There were over fifty barleywines at this year’s Toronado Barley Wine Festival. Now in its thirteenth year it has become the premiere barleywine festival in the country. People come in from all over the country and even from all over the world to sample some of the finest barleywines being made today. This year appeared to be another rousing success.

The main bar at the Toronado fills up during festival day. Your best bet is to come as early as possible.

Most serious tasters get a table with a group of people who take turns getting several beers at a time. These are then set down on these handy numbered sheets so you can esaily keep track of all 50+ beers.

Arne Johnson, brewmaster at Marin Brewing relaxes with a few barleywines.

Across the street in the judge’s anteroom, a serious discussion is under way. From left: Bob Coleman, Shaun O’Sullivan (from 21st Amendment), Pete Slosberg (from Cocoa Pete’s) and Amy Slosberg.

Lori Ashworth, Tom Dalldorf (Celebrator publisher), Judy Ashworth, and fellow judge Paul Marshall.

The final judging panel.

Gordon Strong checks the aroma of a sample. Gordon wrote the style guidelines for both barleywines and Imperial IPAs for the BJCP.

Everyone offers a toast to the winning barleywine, Artic Devil from Anchorge, Alaska’s Midnight Sun Brewing.