Tristan White is going for a win. Again.
The founder of Dragoon Brewing Company has taken the top honors three years in a row at the annual Born and Brewed at Club Congress.
This weekend, he hopes to make it four. Still, he expects a congenial gathering.
“I don’t look at the other breweries as competitors, but as friends,” White said. “I think we’re all rooting for one another to do well.”
The 4th annual Born and Brewed at Hotel Congress will feature more than 20 local beers, live music, and barbecue.
This year the event will be a bigger to-do, said Michelle Armstrong, Hotel Congress’s marketing and public relations director.
There will be more beer titles to compete for, including People’s Choice, Best Flagship Beer and Best Specialty Beer, as well as access to a number of beer trailers. These trailers feature six-tap mobile kegs filled with local beer.
The event kicks off with 10 breweries competing for Tucson’s Beer Cup — the prize Dragoon has claimed three years running. This year, two new competitors will make their debut — the Old Bisbee Brewing Company and 1912 Brewing Company.
The Old Bisbee Brewing Company plans to enter a Classic Pilsner beer for the title of best flagship beer. It’s a European-style beer that owner Victor Winquist describes as “smooth, flavorful and refreshing.”
For the 1912 Brewing Company, it’ll be the Dandio. “I’d describe it as happy, smooth beer with a citrus flavor,” said owner Allan Conger.
Dragoon Brewing Company will run with its Dragoon India Pale Ale, the brew that’s brought them the top prize.
Iron John’s Brewing Company will pour Green Chile Ale, Sentinel Peak Brewing Company will serve Salida del sol Amber, and Nimbus Brewing Company brings its signature Old Monkeyshine— an English strong-style beer.
Also competing are Beast Brewing Company, Borderlands Brewing Company, Barrio Brewing Company and Pueblo Vida Brewing Company.
The event offers more than good brew, good music and good times, said Armstrong. “It’s an opportunity to really support the local crafters and beer movement,” she said.
Tucson’s beer movement continues to grow. At least four new craft breweries are slated to open in the coming year.
“It doesn’t matter how the competition goes,” said White. “We’re lucky because Tucson’s a thirsty city and a great market to be in.”
