The Dude’s Homebrew Competition 2026 eclipsed all previous tallies for the event, raising another $7,409 for blood cancer research and Blood Cancer United! We couldn’t be more grateful for all who contributed to this success, and it was a joy to spend the day tasting beers with all of those who attended.
Everyone played a part in making this year’s event successful, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t extend a huge thank you to the following:
Jeff Ware, Andrew Zach, Madeline Mulholland, Conner Bradbury, and the entire staff at Resurgence Brewing Co. Year in and year out since we started this event in 2014, they’ve been unbelievably generous and accommodating to our event, bending over backwards to make sure everything runs smoothly. We couldn’t ask for a better host and presenting sponsor. Thank you, Resurgence!
Our official beer judges — Evan Flury of Spotted Octopus and Rob Haag of Santora’s — tasted and scored all of the beers, providing thoughtful feedback to our homebrewers. Thanks, Evan and Rob!
The best DJ in Buffalo (who you may recognize from his work at 104.1FM), Russ Burton, once again provided an incredible soundtrack to the event and served as defacto MC. The Dude would’ve felt right at home with this playlist. Thank you, Russ!
Meg Maxwell, Charlie Maxwell, and Libby Maxwell volunteered at our registration table, checking guests in, tallying donations, entering scores, etc. The event could not have gone on without their efforts. Thank you!
Our friends David and Tracey Gardon once again spearheaded our 50/50 raffle sales — they’re incredible ambassadors for our cause, and we love seeing them every year!
And finally, the biggest shoutout goes out to our homebrewers — with special recognition to the Niagara Association of Homebrewers and Sultans of Swig. There wouldn’t be an event without these wonderful humans generously donating 5 gallon batches of their amazing beers and ciders to the cause. Thank you so much to all who participated.
Now, to the results…
Four in a row for the Ale Gals!
It’s safe to say that The Dude’s Homebrew Festival crown belongs to The Ale Gals (Jen and Corey Dudish Hare), who have now won an unbelievable four times in a row. They submitted two beers this year, and their beers finished in first and second place, with the winning beer “Shut the Puff Up, Donny” also taking first place with our judges panel! With their victory, they’ll get to brew a barrel of their winning beer with the Resurgence staff! Congratulations on another excellent showing, Corey and Jen!
Cheers to great beers with great people for a great cause!
The Dude abides.