2026 Malt Liquor Intra-Club Competition

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Rock Hoppers Brew Club

7 days ago

Malt Liquor... but Make It Craft!When our club wanted to boost summer participation with a fun new club competition, we came up with an unexpected challenge: a Malt Liquor Brew-Off!To make it official, our current president Matt Johnsen tracked down a vintage Schlitz malt liquor tap handle on eBay and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind trophy, complete with a custom base proclaiming the 2026 Rock Hoppers Brew Club Malt Liquor Champion.The competition was announced in March, giving brewers plenty of time to brew and lager their entries before judging at the July club meeting. Members competed not only for Best Malt Liquor, but also for Best Label/Presentation, with winners chosen by a People's Choice vote. Given the high ABV of many entries, the club also encouraged everyone to plan for a safe ride home.The results? Incredible.Our talented brewers took a beer style with a less-than-stellar reputation and elevated it into something truly enjoyable. Entries featured creative custom labels, authentic repurposed 40-ounce bottles, and even one malt liquor brewed with edible glitter!"The beers far exceeded my expectations. Our brewers took a beer style with a poor reputation and made versions that were enjoyable to drink. There wasn't a bad beer, and it was very difficult to pick a winning malt liquor." — Competition Director Chris BurgessAfter several close rounds of voting, Matt Lawlor was crowned Best Malt Liquor Champion, while Mike Koehler earned top honors for Best Label/Presentation.The overwhelming response from members? Let's do it again! Interested in learning more about the Rock Hoppers Brew Club or joining us at a future meeting? Visit rhbc.co. Homebrew clubs interested in hosting a similar competition are also welcome to reach out to one of our club officers for tips and ideas.#Homebrewing #CraftBeer #MaltLiquor #HomebrewClub #RockHoppersBrewClub #CastleRockCO #BrewingCommunity (edited) ... See MoreSee Less

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Rock Hoppers Brew Club

1 month ago

🥉 Big congratulations to Matt Johnsen! 🥉Matt earned a Bronze in Smoke-Flavored Beer at this year’s NHC—his first-ever NHC medal! 🍺🔥What an exciting milestone and a fantastic accomplishment on the national stage. This is just the beginning, and it’s great to see his hard work and creativity in brewing getting recognized.Welcome to the NHC medal club, Matt—well deserved! ... See MoreSee Less

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Rock Hoppers Brew Club

1 month ago

🏅 Huge congratulations to Jim Allen! 🏅Jim brought home the Gold in Belgian Ale this year, marking an incredible achievement with gold medals in two straight years at the NHC! 🍺🔥A phenomenal run of consistency and craftsmanship—this is what dedication to brewing excellence looks like. Proud to see Jim representing at such a high level and continuing to raise the bar year after year.Cheers to another gold, and here’s to what’s next! ... See MoreSee Less

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Rock Hoppers Brew Club

1 month ago

At Alidades 1 year anniversary. ... See MoreSee Less

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Rock Hoppers Brew Club

1 month ago

Prepare yourselves, Rock Hoppers! We will have the tasting and people's choice vote for the club's Malt Beverage Brew-Off the July meeting on Monday, July 13 in the Alidade Brewing event room.This intra-club competition challenged Rock Hopper Brew Club members to brew their best malt beverage. Votes from club members present in the meeting will determine which brewer takes home the one-of-a-kind "2026 Rock Hoppers Brew Club Malt Beverage Champion" trophy featuring a vintage Schlitz malt tap handle. We will also have a sepaparate "best presentation" competition for the best beer name, presentation, or whatever the brewer feels best portrays their malt beverage to the world.Tasting and voting will be open only to club members who are current on their dues.Any club members who need to renew their membership or new brewers who want to join the club can do so before the meeting or by contacting an officer. ... See MoreSee Less

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