Too Hot to Handle! Deluxe Brewing's Chili Cook-off Proves Searing Success

 ALBANY, Jan. 31 –  A spicy and sharp aroma filtered through Deluxe Brewing’s industrial building as guests lined up with small bowls in the entryway, eagerly waiting to try a variety of homemade chili.


Country music played while the impeccably decorated room buzzed with lively conversation at 1 p.m. Saturday, some focused solely on the tables promising palatable samples.


Twenty chilis were on full display across multiple tables adorned with pepper-themed napkins, with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, corn chips, jalapeños, and freshly baked cornbread. Around 100 people attended, mostly older guests; an occasional child would run by, syphoning samples, and Coop the cat made his appearance on occasion. 


Chili scorecards were provided for optional evaluation. These cards featured eight blank spots, with an opportunity to tally each chili by category: Appearance, aroma, consistency, taste, and spiciness.


The building's walls are lined with framed art and photos, hanging bicycles, and large vintage signs. Shuffleboards rest in the middle of the crowds. The friendly atmosphere reflected the care and consideration of the chili cook-off’s organizer, Jamie Howard. 


Howard owns Deluxe Brewing alongside her husband, Eric “Howie” Howard. “The neat thing about this event … is that we don’t require registration,” Howard says. 


Needless to say, all the chili provided for the event was brought by local residents and businesses. The winners, given gift cards to the brewery, were declared by a selected group of judges:

  • First Place: The Spice is Right - Tim Walker

  • Second Place: Texas Red - Preston Barclay

  • Third Place: Over The Top - Bryan Meier 

  • People’s Choice: Warm Up, It’s Chili - Bob Schueller


Admission was entirely free, however, Howard encouraged attendees to donate a non-perishable food item when entering the building to contribute to Fish of Albany’s food drive, which was held the following day. Howard was proud to mention the brewery’s collaboration with the local organization, Fish, providing mainly clothes and food to over 30,000 persons in need.


Overall, the chili cookoff was another success as it was Howard’s 13th year of planning the event. What started with friends gathering each year with pots of chili slowly blossomed into a large community contest, this year being the largest one yet. 


You can find Deluxe Brewing on 635 NE Water Ave. in Albany. They are open Monday through Friday, from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.


The brewery's next event, a vintage bicycle show, will take place on May 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. Entry is free to view over 75 vintage bicycles and a contest will be involved. Registration is now open via Deluxe's website.


At a glance: 

  • Jamie Howard is the owner of Deluxe Brewing alongside her husband, Eric “Howie” Howard. She also organizes all of the brewery’s events. 

  • You can contact Deluxe Brewing via phone: 541-928-7699

  • Deluxe Brewing is located at 635 NE Water Ave. in Albany, Oregon.

  • Fish of Albany is a local organization that provides food and clothes to over 30,000 persons in need. 

  • In 2018, Deluxe Brewing contributed to LBCC’s time capsule to be opened in 2043 by providing a bottle of Roadrunner Red IPA.

  • “This woman (Howard) is a saint,” Says an anonymous event attendee. 


Photo Credit - Anna Phillingane

Photo Credit - Anna Phillingane

Photo Credit - Anna Phillingane

Photo Credit - Anna Phillingane

Photo Credit - Anna Phillingane

Photo Credit - Anna Phillingane

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