mango Golden ale really took the taste buds of our members by storm.
The summer competition with fruit and vegetable based beers gave everyone a chance to add some vitamins to their diet, in beer form. Kate took first place with her Cucumber Wheat, this beer was refreshing and flavorful, and adhered closely to the guidelines. In 2nd Place we had Josh’s Strawberry Rhubarb beer, which mixed a pleasant balance of sweet and tart without the Rhubarb over staying it’s welcome.
The fall brown and bitters competition held in October brought a great variety of beers. In first place was Mike D. and his “India Nut Brown” and second place went to Josh F. with his “English Bitter.”
RIBS members all agreed that after 1 year of successful competitions we would follow the styles of the BJCP guidelines. We are excited for our next competition, which will follow the BJCP guidelines for Stouts in our first competition of 2014.
Dan graciously hosted the RIBS Octoberfest party this year. Everyone who attended brought some samples of their fall brews. There was great conversation, laughter and beer tasted.
Justina and Eddie hosted the Holiday party this year. It was a wonderful pot luck and Yankee swap event. There wasn’t a bad beer in the house.
RIBS will be attending the RI Brew Fest again next year on February 1st so look for our booth and our home brews! 
We hope everyone enjoyed the year with RIBS and we look forward to making more memories and more beer with everyone next year!
From all of us at Rhode Island Brewing, have a happy holiday and a great new year!