DEDRICK: Beerdrinker of Year crowned

Spokessipper for brewing industry tapped by judges

By Jay Dedrick, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 5, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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The competitors were serious, three men from across the country who traveled to Denver and gathered to preach their devotion to one thing: beer.

At stake on Feb. 23 at the Wynkoop Brewing Co. was the title Beerdrinker of the Year 2008.

No, this is not an honor your old college buddy Chugalug could likely have attained. Copious consumption is not a standard of judgment. These contestants had to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of beer in all its many forms. They also were expected to charm and entertain anyone who happened to be listening - after all, the role is akin to an ambassadorship.

"You're basically going to be a spokesperson for beer - you're representing," said last year's winner, Diane Catanzaro of Virginia. "When you win, you're going to be interviewed a lot for radio and TV, and you're treated like royalty at beer festivals."

Before emcee Marty Jones, a panel of judges (including me and past winners) and a supportive audience, this year's trio of entrants testified. Besides the lofty title and the responsibility that goes with it, they stood to win - not surprisingly - beer. They even got to enjoy beer during the proceedings: Never have contestants of an awards program been more sincere when they said they were happy merely to be nominated.

You might think that such an event, where beer seems to be taken so seriously, would unfold in a somber fashion. As an invited judge, I thought that, too, until I was handed the black gown and white wig I was required to wear. I can state for the record this was my first time sipping a brew while taking care not to let my curly locks dangle into the foam.

Facing interrogation by men and women dressed like traditional English judges, the three serious beerdrinkers in the spotlight were game for some silliness, too. During the Beer Whispering round, each was asked to hold a 1-minute conversation with a beer of their choice. J. Mark Angelus of Oregon held a heartbreaking tete-a-tete with a jilted beer. Richard Pedretti-Allen of Texas played evangelical preacher, with his beer standing in as a congregation. Matt Venzke of Virginia assumed Jack Nicholson's role in A Few Good Men, casting an unfavored beer in the Tom Cruise part for a "you can't handle the truth" dress- down.

They also answered questions from judges and audience members, some testing the contestants' beer-geek science knowledge, others looking for philosophical viewpoints. They also took part in blind taste tests, which proved the trickiest hurdle of the afternoon.

In the end, Venzke edged out his worthy rivals, earning $250 worth of beer from his hometown brewpub - and free beer for life from the Wynkoop.

"I feel like an amateur winning the Pro-Am tournament against Tiger Woods," said Venzke, 40. "I know I'm not the smartest guy here today.

"But I've been fortunate to travel a lot, and that travel is all about experiencing the world through beer."

* March is a big month for beer lovers, thanks to St. Patrick's Day. If green beer and Guinness are the two most prevalent liquid icons of the holiday, the third has to be the black and tan. If you've ever thought about attempting to pour one of the half-and-half concoctions at home, the makers of Bass Pale Ale are hoping their new gadget will make it easier for you.

Bass, or another pale ale, traditionally is served as the tan half of the drink, which is poured into the glass first. That's followed by a topping off with Guinness or another stout. To achieve the layered look, bartenders tend to pour the stout over a spoon held above the glass. The Bass Brolly is a gadget billed as doing the spoon's job more efficiently.

The triangular piece of stainless steel sits flat atop your glass. You pour the stout slowly into the shallow pan; the brew drips into the glass through small holes. It worked as advertised when I tried it, crafting a handsome parfait of Bass and Murphy's Stout.

To try it yourself, ask about the Brolly (British for umbrella) at your liquor store or go to bass.com.

* Fans of Colorado's extensive beer list have a new haven in Brighton. Floodstage Ale Works, which celebrated its grand opening last week, promises 20 tap and about 60 bottled beers from the state's craft brewers. Proprietor and Brighton native John Thorngren also is brewing in-house batches of kolsch, porter and more. It's at 170 Main St.; call 303-654-7972.

What's on Tap appears the first Wednesday of the month in Flavor. dedrickj@RockyMountainNews.com

Beer of the Month

Pandora's Bock

* The story: After a low-profile introduction five years ago by Denver's Breckenridge Brewery, this potent bock is back as a spring seasonal. The bottle is wrapped seductively in a logo inspired by World War II bomber art.

* The taste: A smooth, malty sipper with a warm mahogany color. Warming without being too heavy or too sweet, neither too light nor too dark. An appropriately balanced beer for this time of year in Colorado, when your weekend can swing from 75 and sunny to 30 and snowy in the flip of a bottle cap.

* Food pairings: Roast pork or beef, stews, Mexican food

* On sale: $8.99 for a six-pack of 12-ounce bottles

* Alcohol by volume: 7.5 percent

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