Could you brew up a winning beer with the Briarbank Brewery?

The winning beer from Homebrew competition winner 2017, John Watson, Hobo's Golf, beer pump clip. (Image: Archant)

The independent brewer and bar, in Ipswich Waterfront, is launching its third homebrew competition.

It is open to all local homebrewers and is free to enter.

Each year, one winner gets the opportunity to brew on a larger scale in the Briarbank Brewery, with the winning beer going on tap in Isaacs on the Quay, the Gardeners Arms, Venue 77 and the Briarbank Bar itself.

There are seven categories for homebrewers to choose from including porters and stouts, bitters, pale ales and speciality beers.

Robert Lewis-Pyke, the brewer at the Briarbank has been brewing for more than ten years.

He said: “The Briarbank Homebrew competition is designed to offer our local homebrewers the opportunity to showcase their creations, to brew in a professional environment and to see it sold behind the Briarbank Bar.

“I feel honoured to be honoured to be able to taste every one of the entries. It’s always a tough job to choose a winner but it’s great to share my experience as we brew the winning beer together.”

Entrants must submit a minimum of three 500ml bottles by October 20, for judging on October 27, by a panel of judges, in a blind tasting.

Last year’s winner, John Watson, created Hobo’s Gold, a strong pale ale packed with citra and hops, giving it a citrus taste.

Mr Watson said: “I had an incredible and memorable day brewing my winning beer at the Briarbank Brewery.

“From weighing out the grain and hops to pitching the yeast at the end of the day, it was a totally hands-on experience, allowing me to gain from Rob’s expert guidance too.

“Pulling a pint of Hobo’s Gold at the Briarbank Bar a few weeks later was the icing on the cake.”

The 2016 winners were Charlie Abbott and Jason Jones who created Heavy On The Chips - a dark and full-bodied porter.

What will be the winning beer for 2018?