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Wynkoop Brewing Company

Warren Monteiro Wins 2013 Beerdrinker of the Year Title

07 Mar

Post Marty Jones in Brew Blog

Warren Monteiro, a New York City freelance writer, beer traveler, homebrewer and beer columnist, was chosen as the 2013 Beerdrinker of the Year on February 23 at Wynkoop Brewing Company.

Monteiro's in-depth beer expertise, extensive travels in pursuit of beer, and his efforts to promote great beer to others helped him win the 2013 title.

"This year was very difficult to judge," said Cody Christman, the 2009 Beerdrinker of the Year and a judge at Saturday's finals. "All three finalists were superb and deserved to be on the national beer stage. But Warren won the competition with his blend of wit, knowledge, and a deep passion for all things related to beer."

Monteiro faced tough challengers in Kevin Cox (a Muncie, Indiana beer hunter, homebrewer and beer advocate) and Jen Schwertman (a New York City bartender and beer evangelist who got her start in beer in 1992 at Wynkoop Brewing Company.)

Monteiro has sampled beers throughout the United States, Europe, Central American, India, Sri Lanka and other nations. In 2012 he visited breweries and beer festivals in England, Belgium, the Netherlands and the US. He samples an average of 350 beers each year.

For seven years, Monteiro has written his "Beer Sensei" column for the popular Ale Street News. His home beer bar is the Blind Tiger Ale House in New York City.

In his 2013 Beerdrinker of the Year resume, he detailed his philosophy of beer drinking: "It's not a habit, it's a lifestyle. This is why I constantly travel – to get a taste of a new brew or one I've been missing, and to find a way to share it whenever possible. I consider creative beer drinking to be an essential part of the tapestry of art and fellowship contributing to a full life."

In his opening statement at the finals, Monteiro, a three-time finalist for the title, recounted how a friend had described him as "the Susan Lucci of beer" for his ability to make the Beerdrinker of the Year finals but not win the coveted title. Such jokes will now end.

In his "beer whispering" segment of the finals, Monteiro carried out a steamy discussion with a bottle of Cantillon lambic beer. His comments ("I intend to have my way with you…") drew great laughs from judges and the audience.

Monteiro also delivered keen assessments of the beers the finalists judged in blind fashion, and he offered solid answers to the judges' questions.

The other judges for the finals were 9 News anchor Kyle Clark, Women Enjoying Beer founder Ginger Johnson, 2012 winner J. Wilson, and Wynkoop head brewer Andy Brown.

For his "bribing of the judges" segment, Monteiro tapped and served a firkin of a special homebrew he made based on Russian River Brewing's popular Pliny the Elder.

For winning the 2013 title, Monteiro wins free beer for life at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, a $250 bar tab at the Blind Tiger, and clothing proclaiming him the 2013 Beerdrinker of the Year.

His name will be engraved on Wynkoop's famed Beerdrinker of the Year trophy. For next year's Beerdrinker of the Year contest, he'll brew batch of beer of his own design at Wynkoop with head brewer Andy Brown.

Wynkoop Brewing covers all travel costs to Denver for the Beerdrinker finalists. The finalists stay at Denver's famed Brown Palace Hotel & Spa during the finals weekend.

For interviews with Monteiro, a copy of his beer resume and more information contact Marty Jones.

Marty Jones

A beer journalist turned beer evangelist, Marty's our brewery frontman and eagerly serves as our chief promoter, media tickler and mojo developer. He thinks great beer and a job you love are crucial ingredients for a happy life. He believes craft brewers are cultural counterparts of Johnny Cash and the Ramones. He writes left and drinks right. A working musician and songwriter, his most recent composition is entitled “The Power of Positive Drinking.” Reach Marty at marty@wynkoop.com

Website: www.wynkoop.com