War of the Worts XVII

It's war - and your taste buds decide the fate.

Keystone Homebrew Supply, located at 435 Doylestown Road (DeKalb Pike) in Montgomeryville, next to Fire Department of Montgomery Township Battalion Two, hosts the 17th annual War of the Worts.

War of the Worts is one of the largest homebrew competitions in the country and the largest on the East Coast.

The event isn't just about beer - there's hard cide and mead as well.

Yes, mead.

Last year's War of the Worts, according to a press release, had 765 entries judged according to the Beer Judge Certification Program.

This year's event is expected to hit 880 beers.

There's also prizes worth thousands, donated by more than 50 beer and homebrew industry sponsors.

War of the Worts awards first, second and third place in each category.

At the end, there is a final battle between all first-place winners to determine Best of Show.

Judging will occur all day. However, attendees can sample free beers from established and up-and-coming breweries from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., the awards ceremony will commence to crown a winner.

Round Guy Brewers, opening in Lansdale this spring, will be sampling at the event.

The same goes for Upper Gwynedd-based microbrewery Prism Brewing Co.

Other featured brewers include Cabinet Artisanal Brewhouse; Forest & Main Brewing; Freewill Brewing; Iron Hill Brewery and Naked Brewing. There will be hard cider from Fratelli Desiato Vineyards.

Dr. Roger Barth, a local author, will hold a seminar on beer chemistry at 4:30 p.m.

According to the press release, War of the Worts is the first qualifier for the Eastern Pennsylvania Homebrew of the Year, as well as for Philly Beer Geek and Clone Brew Wars.