We run a number of club competitions and challenges during the year which are open to all, not just club members. Brewers are entitled to enter two beers into each of the four categories, but not two beers of the same style. This means you could enter two beers into, say, the light lager category, but not, say, two Munich Helles. This makes a maximum of eight beers per competition per brewer. The members cost per entry is $3 ($5 for non-members) which is payable on submission. The money raised is used to cover the cost of the competition, which includes such things as the purchasing of dry plain biscuits and cheese used by the judges as ‘palate cleansers’, and for buying prizes.

The entries submitted must be registered via the online entry form and labelled with the identification number supplied. Canberra Brewers use style guidelines from the international Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) which are available from the BJCP website or via email from the Competition Secretary.

Where: Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah

When: The first Thursday of every month (except January).

For a full list of events, including club meeting dates, see the Events page.

What happens at club meetings?

We gather at 7:30pm for a 7:45pm start, and usually begin with a brief formal session, where each committee member talks about their role. New members are warmly welcomed, and are encouraged to briefly introduce themselves, so we know where they’re at with their brewing and what they’re interested in. This helps us give advice and plan future information sessions, which might encompass talks at a meeting, hands-on demonstrations, informal discussions or perhaps future tasting sessions. This formal session lasts anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, if there is a lot to discuss.

After the formal session has been completed, we may have someone give a talk on a particular area of interest: yeast culturing, hop growing, types of malt, water quality and treatment etc. Alternatively, someone may run a demo on extract brewing or mash brewing. Sometimes we look at some homemade brewing gadgets and equipment or, if nothing formal has been arranged, we’ll just get on with the serious business of tasting each other’s beers and generally having a social chat.

You’re more than welcome to come along — the first meeting or two is on us and after that you‘ll be begging for us to take your $40 for a year‘s membership!

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