Meet the Finalists of Our 2025 Riot society Collab Beer Invitational!
This year’s entries hit all the right notes: bold flavors, iconic desserts, & just the right touch of nostalgia.
And that’s why we had SUCH a hard time narrowing it down to just six for you to vote on. Each beer here tells its own story blending creativity with a love for the flavors that stick in your belly. From holiday traditions & road trips to clever spins on classic desserts that inspired the ideas, turns out the real secret ingredient of making great beer is the 💙 that goes into it.
Congratulations to our finalists
[Beer names are subject to change & wherever possible, descriptions were written by the creator only.]
Dallas Buchanan - Imperial Stout Sin-Ale-Mon Roll
Every year for the holidays, my mom always used to make homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning. Get up on Xmas morning to that smell of fresh doughy rolls in the oven and thinking about that sticky soft gooey roll just waiting was sometimes more exciting than presents. Thinking of a play on that idea with an imperial sweet stout mixing cinnamon, vanilla, lactose, and maybe something to play on the yeasty flavor as well? Could also play on notes of brown sugar or caramel or even something to mimic the frosting? Cream cheese? SIN-ALE-MON ROLL!
Matt Grifio - Milk Stout Tirami Moo
A tiramisu inspired line extension to Deja Moo. Loaded with coffee, cocoa, and plenty of lactose, even some biscuit malt or legit cake mix for the cake flavor. Chilies optional.
David Sinder - Sour Ale Açaí Na Tigela (Açaí Bowl)
In Brazil we have a very unique desert made using a fruit called Açai. It’s like a blueberry but with a dark pink color and a mixed salt and sweet flavor. We usually eat this fruit as a cream whipped in a blender with bananas, guaraná and orange and served in a bowl. It’s a very unique thing here in Brazil just like the recipe of your sours!”
Final Round Voting is on now through November 30th.
Cast your vote now & move 3 on to the Final Round.
TIMELINE
September 8th at 9 am EST - Open for submission to Riot Society Members
September 15th at 9 am EST - Open for submission to Public
October 31st at 11:59 pm EST - Closed for submission
November 15th - 6 Semi-Finalists Announced!
November 16th - 30th - Semi-Final Public Voting Period
December 1st - Three (3) Finalists Announced!
December 2nd - 16th - Final Voting Period
January 6th - Winning Concept Announced & Notified
Early February - Winning Concept Brewed with the Winner at HSAW
March - Tampa Bay Beer Week Release Party! 🥳
The judges
Josh Garman
Josh is Chief Visionary Officer and Co-founder of Hidden Springs Ale Works. Before founding HSAW with his wife, Jacqui, he was an award-winning homebrewer with a penchant for sweets. Today, he guides HSAW’s production and contributes to ongoing innovation in craft beer. Since the company was launched, hundreds of brands have been created and shared with fans around the world where the beer is distributed from Tampa, Florida.
Jacqui Garman
Jacqui is Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Hidden Springs Ale Works. Since Jacqui joined operations, she began using her unique role as both a seasoned mental health clinician and a member of the craft beer industry to address healthy ways to support members of craft beer and guided the launch of Things We Don’t Say, a beer brewed in collaboration with Hope for the Day. She is also the heart and soul behind the Ezra the Lion brand, HSAW’s seasonal Sour Ale that raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Outside of HSAW, she’s been instrumental in engaging with the Tampa Bay community through her service with the Friends of the Riverwalk and The Tampa Metropolitan YMCA.
Barry Elwonger
Barry is the owner of Allocated Media. His team collaborates with us on our photography and videography projects. Barry is also a vital part of our quality assurance program, assisting in blind product analysis and hosting off-flavor and sensory training for our staff. With over a decade of experience in the craft brewing industry, Barry's expertise spans a wide range of areas including distribution, sales, marketing, logistics, and finance for breweries. He holds an extensive array of industry certifications such as Certified Cicerone, Great American Beer Fest Judge, Certified BJCP Judge, Level 1 Sommelier, and Certified Bourbon Steward, in addition to numerous marketing certifications. His innovative marketing initiatives have not only earned multiple awards but have also been featured in a variety of media outlets, including Ellen, CNN, USA Today, BBC, NPR, and hundreds of other news outlets.
Tim Warner
Tim brings the huzzah to the HSAW brand. Joining the team 2 years ago to support our production & hospitality teams, he returned to Florida from Chicago where he flexed his muscle in the IT world. We’re pretty sure the hardware doesn’t appreciate him as our fans do. He has a knack for flavor, and knowing exactly what people need earning more ink in our Google Reviews than our beer, and that’s saying something. He’s changed the game of the craft beer experience in our Tasting Room, and can’t wait to serve your inspired brew.
Mary Warner
Mary Warner is the Chief Marketing Officer & resident Bird Dogger for Hidden Springs Ale Works. Before joining HSAW, she was a luxury brand & marketing strategist for international living & wellbeing brands for more than a decade. A passionate food researcher and serious home cook, she has worked alongside Beard Award-winning chefs and writers, shared drinks with food & beverage greats Lolis Eric Elie, Jim Harrison, Dave Wondrich, & Julia Reed, and contributed writing to Edible, The Bitter Southerner, Paste Magazine, and The Los Angeles Review of Books.