Stewards prepared 867 beers for the judges' flights of up to 12 beers.

70 Judges worked as teams to evaluate each beer by Aroma, Appearance, Flavor, Mouthfeel, and Overall Impression.

Matt Mauer was hidden in the back room all day organizing the results, preparing new pick lists, and generally keeping order.

Homebrew entrants vie to win traditional State Fair ribbons. Professional winners get Indiana-shaped medals.

Organization started a week before when all the entries were number-coded and physically sorted and stored in refrigerated trailers.

Judge Jon Vanderglas poses with a gusher.

The last task - while most people are eating, the Best of Show judges picked the top choice from the 23 category winners.

Shawn Ferguson of the Fairgrounds staff started on Friday to prepare a watermelon for the Saturday dinner.

Anita Johnson shows off a Blichmann Boilermaker pot which went to Homebrewer of the Year, Michael Pearson.

Allison Ballinger was named "Supporter of the Year" by Anita. Her husband, Bill entered 31 beers into the competition.

The awards dinner was SRO.

Aaron Evilsizor was surprised when his Russian Imperial Stout won Best of Show in the Homebrew division. He entered same batch of beer last year when it won a 3rd in class. One more year's maturation took it from Very Good to Great.

Aaron Evilsizor with his trophy and ribbon.

Ian Wilson of Rock Bottom, Orland Park, IL won Best of Show (Professonal) for Line Drive Light Lager, a Munich Helles.

Oaken Barrel was named Indiana Brewery of the Year. Here's a fuzzy picture of Head Brewer Mark Havens.

MECA won best Homebrew Club again this year based on their member's ribbons.