Hopworks is Your Winner

Via Twitter, Brian alerts us that the winner of the Cheers to Belgian Beers Fest (and his blog post on the matter): Hopworks, with their impressive Dubbel Suplex. I'm quite pleased with this selection--it was one of four beers I thought was distinguished and worthy of winning. I don't wish to ruffle feathers, but suffice it to say that last year's winner, the Lucky Lab, was not in my top echelon. Hopworks deserved it.

Top Ten finishers (alpha order):

• Astoria Brewing Co.’s-Avante Guarde Akloo(say it with a French accent)
• Deschutes Brewery & Public House Bend La Fleur
• Deschutes Brewery Portland Pub Streaking the Quad
• Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom Ingelmonster-Barrel Fermented
• Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom Ingelmonster
• Fort George Brewing Co. XVIth Chapel
• Lucky Labrador Brewing Co. Beljamin
• Pyramid Breweries Smooth Operator
• Roots Organic Brewing Co. Feudal Surfer
• Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. Forever and a Day Trippel

Two passing thoughts upon seeing the winners:

• Could it be that Corey Blodgett's excellent Zen Lunatic didn't win because drinkers, disrespecting the McMenamin's brand, didn't try it? My only disappointment is not seeing it among the winners.
  
• Half the top five were dark beers, half were light.

As winner, Hopworks may host next year, select the yeast strain, and also select the benefiting charity. I would say now is the time to begin lobbying them on the yeast strain. Say it with me now: Saison, saison, saison!