Anyone brewing for 2014 NHC yet?
started thinking over my plans. not started brewing. this weekends brew might possibly be a first go, depending on how it turns out.
That’s where I’m at. Tomorrow’s brew will be bottled and if it’s stellar, and if I win a spot…
This year, I’m not sure I see much point in brewing specifically for something I might not even have a spot in. If I get in, great. I’ll send what I have.
I’ve been brewing since late summer for the competition. I have a whole schedule laid out. I guess I’ll have plenty to choose from when (and if) I get a spot or two. Planning on sending some into other comps too.
Not brewing anything for the conference, since it’s halfway across the country and I don’t think I’m driving out.
3 lagers well underway. Probably squeeze one more in next week. Might make one ale just for the competition; any others will be part of normal brew plan.
Due to uncertainty about getting any entries through a lottery process, my efforts are going to be about a third of what they were last year.
…it is what it is. I can always focus on mead/cider if I get in. Plenty of those lying around.
If I get a spot(s) in the competition then I will send what I consider to be my best.
Will see what the club has spots for on club night, and the social club. We will concentrate on quality over quantity - the Golden Urinal has been retired, so the is no incentive to bring 100+ kegs.
This one is close to home, so any kegs can be driven. Had kegs at SD, Seattle, and Philly so need to keep the string going. 
Not planning anything specific. If i can get a spot, then I’ll choose my best and send it it. If I do, this will be the first time sending an entry in.
Me too. Kinda exciting
I think the better word is “preparing” for NHC.
I have a number of brews aging that I brewed right after I got home from the conference last year. Worst case I don’t get to enter them in the NHC and I have a bunch of good beer…
Brewing some lagers in the next few weeks. Other stuff I won’t brew until january or even february probably. Basically brewing for other competitions and if I happen to get “lucky” enough to send some in to NHC, I will. Wish I could “plan” for it - but, too much about luck. Be nice if they are just going towards “lottery” entry that they start doing it earlier… that way people don’t plan their brewing around something they can’t even enter.
I started my high gravity lagers and beer that need some aging in early fall. IF I get in I will sample what’s in the cellar and send whatever tastes best.
I think the defending Ninkasi and the other three Major Award winners should be the first people they reserve spots for. I think you’ve earned the opportunity to defend your title.
I would agree. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Not so sure I agree. This assumes that these victories are titles to be defended. In my opinion once you are a Ninkasi winner, you are a Ninkasi winner. No one can take that from you. Though I have no problem giving them slots. Maybe all past Ninkasi winners should be given a pass.
I really feel for the decision makers in this. Growth is tough to deal with. Hard to put a lid on without snuffing the fire.
The rumor I heard was if you volunteered last year you get two slots and the rest is up for lottery. This is only what I heard and may not have a basis in reality.
It will sure be interesting to see how many people actually submit into the lottery, nobody has a clue how many people/entries there could be.
Edit: I’m always amazed at the number of people I hear each year that enter NHC as their 1st (and sometimes only) competition. You can often get as good or better feedback from a smaller competition for a lot less money
Jim, past Ninkasi winners have defended. Curt Hausam won in 2002-3. Gordon Stong won 2008-9-10.
Jamil Zainascheff and Joe Formanek have 2 wins each, but not back to back.
I talked to Joe for a while last NHC, and we both agree it if harder to medal each year. So much good information and ingredients now, some are making award winning beer in short order.
I guess I would use the word repeat. To me defend implies you are no longer a Ninkasi winner if you don’t successfully defend. Its all good, never mind. Not important
There was an NHC before there was a Ninkasi award. The big award then was Homebrewer of the year. That only takes on entry!
Listening to Mr Gordon on Basic Brewing today. He said that during his Ninkasi rein he was submitting 30-40 beers. Now that there are going to be limits I suspect it will be very difficult to three-peat. Even if one is a stellar brew god, you won’t be able to account for mishandling or judging mistakes. The field will be much more level it seems. I still think that volunteers and medalists should forego the lottery. But it will be what it will be, huh?