Homebrew Contests

PRIZES

Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in each of the following categories:

• Best Hoppy Beer

• Best Malty Beer

• Best Roasty Beer

• Best Fruity Beer

RULES

1. This contest is not a Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) competition.

2. Individuals may not submit more than two entries for each of the four categories listed above. 

3. Each entry requires two 12 oz. to 25.4 oz. (750 ml) bottles of beer, or similarly-sized cans. The bottles may be corked and caged or swing top. The bottles will not be returned to contest participants. Bottles may not have glued labels on them.

4. Individuals must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the homebrew contest.

5. Total entries will be capped at 30 for each category.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Taste (100%)

   1. Hoppy beer: hop bitterness, flavor or aroma is the dominant or codominant characteristic. These may include BJCP style categories 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22.

   2. Malty beer: malt or sweet flavor is the dominant or codominant characteristic. These may include BJCP style categories 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17. 

   3. Roasty beer: dark malt, smoked malt or toasted wood flavor or aroma is the dominant or codominant characteristic. These may include BJCP style categories 8B, 13C, 15, 16, 19C, 20, 21B, 32, 33.

   4. Fruity beer: beers for which fruit is the dominant or codominant characteristic. These may include BJCP style categories 10, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Register for the homebrew contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests by 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21. No walk-up registrations will be accepted.

2. Bring your entry to metrobar at 640 Rhode Island Ave NE anytime in the week prior to August 30. Exact timing for dropoff will be specified closer to the date. Alongside your entry, bring a removable label that includes your name, the contest category, the name of the entry, and a list of ingredients used in making your entry (see template).