MAYBE IT’S SOMETHING in the water, or maybe Irish people are just predisposed by our heritage to be great at brewing.

Either way, we certainly do punch above our weight on this little island when it comes to making delicious beers, ales and porters.

With that in mind, Smithwick’s want to help passionate home-brewers around the country realise their creative visions and send in their brews for a Christmas ale.

“A special time of year like Christmas calls for a special brew. We’re looking for a Christmas style ale that will stand out in the season,” said one of their Master Brewers. “Think of a combination of aromas and flavours that suggest the winter season and an ale that you would love your family and friends to enjoy during Christmas.”

Does that sound good to you?

Well, here’s how it works: apply on the Smithwick’s Homebrew website to register as an entrant in the competition, they’ll send you some hops, then get brewing. We want to see really individual and authentic brews – whatever ingredients you love, the flavours of your local area, or what truly excites you about a beer’s flavour.

Whether or not brewing has been your hobby for years, or you’d just like to give it a bash, we’re looking for home-brewers of any stripe to get involved.

We’ll be following up with lots of articles on the history behind Irish brewing heritage and tips on how to brew with the best in the coming weeks.

The next step will involve sending in a sample of your home-brew, which will be tasted by a top panel of beer experts. Their two favourites will then be chosen to move on and brew their recipe with Smithwick’s brewers in the heart of St James’s Gate, amongst the history and tradition of brewing that dwells there.

Finally, these two brews will be available in selected pubs around the country – and put to a popular vote, where the public will decide the ultimate home-brewing champion.

Does this sound up your street?

To enter the Smithwick’s Homebrew Challenge, people must be over 18 and they can apply online at www.SmithwicksHomebrewChallenge.ie. Each applicant will be sent 100g of Admiral Hops to get them started, subject to availability. Magnum, Challenger, UK Goldings, Willamette or Saaz Hops can also be used for this competition. The judging panel will include Smithwick’s Brewers and members of the National Homebrew Club. If you would like further information about homebrewing and to pick up some tips visit www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie.

(And not only can everyone reading this enter the competition, but over the coming weeks you’ll be able to track the progress of some amateur brewers here in TheJournal.ie, the42.ie and DailyEdge.ie Towers too. Wish us luck…)