It's a Longshot

Yeah, a longshot.  That's exactly what Zack Adams, Dave Anderson, and James Schirmer must have thought as they entered their home best homebrews in Samuel Adam's annual Longshot American Homebrew competition.

Now in its 10th year, the Longshot competition crowns three homebrewers, including one Samuel Adams employee, as champions.  These winners have their beers commercial produced and sold in a Samuel Adams variety 12 mix pack.  Out of thousands of entries, it's truly a high honor to earn the praise of Jim Koch.  I salute these guys and their beers.

Beer Flower Wheat by Jason Schirmer, CA - a wheat beer brewed with hibiscus and exotic flavors

Magnificent Seven by Zach Adams, CT - an Imperial IPA with seven different hops 

Strawberry Lager by Dave Anderson, OH - a summer lager with hints of fresh strawberry

This year's winner are exceptional beers. It would be an accident if I were to make something so good.  I especially enjoyed the Magnificent Seven.  The hops really aren't there at first sip, but later cascade over you and linger well after the glass has left your mouth.  Fabulous stuff.

Do you think you have would it takes to win the Longshot?  Well, there is still time to enter if you have something really good sitting in your basement.  No time to make this year's contest?  Fear not, I'm sure it will be around in 2014.  Start brewing, experimenting, and tasting now.  Jim Koch is looking for the best and it just may come from you.

Note: Samuel Adams provided me with bottles from this year's Longshot winners.  They are available now, in stores, nationwide.