Let me first begin by apologizing for the delayed “winner post” today.  I unexpectedly went without computer access for the majority of the day, thus making it unexpectedly difficult to check the final poll results.  I expect the delay has caused mass anticipation and near hysteria while awaiting the results, so here’s what we thought today:

Brad:  To think that today’s matchup could be boiled down to and ultimately decided by something as fickle as beer genre or other beers from the same brewer is crazy, but that’s how good these beers are. They are well-balanced, unique, have a very wide appeal, and this is my dream championship match as both of these beers are my two favorites, bottom line. That being said, I’d have to pick a winner in my dream title match, wouldn’t I? The winner of this match as far as my vote – and if you told me when this tournament started that this match would a) happen and b) play out this way, I’d have thought you were crazy – is the Southern Tier Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale. At the 11th hour, on my final evaluation, the one thing I had separating these beers was the power of the brew and the appeal. The 90 Minute IPA is complex, tasty, and something hop heads and most beer aficionados could be very proud of, but unfortunately there is a slight tasting curve associated with this brew. Phin & Matt’s has everything the 90 Minute has and it’s noticable from the first sip to those who may not drink all the time. It gets my vote, though both of these breweries have earned my respect for making two damn fine beers.

John:  I compared my list of descriptive words a number of times, trying to find out which list would come out on top.  At first, I thought I would try to come up with a list of “cons” as well, to help decide this match.  But let’s face it – the remainder of these matches will be decided by which is the superior brew, doing the better best.  I am casting my vote out for the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.  I simply couldn’t turn my back on what I deemed earlier as a “go-to brew” and a stylistic example.

Fans:  This was by far the most active voting match since we started Brewlimination in July.  I wish we had been counting the total number of lead changes in the last week, and those of you here to vote daily know what I’m talking about.   For the most part, it seemed impossible for either beer to gain a substantial lead – any tiny percentage lead was immediately countered by the opponent. But, in the end, the Southern Tier Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale wound up on top, winning the popular vote – and the match – by a slim 53% – 47% margin.

Stay tuned for the rest of the week to see which beers join Phin and Matt in the Final 4.  The next match up tomorrow is between the Smuttynose Star Island Single and the Troegs HopBack Amber Ale!