Ten teams will be competing in this year’s event including last years winner, Cain’s Chili, who look to be the first Hop Topic Cook-off team to defend their title and end up as repeat champions. Some contestants aim to win with overall flavor or high-end ingredients, while some test their luck by making their chili offering as spicy as possible!

Each patron of the event is given a token to use as a voting chip for boxes placed at each booth. The table with the most tokens in their box at the end is crowned as the Cook-off king. The team to walk away as winners will receive a $500 grand prize and the equally important bragging rights over the other entrants. Other awards are given to teams with the spiciest chili, the most colorful chili, and the team with the best decorated booth.

Aside from Cook-off participants, additional vendors will also be at the event with a variety of items for sale. Equal Parts will of course have plenty of beer available in the tap room to help cool down any mouths blazing from the spicy samples of the chili. There will also be a DJ on hand to keep the vibes energetic.

Ken Noble, Founder of Hop Topic, says that the impetus behind the annual Chili Cook-off is to promote inclusion and diversity in the craft beer world. “It is inspiring to see our craft beer homies and all people in our community stand firm in their beliefs, and working to celebrate differences and promote fairness for all.” Noble exclaimed.

Tickets are available online for $20 on the Hop Topic website at hoptopicworld.com/chili-cook-off or can be purchased at the Cook-off entry the day of the event.

Follow on Instagram:

@hoptopicworld @equalpartsbrewing

Where: Equal Parts Brewing – 3118 Harrisburg Blvd., 77003

When: Sunday, January 19th from 12-4pm

The post The Stakes Rise as Hop Topic Holds 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Equal Parts Brewing first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post The Stakes Rise as Hop Topic Holds 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Equal Parts Brewing appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Annual Chili Cook Off at Holler Brewing / Beer Release and Collaboration with Hop Topic

When: Sunday, Jan 16th at 12pm

Where: Holler Brewing Co – 2206 Edwards St Houston TX 77007

Join Hop Topic and friends this MLK weekend for their annual chili cook off hosted by Holler Brewing. $18 ticket admission gets you all you can eat chili samples you want from 9 teams currently signed up. I asked Ken Noble, operating founder of Hop Topic, for the 411 on this event. Here is what he had to say…..

I attended the chili cook off last year, and it was alot of fun! What is different about this year’s chili cook off?

We have an increase of vendor and team participation this year, with a larger cash grand prize for the winner. Our sponsors have been a huge part of the success of this cookoff.

Who are the judges for this competition? How does the voting work?

The great thing about our cook off is that each ticket purchase includes a Hop Topic voting token, turning the power of the vote to the public. Grand prize is $300, a team trophy and a basket of craft beer goodies. Additionally, we have included 3 secondary contests trophies for Spiciest Chili, Most Colorful, and Best decorated team booth.

Can we expect any new beers from Holler for this event?

Yes! We are releasing a special collaboration beer with Holler Brewing called Holla Holla Holla, this beer is a foreign extra stout that will be available in cans to go and on tap during the event. This beer pays homage to the classic Dave Chappelle show skit, The Holler Dating Service. This beer name is only appropriate.

Super clever, we agree Ken! For more details on this event, visit the Facebook event page.

Can’t make it Holler on Sunday? There are a few other brewery chili cook offs coming up soon from supporting breweries.

6th Annual Chili Cook Off at Saloon Door Brewing

When: Saturday January 29th at 1pm

Where: 105 A Magellan Circle Webster TX 77598

Outdoor event featuring 15 teams competing to take home 1st and 2nd place beer and bbq prizes with trophies. Very competitive people’s choice award ticket will be given to all attendees to vote. $5 admission price for an ‘all you can sample’ wristband is required for all event attendees. New beer releasing the day of the event is a Chipotle Milk Stout.

Registration is still open for team entry. Contact Jenelle to sign up, $25 entry fee. Full rules for event are listed on Facebook event.

Bakfish Chili Fest

When: February 6th at 1pm

Where: 1231 Broadway Street Pearland TX 77581

BAKFISH is hosting a Chili Fest Fundraiser for the Pearland Fire Fighter Association – an organization that directly supports the brave men and women Pearland Firefighters and their families. 20 spots available to compete, $50 entry fee per team and judged by 3 guest judges and people choice awards. Ticket proceeds benefit the Pearland Firefighters Association.

For The Love of Chili – 6th Annual Chili Cook Off at Spindletap Brewery

When: February 12th at 11am

Where: 10622 Hirsch Road Houston TX 77016

Outdoor event in the Spindletap Pavilion. Panel of judges will be awarding best chili and people choice awards will be done via ballot at each team table. No admission fee to sample and taste.

Team Registration is $30 per team with no team size limit. Rules for competing are available on the Facebook event.

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I hope to see you at one of the upcoming events with your shirt stained with chili and glass of beer in your hand. Also, beans belong in chili. Just saying. Cheers Houston!

The post Cold Beer + Cooking Competitions: It’s officially cookoff season in Houston first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Cold Beer + Cooking Competitions: It’s officially cookoff season in Houston appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.