Before a standing-room-only crowd at Wynkoop Brewing Company, Bill Howell -- a Sterling, Alaska college administrator, retired Navy officer, homebrewer, and beer educator -- was crowned the 2010 Beerdrinker of the Year.
One of three national finalists at Wynkoop competing for the 2010 title, Howell withstood 2 hours of difficult beer-related questions from a panel of national beer experts to win the 14th annual title.
Bill faced tough competition from Logan Perkins and Phil Farrell, two of the nation's most ambitious beer hunters. But he used his knowledge of beer, sense of humor and beer-outreach efforts to win the title. His answers on the technical questions of beer and beer styles were very good, and his everyman personality and wit also served him well.
He wins free beer for life at Wynkoop, a $250 bar tab at his favorite brewpub (St. Elias Brewing Company in Soldotna, AK), unmatched beer-lover glory and other prizes for winning the title.