The Montana Mashup statewide homebrewing competition returns for 2014, combining a great competition with an impressive lineup of speakers.

Hosted this year by Missoula’s Zoo City Zymurgists homebrewing club, the competition and conference takes place Saturday, October 18, at the Missoula Wingate Hotel.  The entry deadline for competition beers is Saturday October 11.

Last year’s inaugural Montana Mashup featured 129 beers entered in nine categories.  The winner received a grand prize of getting to brew the winning beer at Bridger Brewing Co. in Bozeman.

Photo Courtesy of Montana Homebrewers Association

The stakes are even higher this year with more categories, additional prizes (including the people’s choice award), and some very sweet medals.

Conference attendees will be treated to presentations running from the history of brewing in Montana to a discussion of malting barley.  Here’s the tentative lineup:

History of Brewing in Montana – Steve Lozar
Judging Beer – Todd Crowell, Head Brewer, Kettlehouse Brewing
TBD – Matt Muth, 406 Brewing Co
History of ZCZ – Jim Leuders, Owner/Brewer, Wildwood Brewing Co
Malting Barley – Rick Slotness, Plant Manager, Malteurop

The conference is free for Montana Homebrewing Association members to attend and you can sign up to be a member at the door for $20. Lunch will be provided.

For 2014, all BJCP competition categories (2008 Style Guidelines) are open for entries. To enter, you must submit three bottles of each beer which hold a minimum of 12 ounces. Entry fees are $8.00 for the first beer and $3.00 for each additional entry. There are a number of additional notes and requirements you’ll want to review at the Montana Homebrewers Association’s event details page here.

Drop off points for entries are available at the following locations:

Kalispell drop off point — Whithy’s Health Food Store
Missoula drop off point — Summer Sun Garden and Brew.
Bozeman drop off points — 406 Brewing Co and Bridger Brewing.
Billings drop off points — Überbrew and Canyon Creek Brewing

The Grand Prize winner will again get to brew his or her beer on a commercial scale, a prize provided this year by Draught Works Brewery.  

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