Rhode Island’s First Competition for Commercial Brewers is Here
The Rhode Worthy Cup takes place this Thursday, Aug. 8, at The Guild in Pawtucket, where two dozen of the state’s beer, cider and seltzer producers will compete for titles in numerous categories.
Members of the RIDEA Committee during RIDEA Fest at the Guild. This year’s Rhode Worthy Cup, taking place at the Guild on Aug. 8, will raise funds for the RIDEA Beverage Diversity Scholarships. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Pereira)
For the first time later this week, Rhode Island breweries will participate in a blind-judged competition exclusively open to local, commercially-produced beers. The Rhode Worthy Cup takes place this Thursday, Aug. 8, at The Guild in Pawtucket, where two dozen of the state’s beer, cider and seltzer producers will compete for titles in numerous categories. The categories range from the basic American-Style Pale Ale to titles like Apple Wine or Chili Pepper Beer, and the producers are among the best in the state.
Jennifer Pereira, associate professor in the craft brewing certificate program at Johnson & Wales University, founded the competition to fill what she sees as a gap on the local event circuit. While many producers attend national competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, there was no local equivalent exclusively for Rhode Island breweries. Pereira also runs the Ocean State Homebrew Competition for local home brewers.
Funds from this year’s competition will support the RIDEA Beverage Diversity Scholarships to benefit students from underrepresented groups enrolled in JWU’s beverage studies program and promote more equitable inclusion in the industry. The event kicks off a packed week on the Rhode Island beer scene, with winners recognized during the Rhode Island Brewers Conference on Friday and the Ocean State Brewers Fest on Saturday.
We spoke with Pereira to learn more about what readers can expect from the inaugural event.
How many breweries and beers are registered for the competition?
As of right now, we have 137 entries from twenty-four of the state’s beer, cider and seltzer producers. This is a little less than expected but still a great turnout for a first year. And we have amazing judges coming from across the Northeast.
Why is this an important opportunity for local brewers?
Competitions are an important peer-review and feedback mechanism for brewers, especially when you have high-ranking expert judges evaluating your products. People’s choice awards are fun but are often more like popularity contests where some excellent but lesser-known producers do not get the recognition they deserve. A professional competition provides a level playing field, where both established and newer breweries have the same opportunities to win and everything is judged in the blind, eliminating bias.
What’s your favorite category in the competition?
As far as a favorite type of entry is concerned, we appreciate all entries! IPAs of all types are always the largest beer category, so I like to see more other styles represented. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of ciders, seltzers and N/A beverages, too. I can’t wait to see what next year will bring!
What’s in store for next year?
For 2025, we will have wine and spirits, too, and we would like to hold the competition in conjunction with the RIDEA Fest, which also features beverages of all types. (RIDEA Fest was on hiatus this year, but we are hoping to bring it back for 2025, since it was an excellent fundraiser for the RIDEA Scholarships.)
Work Vessels for Veterans presents Grey Sail Brewing and New England Brewing Company with the Star Patriot Business Award after the breweries raised $15,000 for the organization through the sale of Work Vessel Double IPA. From left: Jamal Robinson of New England Brewing Company, Work Vessels for Veterans Executive Director Catherine Cook, Work Vessels President & Co-Founder John Niekrash, Grey Sail owners Jennifer and Alan Brinton. (Photo courtesy of Grey Sail Brewing)
