The King of Beers

A A A Comments By Jonathan Shikes Thursday, Feb 25 2010

Fame — if not fortune — and free beer for life at the Wynkoop Brewing Company are only two of the honors bestowed annually upon the person who survives a grueling judging process to become Beerdrinker of the Year. The victor is also awarded free clothing, a gift certificate and entry into heaven.

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The most tangible of the awards, however, is the chance to have a beer of your own creation brewed by the Wynkoop’s Andy Brown and then served on tap at the brewpub at 1634 18th Street. Cody Christman, who last February became the first Coloradan to be crowned Beerdrinker of the Year, chose a recipe that he makes in his own basement brewery, and it will be available during this year’s contest, which takes place at the Wynkoop at 2 p.m. today. Beer fans will be able to watch as the three finalists — William Howell of Alaska, Phil Farrell of Georgia and Logan Perkins of Denver — face off, revealing their beer knowledge and philosophy in front of a panel of robed and wigged judges.

“I was absolutely stressed out last year,” remembers Christman, “so I’m glad I don’t have to worry about updating my beer resumé again. One thing I realized is that this is for the audience as much as it is for the contestants. So everyone should have a good time.” Christman certainly has been since he took the title; he estimates that he drank about $2,000 of the Wynkoop’s brew in 2009.

For more information on the day’s festivities, call 303-297-2700.
Sat., Feb. 27, 2010

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