Philly Beer Geek Semi-Finals Competition Night 2010
Our Illustrious Panel of Celebrity Judges
Winners of Qualifying Preliminary Rounds sponsored by Beer Bars, Brewpubs or Restaurants in the Philadelphia Metro and Suburban area competed on Semi-Finals night for a chance of winning one of 6 spots in the 2010 Philly Beer Geek Finals Competition. A Grand Prize of more than $1,000 in beer-centric prizes will be awarded the winner of the Philly Beer Geek Finals Competition 2010.
A panel of celebrity judges - Philly Beer Media, Brewmasters, and Beer Personalities - selected the six Semi-Finalists based on knowledge, creativity, believability, and a demonstration of enthusiasm for Philly Beer.
Our Semi-Finals Judge Panel:
Rosemarie Certo of Dock Street Brewery, Philadelphia, PA
In her role as one of the earliest microbrewers in the country Rosemarie Certo of Dock Street Brewery in Philadelphia has watched the beer renaissance expand across the U.S. As a veteran in the beer world, she has received plaudits from such world-respected beer authorities as Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter. She finds inspiration for her beers in local stories, historical records, and exotic ingredients. Her never forgotten Sexy Beast Chocolate Stout, Sudan Grass, and Man Full of Trouble Porter are testimonials to her rich creativity.
Nate Gefvert, Philly Beer Geek 2009, sponsored by Spinnerstown
Hotel and Tap Room, Spinnerstown, PA
Nate Gefvert, Philly Beer Geek 2009, became deeply immersed in beer after his first love affair with fine Scotch and Bourbon. A foodie by nature, he was intrigued with Michael Jackson’s books about whiskey and beer, and became further inspired by a beer distributor who introduced him to styles he had never before experienced. At the suggestion of Hal Bittner, bar manager at Spinnerstown Hotel, Gefvert took a field trip to Keystone Homebrew and now brews 12-gallon batches of artisanal beer, including oak-aged Brett styles, lambic, and a variety of mead.
Read about Philly Beer Geek 2009 Nate Gefvert here
Casey Hughes, Head Brewer of Flying Fish Brewing Company,
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA
Casey Hughes, award-winning Head Brewer of Flying Fish Brewing Company, lived among the palm trees of Key West, Florida, but opted for the raucous blizzards of Mother Nature in search of ever-challenging brewing adventures. He arrived in New Jersey in November 2002, after brewing at Key West Brewery for six years. With Gene Mueller, Founder and General Manager of Flying Fish Brewing Company, Casey also designs the signature beers that celebrate the state of New Jersey, the Exit Series of Bottle Conditioned Beers, named after the most popular exits of the New Jersey Turnpike.
Doug Marchakitus, Head Brewer of Manayunk Brewery &
Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Doug Marchakitus hails from Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant as Head Brewer, a magic alchemist with a talent for creating some of the most succulent beers in the Philadelphia region. As a geologist from Virginia Tech, he began homebrewing as a light-hearted hobby, and eventually fell into the evil hands of Larry Horowitz at Iron Hill Brewery in North Wales. Together, they won a Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival 2008 for Abbey Dubbel - a beer that was, in Doug's words, "an experiment that went wonderful." He came to Manayunk in November 2009, and has been shakin' up the scene ever since, with his masterful blends of hops, malts, fruit, and spices. Says Doug, "Mike Rose gets me anything I want." My crystal ball predicts gold in the future, Doug!
