DES MOINES, IA (BBQ CRITIC) When it comes to judging BBQ contests, it's always refreshing to find a competition that is unique, and more importantly benefits a community. The inaugural BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark (Principal Park ) in Des Moines, IA was indeed a breath of fresh air.
Anne Rehnstrom was one of the founding Iowa BBQ Society Board Members and ran the Great Pork BarbeQlossal for 21 years in Des Moines. The categories then were whole hog, shoulder, loin & ribs. Ann will be running the judging area here at BBQ & Brew where us judges will receive turn-ins for pork shoulder, belly and ribs.
Anne Rehnstrom was one of the founding Iowa BBQ Society Board Members and ran the Great Pork BarbeQlossal for 21 years in Des Moines. The categories then were whole hog, shoulder, loin & ribs. Ann will be running the judging area here at BBQ & Brew where us judges will receive turn-ins for pork shoulder, belly and ribs.
JUDGING
While Anne world normally be the contest organizer, her role at this contest is to be the sounding board and guidance help for Joyce Hoppes (Iowa Pork Producers Association). She is the organizer of this contest. Anne will also run the judging area.
When I arrived, I saw Joyce went all out on the judging tables. Goodie Bags were elegantly set at each table for the judges. It reminded me of the old days when almost all contests had Goodie Bags waiting for BBQ judges as an appreciation gift for judging their contest. Very nice!
When I arrived, I saw Joyce went all out on the judging tables. Goodie Bags were elegantly set at each table for the judges. It reminded me of the old days when almost all contests had Goodie Bags waiting for BBQ judges as an appreciation gift for judging their contest. Very nice!
The BBQ Judge Tables are a classy touch!
The Goodie Bag!
The Goodie Bag was put together with a lot of thoughtful items. A welcome card was included and read,
"Thank you for being a judge/table captain at he BBQ & Brew Backyard Competition! We appreciate you volunteering your time to give these competitors a chance to show off their talents. Your support doesn't go unnoticed. We look forward to seeing you in the future!"
Total class! The appreciation for judges expressed by this contest will not go unnoticed either. It was great to see all the familiar faces from the judging community as we all settled in our places for the real goodies - THE PORK!
The pork came to our table in all forms. My favorite was the pork belly burnt ends. So delicious! The flavors infused by the smoking process and a variety of sauces and rubs made this one tasty contest to judge. What's crazy is that after I was done judging, I went out and sampled more pork!
This set up was a hit and hundreds of folks visited the 29 vendors on site and sampled pork all day long. I simply could not resist trying some of the pork being offered to the pubic. I took very small portions It did not take long and I just could not eat any more.
"Thank you for being a judge/table captain at he BBQ & Brew Backyard Competition! We appreciate you volunteering your time to give these competitors a chance to show off their talents. Your support doesn't go unnoticed. We look forward to seeing you in the future!"
Total class! The appreciation for judges expressed by this contest will not go unnoticed either. It was great to see all the familiar faces from the judging community as we all settled in our places for the real goodies - THE PORK!
The pork came to our table in all forms. My favorite was the pork belly burnt ends. So delicious! The flavors infused by the smoking process and a variety of sauces and rubs made this one tasty contest to judge. What's crazy is that after I was done judging, I went out and sampled more pork!
This set up was a hit and hundreds of folks visited the 29 vendors on site and sampled pork all day long. I simply could not resist trying some of the pork being offered to the pubic. I took very small portions It did not take long and I just could not eat any more.
UNIQUE & FUN
What makes this BBQ contest unique from most others in the state of Iowa? It's a PORK ONLY contest and no garnish. Now some might think, how boring is that? What about chicken and brisket? I love the change of pace and pork has a lot to offer in its various forms.
BBQ & Brew is an event created by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in partnership with the Iowa Cubs and Cactus Cares (a non-profit organization) that helped raise funds for Iowa Food Banks and Pantries. So this is a very worthy cause to support and the organizers make it fun!
Once you enter the event, it is like one big celebration of BBQ pork! The BBQ teams were ready for you to sample their pork. You will not leave hungry! You can also donate money to the teams you like the best (the team who raises the most wins People's Choice). A remarkable $20,000 was raised at this event which will benefit food banks and pantries state-wide. Fantastic!
In addition to sampling tasty pork, inside you could sample various craft beers. What I liked about this event is that it was not some drunk fest. BBQ & BREW is the perfect getaway for the entire family.
BBQ & Brew is an event created by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in partnership with the Iowa Cubs and Cactus Cares (a non-profit organization) that helped raise funds for Iowa Food Banks and Pantries. So this is a very worthy cause to support and the organizers make it fun!
Once you enter the event, it is like one big celebration of BBQ pork! The BBQ teams were ready for you to sample their pork. You will not leave hungry! You can also donate money to the teams you like the best (the team who raises the most wins People's Choice). A remarkable $20,000 was raised at this event which will benefit food banks and pantries state-wide. Fantastic!
In addition to sampling tasty pork, inside you could sample various craft beers. What I liked about this event is that it was not some drunk fest. BBQ & BREW is the perfect getaway for the entire family.
BBQ BOOTCAMP
We have all heard of Cookies BBQ sauce and I remember making burgers in my backyard and Cookies was the first sauce I ever used. I would add grilled onions and mushrooms to top of my char broiled burger and caramelize it over the coals. Man it was delicious
So naturally I was excited to video an appearance of Speed “The Sauceman” Herrig (from Wall Lake, IA) the man who bought the Cookies business back in the 80's and turned it into a huge success. He is joined by Des Moines-based pitmaster Joe Osbrink of Never Easy BBQ. Together they gave an entertaining presentation giving tips and tricks on pork. Watch a snapshot of this in the video below.
So naturally I was excited to video an appearance of Speed “The Sauceman” Herrig (from Wall Lake, IA) the man who bought the Cookies business back in the 80's and turned it into a huge success. He is joined by Des Moines-based pitmaster Joe Osbrink of Never Easy BBQ. Together they gave an entertaining presentation giving tips and tricks on pork. Watch a snapshot of this in the video below.
THE AWARDS
Congrats to Matt Fisher (Matty Mack's) for winning his first backyard Grand Champion!
A few years back, I remember when Matt invited me over to his home to get my opinion on his BBQ for competition purposes. And here we are today! It's great to see Matt's journey nail a GC! I am very happy I could be here for this moment. Matt also won PEOPLE'S CHOICE, raising the most money out of all 29 teams. I talked to Matt right after the event. Checkout the brief interview...
A few years back, I remember when Matt invited me over to his home to get my opinion on his BBQ for competition purposes. And here we are today! It's great to see Matt's journey nail a GC! I am very happy I could be here for this moment. Matt also won PEOPLE'S CHOICE, raising the most money out of all 29 teams. I talked to Matt right after the event. Checkout the brief interview...
Congrats to GET SAUCED for winning the Reserve Grand Champion. This is their second contest competing together as a team an they grabbed a RGC! Very cool. Here is a quick video interview with the team.
TOP WINNERS
GRAND CHAMPION - Matty Mack's
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION - Get Sauced
 FIRST PLACE PORK BUTT - Matty Mack's |  FIRST PLACE PORK BELLY - 6 Pack and a Rack |  FIRST PLACE PORK RIBS - TO's Infamous BBQ |
FINAL THOUGHTS
I caught up with Iowa Pork Producers Association's Joyce Hoppes who was the main organizer of this event. Here is her take on this event at the end of the day...
The BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark hit a home run! This event reminded me a lot of the new Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series, a competition where the public is invited to sample BBQ. Events like these really celebrate BBQ and good family fun. I hope to see other contests take on this form.
I am already looking forward to next year! BBQ & Brew at he Ballpark is BBQ CRITIC APPROVED!
Herb
BBQ CRITIC
I am already looking forward to next year! BBQ & Brew at he Ballpark is BBQ CRITIC APPROVED!
Herb
BBQ CRITIC
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