Home brewers and commercial brewers alike from across Missouri are gearing up for the eighth annual Battle of the Brews to compete for the title of best brewer.
The event will take place from noon-6 p.m. Aug. 26. This year, the event has been moved to the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fairgrounds, 1445 Fairgrounds Road, to provide a more open layout. The new location also offers an indoor space in the event of rain.
"So this year we're very excited to have it at the fairgrounds, somewhere that's flat and definitely ADA-accessible so that we can invite more people of the community in to take part," said one of the event's organizers, Amanda Woody.
The 19 brewers will be serving up samples to community individuals to try before voting for their favorite.
Home brewers participating this year include: ALARA Brewing, Cardinal Brewing, Coalescence Brewing, Forch Brewing, Four Score Brewing Co., Goblin Cat Brewing Co., Jefferson Ale Works, Loki Brewing, Lost Paddle Brewing, Timber Frame Brewing, Störmcröw Brewing, and Worts & All.
Commercial brewers that are featured this year are: Boat Town Brewing, LLC; Bur Oak Brewing Company; Iron Hops Brewing; Last Flight Brewing Company; Public House Brewing Company/St. James Winery; Springfield Brewing Co.; and Turkey Creek Brewing.
This event raises funds for a different local organization each year, with this year's proceeds benefiting the Independent Living Resource Center and the Southwest Early Childhood School.
Live music will be provided by Dave Baker, while A Touch of Class DJ & MC will keep the music going throughout the rest of the event.
Bring an appetite, as there is a great lineup of local food options for your enjoyment, including Mammoth Bites, Southern Style BBQ, El Espolon and Rebel Tacos.
Scheppers Distributing Company and Fechtel Beverage, who will not be part of the competition, are bringing in various brews and seltzers for people to try.
In addition to the great food and drink, there will also be raffles to enter and lawn games to enjoy. This year's event is presented by the Leadership JC Class of 2023.
Tickets are $35 in advance, or $45 at the gate, and can be purchased on the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce website.
News Tribune file photo: People attend Battle of the Brews despite triple-digit heat on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater. Kelly Harrigan, right, chats in the shade with Bill Allen, left, and Rita Edwards, center, of Scheppers Distributing.
News Tribune file People attend Battle of the Brews despite triple-digit heat on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Capitol Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater. Sean Schaefer of Alara Gluten Free Homebrewing chats with another attendant.
News Tribune file photo: People attend Battle of the Brews despite triple-digit heat on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater. A misting tent was set up to help guests cool off.
News Tribune file photo: People attend Battle of the Brews despite triple-digit heat on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater. From left, Brain Schaefer, Dani Schaefer, Kayleigh Schaefer and Kelsey Harris chat and try beer. Sean Schaefer — Dani's husband, Brian's brother and Kayleigh's brother-in-law — owns Alara Gluten Free Homebrewing.