No, not fishing this weekend.

I spent Saturday and Sunday as an BJCP apprentice judge for the 2009 Bluebonnet Brew-Off competition.

I was able to judge some awesome brews and some strange and unusual as well. Very interesting.

I judged some ESB's, Robust Porters, English Barley Wines, and other Smoked Beer entries.

Starless, I have to say, if you havn't had a good robust porter, you're missing out. Some I tasted were as complex as an Imperial Stout without the kick your butt alcohol level.

Some of the barley wines would make you light headed just sticking your nose in the glass and breathing deeply. LOL

It's amaizing how 1 or 2 dimensional a beer can be over 2 or 3 entries and then one grabs you with such complexity of character exhibiting all the scoring points of the style. There are some awsome brewers out there.

sounds like a great time

Sweet, sounds like a lot of fun! Bet you had some great ones.

But yes, I have had many good robust porters hehe. There are definitely some great ones out there. Though I've yet to find one I like as much as a good imperial stout...besides, I prefer the kick your butt ABV hehehe. Also, mmm, Barleywines.

I'd also like to try some so-called "Imperial" Porters, particularly the one by Rogue...If anyone can brew a balanced "imperial" porter, it's Rogue.

So, what beer/beer types did you award the top prizes, or give the most points? And where can I get some? Hehe.