Ohio Brewery News

Going Pro

Barley’s Brewing Company is holding their 26th annual homebrew competition this month, one of the Columbus beer scene’s most cherished traditions. The annual competition is not only a high accolade for central Ohio homebrewers, but also a potential springboard for those who aspire to take their passion to the next level. Former winners have gone on to start their own breweries, including Jay Wince of Weasel Boy Brewing in Zanesville and Seth Draeger of Parsons North Brewing in Columbus.

Each year, the competition results are revealed at Afternoon with the Brewers; this year’s installment will be held on Sunday, May 21 from 1-4 p.m. at Brewcadia, just upstairs from the Barley’s brewpub on High Street. Barley’s brewmaster Angelo Signorino has assembled a panel of Columbus area brewers to judge the homebrew competition entries. In addition to naming the winner of the 2023 contest, the panel of judges will speak about the experience of opening and operating their breweries for anyone who is interested in starting a brewery themselves.

The competition’s grand prize winner will have the opportunity to brew their recipe on Barley’s 10 barrel system. 2022’s winning beer, Paddler’s Comet Pale Ale by Gary Cox, will be on tap this Sunday at Brewcadia alongside selections provided by the brewers on the judging panel.

Afternoon with the Brewers is open to brewers, homebrewers and non-brewers alike, and is a great way to get some inside info on the Columbus craft beer scene and the inner workings of brewery life. Find out more about Sunday’s event at facebook.com/barleysbrewing