Round three of the 2012 IPA Challenge is in the books, with Il Vicino claiming first place with one round remaining.

Thursday’s competition at Blue Corn in Santa Fe saw the defending champions collect the most votes to leap ahead of Marble. The two breweries were tied after the first round at Nexus, with Marble taking a slim lead at 3 Rivers on Tuesday.

The results from Blue Corn (number in parentheses was that given during the blind taste test):

1. Il Vicino (10): 15 votes

2. Marble (8): 8 votes

3. Santa Fe (4): 7 votes

4. Turtle Mountain (1): 6 votes

5. (tie) 2nd Street (2) and Chama River (7): 5 votes

7. (tie) Blue Heron (12) and Tractor (13): 4 votes

9. (tie) Nexus (6) and 3 Rivers (14): 3 votes

11. Blue Corn (3): 2 votes

12. La Cumbre (9): 1 vote

13. (tie) Mimbres Valley (5) and High Desert (11): 0 votes

With three rounds down and Saturday’s noon finale at Il Vicino Canteen looming, the overall vote totals look like this:

1. Il Vicino: 48 votes

2. Marble: 43

3. Chama River: 24

4. Santa Fe: 21

5. Turtle Mountain: 19

6. La Cumbre: 15

7. Tractor: 13

8. (tie) 2nd Street and 3 Rivers: 12

10. Blue Heron: 9

11. (tie) High Desert and Nexus: 8

13. Blue Corn: 6

14. Mimbres Valley: 4

Barring a miracle rally by anybody else on Saturday, the 2012 trophy will go to either host Il Vicino or Marble. Stoutmeister and E-Rock will be in attendance, ready to cast our votes in the grand finale.

Cheers!

— Stoutmeister