Low & Slow Meets Cold Brews: The Henniker Brewing BBQ Fest!
Fire up the pits and get your game face on! The Henniker Brewing BBQ Fest is officially calling all Backyard and Classic pitmasters. This is a NEBS sanctioned event, meaning the smoke will be thick, the competition will be fierce, and the Team of the Year (TOY) points are officially on the line.
Great beer, incredible BBQ, and a shot at the Grand Champion title—what more could you ask for? Here is what you need to know to lock in your spot and prep your rig.
The Categories
Show the judges your mastery over the essentials across two core categories, plus a crowd-pleasing bonus round:
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CHICKEN: Wild, farm-raised, Cornish game hen, or kosher. (Standard NEBS garnish applies).
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RIBS: Pork ribs only! Loin back, baby back, spare, or St. Louis cuts. Leave the beef ribs at home. (Standard NEBS garnish applies).
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CONTEST
The People’s Choice Payoff: The public holds the voting power for wings, and the prize purse is a massive 50% of ticket sales split between 1st and 2nd place. Want to double down? Teams can enter the People's Choice category multiple times (100 samples per entry)!
Open Fuel Cooking & Rules
Unlike stricter wood-only comps, Henniker Brewing is keeping it flexible. Any cooking medium is welcome! Wood, wood pellets, charcoal, gas, or electric—cook on whatever weapon you choose.
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Meat Inspection: All entry meats must arrive raw and completely unflavored. You can trim and prep your cuts ahead of time, but no rubs, brines, injections, or marinades are allowed until after you pass on-site inspection.
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Site Setup: Your site will be approximately 15’ x 20’. Nominal electricity (10amp max) is available, so bring a 50’ extension cord (though quiet generators are highly recommended for reliability).
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Water & Disposal: Water is on-site—bring a 25’ hose with a Y-connector or a trusty transport bucket. Trash and ash disposal are fully provided.
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Safety Gear: Don't forget your ABC fire extinguisher and your 3-stage washing station (Wash/Rinse/Sanitize with 1 Tbsp bleach per gallon).
Double-Blind Judging & Cash Prizes
Six different judges will evaluate your 9x9 turn-in boxes using a strict double-blind system based on three criteria: Appearance, Taste, and Texture. Make sure you turn in at least six (6) separate, identifiable portions with the box closed and the number on top.
What’s up for grabs?
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Cash & Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in all categories.
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Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion honors for the top overall combined scores in Chicken and Ribs.
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NEBS Team of the Year (TOY) Points: Boost your standings! Just remember, your Chief Cook must be a paid NEBS member before the contest to claim points.
Ready to Claim the Crown?
Leave your site spotless (or face a 1-year NEBS ban!), follow the standard garnish rules (green leaf/romaine lettuce, parsley, or kale only), and most importantly—have fun! Enjoying the sport of barbecue is a mandatory requirement for this event.
Questions? Reach out to Anthony Caruso at acaruso@hennikerbrewing.com
Full details and Rules can be found in the Cooks Packet
2026 Henniker BBQ Fest Cooks Packet
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