Could a Coloradan be Beerdrinker of the Year?

Colorado, which hosts the annual Beerdrinker of the Year contest at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, could finally boast a home-state winner. Cody Christman, a Denver software engineer, is one of three finalists in the thirteenth installment of this prestigious contest. He is also the first Wynkoop regular to make it this far.

An avid homebrewer, Christman (pictured) has been tasting in nineteen countries and teaches a Beer 101 course to hops-loving friends and family members in his basement, according to contest spokesman Marty Jones. And it's not just any basement. It features a fifteen-foot bar, seven taps and three refrigerators.

Christman's beer philosophy: "Everything I do and every decision I make revolves around beer. I am a tireless advocate of beer culture and the brewing industry. Beer is my passion. It is the most diverse and complex drink known to man."

Sounds like he's a winner already.

The Beerdrinker of the Year finals will take place February 21 at 2 p.m. when Christman, J. Mark Angelus, of Nehalem, Oregon, and Phil Farrell, of Cummings, Georgia, will face questions from a robe- and wig-wearing panel that includes previous winners and national beer experts. The winner gets free beer for life at the Wynkoop, $250 worth of beer at their hangout, and clothing identifying that person's lofty status.