Backwash is Back! The Feel-Good, Taste-Good Event of the Year

All craft beer enthusiasts near and far will gather in the Freight House District at Greater Nevada Field for a day of beer, competition, and a whole lot of reward. Backwash, the charitable event for Project Great Outdoors, kicks off Reno Craft Beer Week at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 13.

Project GO (projectgo.org) is an organization of volunteers whose purpose is to offer their skills in navigating nature’s challenges to help troubled youth become a little less troubled. All direct services to youth are carried out by trained volunteers which adds up to a couple thousand volunteer hours per year. While the volunteers give a great deal to the organization and the youth they serve, they find the volunteers often get as much, or more, out of the experience.

“Backwash literally makes our program possible, as nearly half of Project GO’s operating expenses are covered from the Backwash income,” said Kurt Hoge, one of the founders of Project GO. “When you buy a ticket for Backwash, you are changing lives!”

Backwash itself is not an event to be missed. Craft brewers can sign up and enter the best authentic pint they can home-brew. People will be able to have a tasting of each selection and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award for best brew and a healthy cash prize  The Brewers Choice winner is honored with the opportunity to be the featured brew at The Silver Peak.

“When you buy a ticket for Backwash, you are changing lives!”

Brandon Robinson was last year’s Brewer’s Choice winner with his home-brew of Pine Rye-dr American IPA.

“There’s not many home-brew competitions where you can poor for people right in front of you,” said Robinson. “It was a blast and I’m attending the event again this year.”

Robinson started his home brew last month for this year’s competition.

Brandon Robinson, Backwash Brewers Choice Winner 2015

Not only will there be plenty of competition and spirits but there will also be live music, great food, and a silent auction

Backwash will be attended by a large audience of craft beer lovers and 62 brewers have already signed up. You can buy tickets for $35 online at backwashreno.org (Check out the video!)

A VIP Ticket for $75 get you early Entry at 5 p.m. preferred seating and and extended menu in Bugsy’s Sports Bar & Grill. You’ll get an all you can eat BBQ feast and a beautiful imprinted tasting glass.

Sponsors are still being accepted! Visit http://www.backwashreno.org/homepage/sponsorship/  for more information on how you can become a Pint, Pitcher, or Growler level sponsor.

by Kristen Keks, Reno Craft Beer Week Correspondent