Frost & Foam Winter Comp 2026

Preliminary Details

• This year’s competition will take place at the IBRU Holiday Party on Dec 12, 2026.  The comp will include categories for beer, mead and cider, and take place over two rounds.

• Each member is allowed to enter one or two of the categories, but not all three.

• The only requirement on the style of entry is that each maker should challenge themselves by making a recipe they’ve never made before.

• Assuming we have at least three entries in each category, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be announced in each.

• The identity of the winners will not be revealed until the end of the competition.

First Round

• Entries in a category will compete against other entries in that same category:  Beer vs Beer, Cider vs Cider, Mead vs Mead

• The number of voting caps each person receives to vote in each category and the number of places being awarded in each category will be governed by the "Cap Distribution" table below.

• Only votes that align with the category of the cap will be counted; i.e., you can’t vote for a mead with a beer cap.

• The method used to break any ties will be announced at a later date.

• Cap Distribution (based on entries per category)

  • 5+ entries → 3 caps per person → vote for 3 different entries → 1st, 2nd, 3rd places awarded

  • 3-4 entries → 2 caps per person → vote for 2 different entries → 1st, 2nd, 3rd places awarded

  • 2 entries → 1 cap per person → vote for 1 entry → 1st, 2nd places awarded

Second Round

• The first place winner in each of the three categories will go head to head (to head) in a second tasting to determine the “best of show” entry.

• Beer vs Cider vs Mead

• Each voter will be given one cap for voting.

• The best of show winner will receive a BOS award.

Other Notes

• The volume required for each type of entry will be announced at a later date and will be based on the number of attendees and other considerations.

• As always, confidentiality of entries is very important.  Please do not identify or reveal any info about any entries before or during the competition.