For Immediate Release:

Chicago microbrewers participate in second annual Nielsen-Massey Homebrew Challenge

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS (September 23, 2014) – Think vanillas and flavors are just for cooking and baking? Think again. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is set to push the flavor envelope with the Nielsen-Massey Homebrew Challenge, a contest designed to bring together Chicago-area amateur brewers in the quest for the best original beer recipes with creative flavor profiles.

"We are challenging at-home brew masters to think outside the average flavor profile," said Craig Nielsen, CEO of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. "We are excited to see how participants use Nielsen-Massey fine vanillas and flavors to create exceptional original recipes."

For the challenge, which is in its second year, contestants create an original beer recipe in any style using Nielsen-Massey vanillas, flavor extracts, or a combination of both. While many beer recipes use a variety of extracts and vanilla beans for flavor, the high quality of Nielsen-Massey products, which are provided to contestants free of cost, promises a distinct difference in the final flavor of the beer.

Entries will be judged at the beginning of December based on originality and creativity. Each group of judges will have at least one judge who has completed the Beer Judge Certification Program. All recipes must be submitted with registration and entries must be handcrafted products, containing ingredients available to the general public and made using private equipment by hobbyist brewers. Winning brew masters will be awarded money, Nielsen-Massey products and notable mentions in Nielsen-Massey press materials.

There are two categories for recipe and beer submission: Specialty Beer with Vanilla Extract and Specialty Beer with Flavor Extract(s). Chicago Homebrew Alchemists of Suds (CHAOS) members can register for $7; non-member registration is $10. Registration is due October 5 and all entries must be submitted between November 14 and November 24.

For more information about the Nielsen-Massey Homebrew Challenge, visit: www.NielsenMasseyChallenge.com.

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey's Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar, Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Beans.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas also offers a full line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are All-Natural, Allergen-Free, GMO-Free, and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

# # #

Photos are available upon request. For more information about Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, contact:
Gardi Wilks, gwilks@savoragency.com
Savor – the food agency, 847.556.7511