By Agnes Yu
The season of patios, lounge chairs, and a cold beer in the afternoon sun is upon us. In timely fashion, Homebrew Korea, an Internet based community of ex-pat and Korean home brewers, is holding “Brew your hops off’’ on May 14 at Oktoberfest near Gangnam station. It will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The “2011 Korea Homebrew Competition” is a chance for amateur beer makers to showcase various styles of the malty beverage they produce.
Over 200 people attended last year’s event which was a heated competition among twenty-five beers. The winner was an India Pale Ale beer by Bill Miller.
Even more beers and their brewers are expected to battle it out in the upcoming contest. The 2011 victor will be determined after entries are blind tasted by Joe McPherson, a food and restaurant blogger, Joshua Hall, wine reviewer and consultant, along with Homebrew Korea’s founder Rob Titley.
Titley’s personal interest in brewing his own beer led him to develop expertise in the drink. His special knowledge allows him to consult on beer for companies such as Craftworks Tap House and overseas beer producers. After arriving in Korea in 2003 to a nation of few beer choices, Titley started Homebrew Korea in late 2008. The club offers those curious about beer and brewing a place to gather and share their experiences, ask questions and discuss all things related to beer. Titley described the event to be “a celebration of one of the oldest drinks in the world, beer, in all its many styles and flavors.”
He added, "At present, interest in different styles of beer in Korea is growing faster than the market can, or is willing to provide. Homebrewing beer is a way for people to supplement that desire with a delicious, homebrewed beer of their own."
The categories for this year’s competition are: Pale Ales/IPAs (under 15°SRM), Stouts/Dark beers (above 15°SRM), and Lager/Wheats/Specialty beers. Standard reference model (SRM) refers to the color of beer and is used to classify the different varieties.
The homebrewed beers will be evaluated on aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel and their overall impression. Entries will then be awarded a score out of 100 points. The finalists will be re-tasted by the judging panel and prizes will be awarded for winners in each category.
In conjunction with the competition, a homebrew beer tasting event will be held for the public. Unlimited house pilsner, weizen and dunkel will be available. Each table of 4 people will also be served side dishes such as a chef’s salad, nachos, and a plate of sausages.
Entrance to the event is 30,000 won per person in advance or 35,000 won at the door.
To get to Oktoberfest, take exit 5 of Gangnam Station. Walk straight and turn right at the second street (at the new Garak Tower). The entrance is 100 meters down the street on the right and looks like a small house.
The telephone number for Oktoberfest is 02-3481-8881.
For more information on the event or regarding homebrewing in Korea, visit www.homebrewkorea.com.