I really need to start entering more competitions not only locally but some of the national ones as well. So far, the best I can claim is third in 16C on a state entry.
I know some guys who brew for acclaim and awards but I prefer personal gratification and the occasional kudos from friends.
I read in a magazine that a guy would ship his brews to competitions across the country, and to get by the USPS regulations he would stamp LIVE YEAST CULTURES on the box!
I started brewing last year, and I love it. My wife found my kegin system for me, so now I have 6 Cornies in my stable! As far as extract or all grain, I do a mini mash, with specialty malts and extract for the base. I had a problem with extract “twang” for a while, but have since changed my process to include re-liquifying the extract at low temps, then pouring the extract in at about 15 minutes from flame-out. Extract twang...gone!