AN alcoholic ginger beer described by its creator as having the qualities of a "Moscow mule" will be among the entries in the home brewing competition at the Morisset Show this weekend.
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For the first time in its 66-year history, the show will put the district's home brewers to the test.
There are categories for best ale, lager, stout, cider and ginger beer.
There are cash prizes up for grabs, as well as the chance for the section winners to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
But far more important than that is the opportunity to earn bragging rights.
Morisset Show president Justin Rumore said the competition might help to settle a few friendly neighbourhood arguments.
"There are a lot of people who think that they are master brewers," Mr Rumore smiled.
The competition will be judged by experts from Six String Brewing, at Erina.
Jacqui Brown, of Weston, has entered her alcoholic ginger beer at the insistence of friends and family.
"All of my friends who have tried a bottle have come back for more," Ms Brown said.
"It's a bit like a Moscow mule: it ends with a kick," she joked.
"It's spicy, very gingery, and it leaves a nice warm feeling as it goes down."
And it's versatile, too.
"It's awesome if you freeze it to make a slushy on a nice, hot day," she said.
Ms Brown said she took up home brewing in 2012.
Her brother brews ginger beer, and their mum kicked it all off when the siblings were kids.
"My mum used to make the old, original ginger beer, and the bottles would sometimes pop," she said.
Ms Brown said she experimented with a few home brewing kits before settling on a couple that suited her tastes.
"I started off with Cooper's, but I now go for Brigalow and Morgan's kits," she said.
She typically makes 54 bottles of the stuff in a double batch.
Her confidence has grown to such an extent that she now experiments with different recipes and ingredients.
"I've tweaked it a few times, and even tried putting some fresh ginger in," she said.
She recommended home brewing as a rewarding and engaging hobby.
"I'd say take a chance. It's easy," she said.
"Just follow the instructions, and take on the advice of people who have been doing it for a long time."
Their experience could prove invaluable, she said.
Creating a batch generally takes about three weeks.
Cracking the lid on the first bottle was always a treat, but having friends and family enjoy her ginger beer was particularly satisfying, Ms Brown said.
Best of all, her mum loves it.
"When your mum says it's OK, you're always happy," she said.
Entries in the home brewing competition will be received at Morisset Showground on Thursday, February 6, from 3pm to 7pm; and on Friday, February 7, from 8am to 10am.
Entrants are required to supply two bottles - one for tasting and one for display.
The 66th Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show will be held at Morisset Showground this Saturday and Sunday, February 8 and 9.
Mr Rumore said the major sponsors of this year's show were Lake Macquarie City Council, Concrete Colour Solutions, and Eastcoast Foods and Beverages.
- For entry details and the show program, visit morissetshow.org.au.
