The 6th annual Double IPA Festival was February 11 at the Bistro in Hayward, California. It looked to be their biggest crowd yet for the popular event that highlights Double IPAs, one of the newest beer styles. A healthy percentage of the local beer cognoscenti was on hand to support the event and the extremely hoppy Double or Imperial IPA style.

A sign above the bar announces the beginning of Beerapalooza and the Double IPA Festival.

Inside the Bistro at peak festival time.

Bistro co-owner Cynthia Kralj shows off the festival t-shirts.

Rodger Davis of Drake’s and Arne Johnson of Marin Brewing enjoy a beer out front in the warm sunshine.

Shaun O’Sullivan of 21st Amendment and me, also outside along the side wall.

Bistro co-owner Vic Kralj and Dave Keene, owner of the Toronado. (Note Cathedral Hotel beer chef Bruce Paton accidently lurking over Dave’s shoulder.)

Shaun O’Sullivan gracefully accepting his third place award on behalf of 21st Amendment.

Arne Johnson accepting the first place award on behalf of Marin Brewing.

Vic presents the People’s Choice Award to Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing.

Natalie toasts the crowd.

The winners who were present for the award ceremony, from left: Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, Shaun O’Sullivan and Arne Johnson.

Today was the 6th annual Double IPA Festival at the Bistro in Hayward, California. I was happy to be one of the judges sequestered in the basement trying to choose the best of over forty Double IPAs. it took us about three or so hours to complete our task. Happily, we had a steady stream of vistors. It was a labor of love for all of us there, because extreme beers are some of our favorites. Though they are certainly a challenge to judge. In the end we only knew the numbers of the beers that took the top three spots. We had to wait until 5 pm (about three hours) with everyone else to find out who the winners were. Luckily, there was more beer, food and friends to make the wait more bearable.

The judges in the cellar, clockwise from bottom left: Kenny Gross, me, Barry Marshall, Dave Keene, Tom Dalldorf, Grant Johnston, Josh Charlton, Paul Marshall and Mike Long.

And from the other side, clockwise from bottom left: Grant Johnston, Josh Charlton, Paul Marshall and Mike Long, Kenny Gross, me, Barry Marshall and Dave Keene

Dame Judy Ashworth, Queen of the Micros, paid us a visit.

Vicky, our hard-working beer steward between Tom Dalldorf and Grant Johnston.

Tom talks with Lagunitas owner Tony Magee, who warms up before doing a set of blues guitar on stage.

Shaun O’Sullivan cracks up Dave Keene and Grant Johnston during a subterranean visit.