The Gulf Coast Food Project
Bev Blackwood has been an important player in the Houston beer scene for over two decades. Originally, his interest in beer was limited, but in the late '90s he and some friends came up with the concept for a cable-access show called The Malt Show, which would focus on beer and single-malt Scotch. The first episode of the program aired on April 9, 1997 and marked the beginning of Blackwood's genesis to becoming one of Houston' most respected beer brewers. Blackwood first tried home-brewing for The Malt Show, but he quickly became enamored with the hobby and began to develop his skills at brewing more thoroughly. His show and his newfound love of brewing brought him into contact with Houston's home-brewing club, the Foam Rangers, who helped him to hone his skills and get plugged in to Houston's brewing scene. As his passion for beer grew, he got into beer competing and judging. He is a BJCP certified beer judge, and a regular competitor at amateur home-brewing competitions like the Big Batch Brew Bash, Houston's Dixie Cup, and the Bluebonnett competition in Dallas. Blackwood lives in the Houston area and is still heavily involved with its home-brew scene. He is the “Secondary Fermenter” of the Foam Rangers and helps organize club events like the Dixie Cup.
