The first package arrived several weeks before the deadline and was treated with great reverence. The Label Gnomes, who convene to judge the contest every year, gathered around to watch. Inside the box was a silver bottle rocket.

More accurately, it was a bottle of homebrew wrapped entirely in tinfoil, complete with stabilizer fins. “Märzen to Mars!” screamed the label. “Warning! Consumption of the alcohol in this rocket can alter the space in your mind!” The gnomes cheered wildly. The fifth annual BYO Gonzo Label Contest was off to an explosive start.

Over the next month, thousands of labels, submitted by homebrewers from all across the country, arrived at BYO world headquarters. On judgment day, the gnomes took time to appreciate each and every one. This is an enviable task: In the collective sense, our readers are an amusing (and creative) bunch.

In the end, after a few nasty beard-pulling squabbles, the gnomes gave top honors to seven contestants in each of the two major
categories, professional and amateur. They also awarded “Editors’ Choice” prizes to labels that deserved ... something (we’re not quite sure what). And for readers who wonder how we pick the winners, rest assured that the strictest standards are applied. (Typical gnome exchange: “That one is awesome.” “For sure. Absolutely. I totally agree.”)

To each and every homebrewer who took time to send us a label, a sincere thanks. We wish we could publish all of them. Since we can’t, we’re establishing the all-new National Archives of Homebrew Labels in our office. It’s a filing cabinet, but what the heck. If you find yourself in Manchester, Vermont, stop by to check it out. We’ll also post lots of labels on our website (www.byo.com).

A hearty homebrew toast to everyone who made the contest, as always, a huge success.