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For the second year in a row, a Coloradan has been nominated as one of three finalists in the Beerdrinker of the Year contest, which will be held February 27 at 2 p.m. at the Wynkoop Brewing Company.
But Logan Perkins of Denver has a high hurdle, since last year’s local finalist, Cody Christman, won the exalted award, becoming the first Colorado resident to do so. (Check out a slideshow of last year’s event here, along with a first-person account by one of the judges, yours truly, here).
Still, Perkins has the credentials: according to his resume, he’s tried 5,000 beers in 45 states, 21 European countries and five Asian nations.
Perkins told the nominating committee, helmed by Wynkoop marketing man Marty Jones, that “drinking beer is about enhancing the quality of life through flavors, feelings and friends. I love beer alone, but especially enjoy sharing it with others. I believe in handling, collecting and tasting beers with the same respect as a wine lover. I try to keep everything in moderation, including moderation itself.”
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If Perkins does take home the coveted trophy, it will be an expensive victory for the host, since winners are also awarded free beer for life at the Wynkoop — not a big deal if the victor lives in North Carolina, but a little more costly when he’s from Denver. Winners also get $250 worth of beer from their favorite local watering hole (for Perkins, it’s the Falling Rock Taphouse) and a t-shirt announcing their glory to everyone.
The other finalists are Phil Farrell, of Cumming, Georgia, and William Howell, of Sterling Alaska.
Farrell barely missed out on a victory last year with his beer knowledge, his singing performance and his rubber chicken. A commercial pilot, Farrell has tasted beer in every country in Europe, and in 1,400 pubs and brewpubs around the world.
Howell, a retired Navy officer, created a course at Kenai Peninsula College called “The Art and History of Brewing,” and has traveled and tasted extensively.
The contest honors “the most passionate, knowledgeable beer lovers and beer ambassadors in the United States.” To be considered, applicants submitted their drinking philosophy. They also sent resumes outlining their “understanding of beer and its history and importance to civilization,” according to the rules.
On contest day, the finalists will be grilled by a panel of robed and wigged judges, which includes previous Beerdrinker of the Year winners and other beer experts.
