Altitude takes the cup

By Keith McLendon

Despite a rainy Saturday morning, over 550 craft beer enthusiasts, mostly from Wyoming and northern Colorado, attended the 23rd annual Saratoga Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival and Competition. Though the morning was wet, the afternoon was pleasantly overcast and the crowd seemed to enjoy the cooler weather, chili, crafts, microbrews and music until a brief shower gave the late afternoon a short intermission.

The band Maxwell Mud played popular rock songs as crowds sampled hoppy concoctions from the nine different breweries in attendance. Crowds also stopped at the different craft booths to see what interesting pieces were available.

This year's Steinley Cup competition class was Pilsner, and Altitude Chophouse & Brewery's "Pedal Pusher Pilsner" was announced by the panel of judges to be the Best Pilsner in Wyoming.

Patrick Root, Altitude's Head Brewer, will be taking the famed Steinley Cup back to Laramie this year. The traveling trophy has been displayed proudly at many Wyoming breweries through the 23 years of the trophy's existence. "We are pleased that Altitude has won again this year. This is the sixth time for them, highlighting their high quality and consistent beer," Crimmins added.

Festival attendees were also given the opportunity to vote for their favorite pilsner. "Blank Czech Pilsner" made by Snake River brewing takes the "People's Choice" award this year. Snake River has won this honor twice since the Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival and Competition began.

In addition to the beer competition, a "hotly" contested chili competition was also held. The People's Choice winner for Red Chili was a tie between Duke's Bar & Grill and Scott & Michelle, LLC, both of Saratoga. The best Green Chili was made by Julia Chavez. Jim Barr was deemed to have the best Salsa. Each winner received a certificate, a trophy and a Chamber gift certificate worth $50. With 21 entries in this year's competition, bragging rights for the year is the real prize though.

Kids also enjoyed the cool water of the 'ammo station' to refill the squirt guns donated by Bridge Street Bargains. They also had a chance to vote for their favorite drink with five different juices, sodas and sports drinks eligible. The black cherry sports drink was the drink that won the hearts of the kids on Saturday, however.

A craft fair and live music by Maxwell Mud from Fort Collins rounded out the day.

Crimmins has planned the brewfest for 15 years now and estimates the economic benefit of the event at well over $100,000. "I could not do it without the support of a fantastic board of directors, dedicated volunteers, professional staff and our Hometown Hero event sponsors."

For more information on the brewfest or other chamber events, visit www.saratogachamber.info.