Hello.  I’m Nick Ladd. Thanks for visiting my blog!

If you’re here reading this, chances are we share a mutual interest in brewing and consuming humanity’s finest elixir! The Pour Report focuses on homebrew and all things craft beer, including local (and national) events, reviews, and travel. Currently based in Brooklyn, my perspective is primarily regional with a constant eye on national happenings. Occasionally, you will also find me writing about my fermentation and yeast-wrangling adventures outside the realm of beer.

My Brewing History:

Fermentation. The muse at the center of many of the things I love; and my preoccupation for the past decade or so. Whether I’m brewing beer, baking bread, curing meat, or pickling various vegetables, the miracle of fermentation and how it transforms and elevates ordinary foods into new creations compels me. My explorations into fermentation began with bread and pastry and have quickly become dominated by beer. After an introduction from a couple of close friends, I brewed my first batch of beer over Memorial Day weekend 2009. Two extract batches later, I made the move to all-grain and have since brewed hundreds of batches. Since brewing my first batch, I’ve become engrossed in brewing competitions, brewed commercially on several occasions, become a BJCP National beer judge, and begun exploring my personal role in the world of beer. Join me as I continue my journey—with eventual plans of opening a commercial brewery.

My Brewing Competition CV (of sorts):
Brewing competitively is a great way to become a better brewer. It allows you to receive impartial feedback from skilled judges who are just as passionate about homebrewing as you are. It’s also a fun way to test yourself and measure your brewing aptitude against your fellow brewers. And let’s not forget to mention the rush of winning; although, the thrill of the chase can be equally as enjoyable and rewarding!

Highlights:

2016 National Homebrew Competition 1st Round (NYC Judging Center)
2nd/Category 3: Marzen
2nd/Category 6: Cream Ale

2016 Homebrew Alley
1st/Category 14/15: Irish Stout
2nd/Category 6/7: Rauchbier

2015 Westchester Farmhouse Ale Competition
Brewer’s Choice: Oasthouse Saison
Beer brewed commercially by Yonkers Brewing Co. in Yonkers, NY

2015 National Homebrew Competition 2nd Round
2nd/Category 5: Eisbock

2015 National Homebrew Competition 1st Round (NYC Judging Center)
2nd/Category 5: Eisbock
3rd/Category 22: Wood Aged Barley Wine

2015 Homebrew Alley
2nd/Category 5: Eisbock
Honorable Mention/Category 5: Doppelbock
2nd/Category 22: Wood Aged Barley Wine

2014 National Homebrew Competition 1st Round (NYC Judging Center)
1st/Category 18 Belgian Strong Ale: Belgian Blond
1st/Category 3 European Amber Lager: Vienna Lager

2014 Homebrew Alley
2nd/Category 18 Belgian Strong Ale: Belgian Blond
3rd/Category 3 European Amber Lager: Vienna Lager

2012 National Homebrew Competition 2nd Round
1st/Category 11 English Brown Ale: (11c) N. English Brown

2012 National Homebrew Competition 1st Round (Portland Judging Center)

1st/Category 23: Specialty Beer
1st/Category 3: European Amber Lager
1st/Category 11: English Brown Ale
1st/Category 21: Spice / Herb / Veg
1st/Category 19: Strong Ale
1st/Category 14: IPA
2nd/Category 16: Belgian & French Ale
2nd/Category 6: Light Hybrid Beer
3rd/Category 7: Amber Hybrid Beer
3rd/Category 15: German Wheat & Rye Beer

 

 

 

2012 Puget Sound Pro-Am
1st/Category 20: English Barley Wine with Figs
Selected to be brewed with Big Time Brewery in Seattle, WA and entered in the 2012 GABF Pro-Am Competition

2011 Washington Homebrewer of the Year Competition
3rd

2011 Novembeerfest
Honorable Mention/Best of Show: (13f) Russian Imperial Stout

2011 Best of the Bay
2nd/Best of Show: (3a) Vienna Lager

2011 Puget Sound Pro-Am
3rd/Best of Show: (16a) Belgian Wit
Selected to be brewed with Silver City Brewing in Bremerton, WA and entered in the 2011 GABF Pro-Am Competition

2011 National Homebrew Competition 1st Round (Seattle Judging Center)
2nd/Category 22 Smoke-Flavored/Wood-Aged Beer: (22c) Wood Aged Beer
2nd/Category 14 IPA: (14c) Imperial IPA
2nd/Category 13 Stout: (13f) Russian Imperial Stout

2011 McChord Brewfest
Best of Show: (10a) American Pale Ale

2011 Cascade Brewers Cup
Honorable Mention/Best of Show: (19b) English Barley Wine