CAMDEN SNOW BOWL — Despite last year’s white out, nothing was going to stop this year’s Second Eva Down The Chute Beer and Wine challenge featuring more than a dozen Maine wineries, breweries, and makers of mead and cider.

Under a heated tent, dozens of participants gathered with tasting glass in hand to sample brews, wines and ciders from well-known local brands, such as Andrews Brewing Company, Cellar Door Winery, Breakwater Vineyards, Rock Harbor Brewery, as well as newcomer Monhegan Brewery, whose crew lugged all their gear over on a lobster boat from Monhegan. Other well-loved statewide brands included Sebago Brewing Company, Shipyard Brewing Company Baxter Brewing Company, newcomers Strong Brewery, a two-person nanobrewery from downeast Maine. Other interesting offerings included ciders from Fatty Bumpkins and Downeast Cider House, as well as a red pepper flake mead from Fat Friar’s Meadery.

The mood was decidedly exuberant. Through the evening, multiple raffle drawings let people walk away with some good drinking swag such as T-shirts and stemless glasses. Local (and wicked good) food offered by Harvest Moon Pizza, Big Bob’s and State of Maine Cheese rounded out the tastings.

And lastly, everyone who participated in the tasting had a chance to vote for the most popular beverage of the night. Andrews Brewing Company walked away with the Most Popular brew for the second year in a row.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com