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Archives for December 2024

Athletic Brewing Reimagines the New Year Reset with ‘Athletic January’ Campaign

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MILFORD, CT and SAN DIEGO, CA — Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is reimagining the January reset with the launch of its latest campaign, “Athletic January.”

Drawing inspiration from Athletic’s trailblazing co-founder and COO, John Walker, who revolutionized non-alcoholic brewing by developing a new method for making NA brews, Athletic’s January campaign invites consumers to rethink their routines while experiencing the bold taste of Athletic’s award-winning brews. By harnessing the power of reimagination, consumers can shift their focus to what they reap rather than what they relinquish, inspiring a more enjoyable and fulfilling start to the new year.

“At Athletic, we believe a reset doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or fun,” said Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic. “January has historically been marked by what you’re giving up instead of what you’re gaining. In the spirit of always innovating, we’re kicking off 2025 by inspiring drinkers to reimagine what’s possible, cherish moments of mindfulness and embrace moderation all year long.”

Athletic January: There’s Nothing Dry About It

To jumpstart Athletic January, the company will conduct a widespread sampling initiative, sharing its brews at hundreds of activations, retail samplings, and community events across North America and the UK. From January 10–17, Ask For Athletic Week takes center stage, making it easier than ever to enjoy a great-tasting brew. Customers who are 21+ can get a $5 rebate on one 12 oz. can or draft pour of Athletic at retailers across the U.S.*

Athletic is also enhancing its custom moderation tool, “Track Record,” which allows users to set personalized goals and chart their progress over time. Users can now choose how many dry days they want each month and monitor their momentum in real time.

Market Insights & Media Investment

According to global market research, 64% of consumers claim to be moderating their alcohol consumption1. Meanwhile, recent polling in the U.S. indicated that 26% of Americans plan to drink less in 2025, and 36% of U.S. drinkers plan to reduce or eliminate alcohol in January2.

To support the Athletic January campaign and continue driving brand awareness, Athletic is embarking on a multi-million dollar strategic media plan that includes the debut of new commercials across high-impact television, as well as out-of-home placements in key markets, streaming audio and podcast advertisements, digital media, and influencer endorsements.

Brewing Excellence & Category Leadership

Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic re-engineered nearly every step of the brewing process and developed a proprietary brewing method to make NA brews that rival full-strength alcohol counterparts.

“Unlike traditional methods that adjust a single part of the process, our approach includes 10–12 changes across all brewing stages,” Walker said. “The result is a finished product with a distinct flavor profile from other NA brews made using a handful of traditional techniques. Our innovative processes, some of which are patent-pending, showcase craftsmanship that is extremely rare and incredibly unique in the NA beer industry.”

An industry pioneer, Athletic has grown from one of the smallest breweries in America, producing just 875 barrels in 2018, to a top 20 U.S. brewery that sold over 258,000 barrels in 20233. With off-premise dollar sales growing by more than 50% year-to-date, Athletic currently holds over 19% market share within the non-alcoholic beer category4. The company now boasts three of the top 10 best-selling NA beers in the country in flagships Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn Golden, and Free Wave Hazy IPA5.

“By transforming the quality and marketing of NA brews, we’ve made moderation more accessible and unlocked new occasions for the brewing industry,” said Athletic Co-Founder & CEO Bill Shufelt. “From the very beginning, our mission has been to redefine what’s possible and be the best part of our customers’ days. January is the perfect time to show new consumers why Athletic is the most decorated NA brewer and demonstrate how moderation can complement their lives all year long.”

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Company is America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched in 2018, Athletic is now the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America6 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company7. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 50,000 retailers and 25,000 on-premise venues. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™.

Follow Athletic Brewing on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Athletic.

1 IWSR Analysis of top 10 low/no-alcohol markets

2 Coefficient Capital, The New Consumer: Consumer Trends 2025

3 Athletic Brewing Company Internal Records

4, 5, 6 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv, CYTD Wks ending 11/30/24.

7 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies

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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

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BOULDER, Colorado — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—is pleased to announce the two at-large board members appointed to the 2025 Brewers Association Board of Directors.

  • Shawna Cormier, Seattle Beer School (WA) – appointed to a one-year term
  • Colby Cox, Pure Madness Brewery Group (WY) – appointed to a two-year term

The board gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 12 for the last of its quarterly meetings of the year. The appointed board members will join the three recently elected board members when the board begins its new term in February.

  • Tomme Arthur (taproom class), The Lost Abbey (CA)
  • Bill Butcher (packaging class), Port City Brewing, Co. (VA)
  • Leah Cheston (brewpub class), Right Proper Brewing Company (DC)

Board of Directors officers and committee chairs will be announced at the board meeting on February 12-13, 2025.

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The Brewers Association organizes events, including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, National Homebrew Competition, and American Craft Beer Week. The BA publishes The New Brewer and Zymurgy magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the American Homebrewers Association.

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Lady Justice Brewing X Culture Beverage Distribution Partnership

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ENGLEWOOD, CO – Lady Justice Brewing, one of the world’s only woman-owned, queer-owned, brewer-owned breweries, has signed a partnership with Colorado’s own Culture Beverage as their new distribution partner.

Culture Beverage represents some of the country’s most renowned and sought after breweries, distilleries, and meaderies, and their team is dedicated to helping its customers and all Coloradans learn more about fermentation and drinking cultures from around the world. This is a perfect fit alongside Lady Justice Brewing and their mission to brew great beer for a better world as a community-focused brewery dedicating time, space, and money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women, girls, and nonbinary people in the state of Colorado.

“We are so excited to grow Lady Justice’s exposure across Colorado. This is a big step for us, and we’re thrilled to partner with Culture Beverage to get more great beer for a better world into the hands of people across the state,” shares Betsy Lay, co-founder and owner of Lady Justice Brewing.

“We have been longtime fans of Lady Justice, so this is a dream come true for us to represent such wonderful people and beer.’ Say’s co-owner and General Manager Xandy Bustamante, “Our team can’t wait to get their delicious beers into the hands of more Coloradans and to help Lady Justice grow.”

For those seeking to carry Lady Justice Brewing in their bar, taproom, restaurant, liquor store, or other business, please contact Culture Beverage at 720-665-1956.

About Lady Justice Brewing

The Lady Justice Brewing Company was dreamed up by Betsy Lay, Kate Power, and Jen Cuesta during their 2010 service in AmeriCorps – asking the question “why can’t we brew beer and give back to our community?” What began as a small operation on a custom-built homebrew system in a tiny storage space has grown into a flourishing taproom and movement.

Today, Lady Justice Brewing is owned by Lay and her wife, Alison Wisneski. It functions as a community-focused brewery dedicating time, space, and money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women, girls, and nonbinary people in the state of Colorado.

About Culture Beverage

Culture Beverage is an independent and family owned and operated Colorado distributor. Our mission at Culture Beverage is to bring beverages with soul to Colorado bottleshops, bars, and restaurants. We are lucky enough to represent some of the best breweries, distilleries, and meaderies in the country, while being one of the few 100% Latinx owned distributors in the country.q1`

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NoFo Brew Co Expands Reach, Launches Distribution in Florida

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CUMMING, GA – NoFo Brew Co is thrilled to announce its official expansion into the Florida Panhandle, in partnership with Vintage Distributors. This exciting new chapter marks the brewery’s first distribution venture into the region, where NoFo’s popular core beers will now be available across both on-premise and off-premise locations.

The first delivery of NoFo beer—comprising its signature offerings—has already made its way to the Panhandle. The inaugural pallet includes NoFo’s staple brews: Snow Ghost New England IPA, a hazy, aromatic IPA with vibrant citrus and tropical fruit notes; Collateral Mexican Lager, a crisp, refreshing lager with a smooth finish that’s perfect for any occasion; and Bluebird Day Czech Pilsner, a light, balanced pilsner with a clean, refreshing taste.

Both keg and can package options will be available for customers across Florida’s Panhandle region. Whether enjoyed at local bars, restaurants, or in the comfort of home, NoFo Brew Co’s delicious brews are now more accessible than ever before.

NoFo’s owners, long-time fans of the Florida Panhandle, are especially excited about this expansion, as they have a personal connection to the area. They have cherished adventures of their time spent in the 30A region and are eager to bring their passion for craft beer to a place they’ve always felt a deep affection for.

“Expansion into Florida has been a part of our strategic plan for some time now,” says Joe Garcia, Co-Founder & CEO, NoFo Brew Co. He continues, “We are so glad to have found the right distribution partner in Vintage. We look forward to bringing our brand to the panhandle of Florida and serving existing and future relationships in the territory.”

NoFo Brew Co’s commitment to community and hospitality remains central to its mission, and the partnership with Vintage Distributors is an exciting step forward. Vintage Distributors, with its established reputation in the region, will ensure that NoFo’s beers reach the right outlets and are readily available for both consumers and local businesses.

“We are very excited to find such a great partner in Vintage Distributors to introduce our beer to the panhandle of FL for the first time,” shares Chris Rogers, Director of Operations, NoFo Brew Co. He continues, “We look forward to growing our brand with Josh & Kristi’s help in Florida and their great network of accounts. We can’t wait to visit the area soon and see NoFo beers in bars, restaurants and shops.”

Snow Ghost New England IPA, Collateral Mexican Lager and Bluebird Day Czech Pilsner are now available at select locations throughout the Florida Panhandle. NoFo Brew Co’s beers were also recently showcased at the renowned Crafted Alys Beach Beer Festival in Florida. Follow NoFo Brew Co on Instagram or Facebook for more details about where to find their beers, upcoming events, and additional updates.

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Partake Brewing Takes the Lead as the Exclusive Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Sponsor of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

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TORONTO, Canada – Partake Brewing, a leader in the craft non-alcoholic beer space, is thrilled to announce its role as the exclusive NA beer sponsor of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, uniting two trailblazers who are changing their respective fields.

Ted Fleming, Founder and CEO of Partake Brewing, shared his excitement: “At Partake, we brew for those who are out there pushing limits and defying odds. The incredible athletes of the PWHL embody this spirit perfectly. We’re proud to support these remarkable women as they continue to break barriers and inspire fans across North America.”

This sponsorship aligns seamlessly with Partake’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Just as Partake has redefined the non-alcoholic beer category, the PWHL is reshaping the landscape of professional women’s sports.

“We are proud to welcome Partake Brewing as the exclusive non-alcoholic craft beer sponsor of the PWHL,” said Chelsea Purcell, PWHL Sr. Director of Corporate Partnerships. “Partake’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation reflects the values of the PWHL, and their support helps us enhance the fan experience while celebrating the growth of women’s hockey. Together, we’re breaking new ground and creating memorable moments both on and off the ice.”

To kick off the partnership, Partake is launching a limited-edition PWHL-themed Everyday Variety Pack. Each pack includes a QR code entry for a chance to win a trip for two to the PWHL Finals, complete with roundtrip flights, accommodation, game tickets, and spending money. The Variety Pack and contest will be available at select North American retailers starting in early 2025.

Partake and the PWHL are also debuting an exclusive content series featuring standout players who are truly ‘Making it Happen.’ This campaign will shine a light on the league’s top athletes—both their skills on the ice and their impact off it—celebrating their resilience, passion, and community contributions. The series will be shared across official PWHL team social media channels and YouTube, bringing fans closer to the stories of players who are living out their dreams of professional hockey.

As a certified B Corporation, Partake Brewing continues to demonstrate its commitment to using business as a force for good. This sponsorship is a natural extension of the company’s dedication to creating a better future and fostering communities where everyone can partake in empowering women to make their mark in the world of sports.

So, here’s to breaking new ground, to the love of the game, and to watching those who are ‘Making it Happen.’ Grab a Partake, and let’s rally for the future of women’s hockey!

About Partake Brewing

Serving up the lowest-calorie non-alcoholic craft beer on the market, Partake offers a delicious array of award-winning styles, all under 30 calories, so you can enjoy a beer throughout all your pursuits. Founded in 2017, Partake Brewing has become a leader in non-alcoholic beer in North America, with distribution in major retail across Canada and the United States. Brewed using a proprietary process resulting in deliciously low-calorie beer, Partake Brewing is praised by drinkers for its unique combination of exceptional flavour, classic styles, and game-changing nutritionals. For more information about Partake Brewing and its non-alcoholic beers, please visit drinkpartake.com or follow along on Instagram at @PartakeBrewing or on Facebook at facebook.com/DrinkPartake.

About the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, each with rosters featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.

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The 2024 Year in Beer

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BOULDER, CO — As 2024 comes to a close, the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recaps a year of decelerated growth and continued honing of offerings.

In the BA’s midyear survey, craft saw a slightly more significant estimated decline in production (-2%) compared to the full year 2023 data (-1%). There were no significant year-over-year (YOY) variations in sales volume share by channel, and one distributed channel did not overtake another, suggesting a balance between where consumers are purchasing and where breweries are supplying.

In the second half of the year, Q3 scan data suggested weaker performance than the first half of the year, though there has been some deceleration of declines in recent periods. This suggests a full-year number that may be weaker than the midyear estimate.

“Craft has been going through a painful period of rationalization as demand growth has slowed and retailers and distributors look to simplify their offerings or add options for flavor and variety outside of the craft category,” said Bart Watson, vice president of strategy and membership, Brewers Association. “That said, breweries have reacted to these changes by focusing on distribution, continuing to innovate in their taprooms and brewpubs, creating groups and partnerships, and offering a wider range of beverages in their portfolios.”

Here’s a look at the highlights defining the Year in Beer.

Craft Beer by the Numbers

Count: The number of small and independent breweries in operation in the U.S. in 2024 totaled 9,736.

Openings and Closings: Throughout the year, the BA has tracked 335 new brewery openings and 399 closings. Despite the slight decline in the number of breweries in operation, closings remain a low percentage of total operating breweries.

Employment: The craft beer industry supported nearly 460,000 jobs nationwide, fostering local economies and creating opportunities.

Economic Impact: Craft beer’s contribution to the U.S. economy reached an impressive $77.1 billion, demonstrating its vital role in the broader beverage market.

2024’s Hottest Market Trends

Non-Alcohol Beer Boom: With the growing demand for mindful drinking, non-alcohol beer sales soared (scan dollars up 30%+ year-over-year from January through October) as brewers refined their techniques to deliver flavor-packed options.
Focus: After years of unfettered innovation ruling the industry, brewers are focusing more on building off of products and models where they’ve found success.

Hospitality: Breweries embraced new ways to emphasize the customer experience, from offering diverse dining options, cocktails, and mindful drinking options to family-friendly activities such as menus for kids to color.
Major Events of 2024

Great American Beer Festival (GABF®): October’s GABF welcomed more than 40,000 attendees and featured 2,500+ beers from 500+ breweries, highlighting the best American craft beer, ciders, ready-to-drink cocktails, hard teas, and kombuchas.

World Beer Cup (WBC): Known as “The Olympics of Beer,” the 2024 WBC evaluated 9,300 entries with breweries from 37 countries vying for global recognition.

Beer Weeks: Communities across the U.S. celebrated American Craft Beer Week in May, strengthening the bond between breweries and their fans.

Looking Ahead

As the craft beer landscape evolves, the industry is poised for another challenging year in 2025, with additional uncertainty, potential tariffs and rising costs, retailers and distributors looking to simplify offerings, and potential new dietary guidelines for beverage alcohol. Market pressures will likely lead to continued consolidation and alliances to cut costs and utilize excess capacity.

“Brewers are experiencing critical challenges at the crossroads of a high-cost environment paired with slowing growth,” said Watson. “To grow in 2025, brewers must do what they do best: adapt. They also will need to continue to do the hard work to find ways to tell their story and differentiate their brands against the competition.”

For a deeper dive into 2024 and predictions for 2025, BA members are invited to attend the “Ten Points and Predictions for 2025” webinar on Thursday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. MT with Vice President of Strategy and Membership Bart Watson and Staff Economist Matt Gacioch. Register here.

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History of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery and Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

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The History of Winter Welcome
For centuries, robust, higher-alcohol beers have warmed winter holiday gatherings, uniting old friends in seasonal cheer. Wassail, a pre-Christian festival honoring winter and its brews, reflects this tradition. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery’s Winter Welcome Ale, vintage-dated with a unique label annually, debuted in the US in 1990 as the first imported winter seasonal beer. Enjoy it in a Sam Smith tulip or nonik glass during the holidays.

Taste
Honey-amber colored, creamy head of small bubbles, floral aroma and delicious caramel malt flavor with great finesse. Fine hop aroma finish and a fruity note from fermentation in open-topped stone “Yorkshire Squares.”

Serving Suggestion
Roast goose, smoked turkey with oyster dressing, rack of lamb, candied yams, Smithfield hams, fresh pears and apples, Christmas cake. Serve in crystal tumblers, or traditional Yorkshire tulip or nonik pint glasses.

A Frothy Tale of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery: Yorkshire’s Timeless Brew
Picture this: a quaint Yorkshire town where horse-drawn carts clatter down cobblestone streets, delivering barrels of beer brewed with methods older than the American Revolution. Welcome to Tadcaster, home of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, a place where time seems to have sipped a pint and decided to linger. Founded in 1758, this family-owned gem is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, and it’s got stories, quirks, and beers that could make even a teetotaler raise a glass. Let’s dive into the frothy world of Sam Smith’s, where tradition reigns, and every pint is a taste of history.

A Sip of History
Tadcaster’s brewing roots stretch back to the 14th century, thanks to its gypsum-rich wells that churn out water perfect for crafting crisp, clean ales. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery kicked off as Backhouse & Hartley in 1758, but it wasn’t until 1886 that Samuel Smith, a tenacious nephew sidelined from the family’s other brewery (yes, there’s a juicy family feud in there), took the reins. He inherited an empty building—his uncle had cheekily moved all the equipment next door—but Samuel refitted it and turned it into a brewing powerhouse.

Fast forward to today, and the brewery still uses water from that same 1758 well, pumped 85 feet from an underground limestone lake. They ferment in Yorkshire Squares—stone vessels made of Welsh slate that give their beers a fuller-bodied flavor. The yeast? It’s the same strain they’ve used since the 1800s, like a family heirloom passed down through generations. And if that’s not old-school enough, they’ve got a cooper on staff making barrels and a team of dapple-grey Shire horses delivering beer around Tadcaster. It’s not just brewing; it’s a living museum.

Beers That Sparked a Revolution
Samuel Smith’s isn’t just about nostalgia—they’re innovators in disguise. Their bottled beers, like the velvety Oatmeal Stout and the rich Taddy Porter, were game-changers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, these brews inspired American craft beer pioneers like Goose Island and Brooklyn Brewery, who looked to Sam Smith’s for a masterclass in classic British styles. The Oatmeal Stout, reintroduced in 1980, single-handedly revived a nearly forgotten style.

Their lineup is a love letter to variety. From the crisp Organic Pale Ale to the decadent Organic Chocolate Stout, there{Feel free to add your own favorites!} they’ve got something for everyone. Love fruit? Try their cherry, apricot, or raspberry brews. Vegan? Good news—most of their beers (except Old Brewery Bitter and Yorkshire Stingo) are vegan-friendly, brewed with just malt, hops, yeast, and water. And for cider fans, their Organic Cider and Cider Reserve are crisp, refreshing treats.

One standout is the Winter Welcome Ale, a holiday favorite since 1990, when it became the first imported winter seasonal in the US. Each year, it sports a new vintage-dated label, perfect for sipping from a Sam Smith tulip glass while toasting old friends. It’s a rich, malty brew that warms the soul, like a cozy fireside chat in a pint.

Pubs Like No Other
Step into a Samuel Smith pub, and you’re stepping back in time. With over 200 pubs across the UK, including 20 in central London, these spots are time capsules. Think frosted windows, stained glass, and cozy rooms—some spartan, others plush with ornate wallpaper. The Crown Inn in Wetherby boasts furniture by craftsman Robert Thompson, while the Princess Louise in High Holborn has iconic bar booths.

But here’s where it gets quirky: no music, no TVs, no mobile devices. That’s right—Humphrey Smith, the brewery’s eccentric owner, runs these pubs like a Victorian headmaster. Want to check your phone? Step outside. It’s a bold move to keep the focus on conversation and beer, and locals either love it or grumble. Posts on X call it “counter-cultural” and “absurdly popular,” though some find the rules a bit much.

Quirks and Controversies
Speaking of Humphrey, he’s a character straight out of a Dickens novel. Known for his “Yorkshire bluntness,” he’s famously private, once hanging up on a US brewer requesting a tour. The brewery’s publicity-shy vibe is legendary—they’ve even dropped their branding from pubs and delivery trucks. In 1982, they made headlines by switching to an unlimited company, making owners personally liable for debts but freeing them from public financial disclosures.

Not everything’s rosy, though. Humphrey’s management style has sparked criticism. In 2015, he was fined for snubbing a pensions regulator, calling their request “tiresome.” During COVID, the brewery faced backlash for dodging test-and-trace systems in pubs. And in 2022, ex-managers won a dismissal case after being charged for alleged stock shortages, with a judge noting the company’s culture stifles objections. Some X posts and Reddit threads even call the beer “shite” and the pubs a “feudal” mess, though others defend the brewery’s commitment to tradition.

Why It Matters
Despite the controversies, Samuel Smith’s endures because it’s more than a brewery—it’s a stubborn stand against soulless corporate brews. As one X post put it, it’s not another “AB-Inbev-Coors-Marstons” conglomerate churning out “tasteless” beer. Their Shire horses, Yorkshire Squares, and cheap, high-quality pints keep fans coming back. Sure, 120 pubs reportedly sat empty in 2022 due to manager shortages—Humphrey’s strict rules don’t help—but the brewery’s export market, especially in the US via Merchant du Vin, keeps the taps flowing.

Raise a Glass
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery is a paradox: fiercely traditional yet quietly revolutionary, eccentric but beloved. Whether you’re savoring a Nut Brown Ale in a historic pub or cracking open an Organic Cherry Ale at home, you’re tasting 267 years of craft, quirks, and Yorkshire grit. So, grab a pint, ditch your phone, and toast to a brewery that’s as stubborn as a Shire horse and twice as charming.

 

 

The 2016 Great American Beer Festival: A Celebration of Craft Beer Excellence

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2016 Great American Beer FestivalThe Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held annually in Denver, Colorado, is the pinnacle of craft beer celebrations in the United States. In 2016, the 35th iteration of this iconic event took place from October 6-8 at the Colorado Convention Center, drawing over 60,000 beer enthusiasts, brewers, and industry professionals. Organized by the Brewers Association, GABF 2016 showcased an astounding 7,227 beers from 1,752 breweries across 50 states, competing for prestigious medals in 96 beer style categories. This article dives into the highlights, winners, and cultural impact of the 2016 Great American Beer Festival, optimized for beer lovers and festival-goers searching for a memorable craft beer experience.

A Record-Breaking Showcase of Craft Beer
The 2016 GABF was a testament to the booming craft beer industry, with attendance and participation reaching new heights. Over 800 breweries poured more than 3,800 beers during the festival’s public tasting sessions, offering attendees a chance to sample an unparalleled variety of flavors, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and experimental sours. The festival floor buzzed with excitement as beer fans explored regional specialties and innovative brews, guided by the GABF’s user-friendly mobile app and detailed program.

The event also featured a robust competition, judged by 240 beer experts from 10 countries. These judges evaluated entries in a blind tasting format, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals based on adherence to style, balance, and overall quality. In 2016, 286 medals were awarded, with an additional “Pro-Am” competition highlighting collaborations between professional brewers and homebrewers.

Standout Winners of GABF 2016
The 2016 GABF competition crowned several breweries that solidified their place in craft beer history. Here are some notable winners:

Brewery of the Year (Large Brewpub): Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. (Golden, CO) took home top honors, excelling in categories like American-Style Pale Ale and American-Style Strong Pale Ale.

Gold Medal Highlights:
American-Style IPA: “Sculpin” by Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits (San Diego, CA) claimed gold, reinforcing its status as a craft beer icon.

Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer: “Funk Yeah” by Beachwood Blendery (Long Beach, CA) wowed judges with its complex, tart profile.

Experimental Beer: “Edge of the Ledge” by The Unknown Brewing Co. (Charlotte, NC) earned gold for its bold, innovative approach.

Most Medals: Uberbrew (Billings, MT) led the pack, securing four medals, including two golds, showcasing Montana’s rising craft beer scene.

Festival Highlights and Attendee Experience
Beyond the competition, GABF 2016 offered a vibrant festival atmosphere packed with unique experiences:

Tasting Sessions: Attendees enjoyed four-hour tasting sessions across three days, with one-ounce pours allowing for responsible sampling. The “Paired” pavilion, featuring beer and food pairings, was a standout, elevating the sensory experience.

Educational Offerings: The festival included seminars and demonstrations, such as brewer Q&As and sensory workshops, helping attendees deepen their appreciation for craft beer.

Cultural Vibes: Themed areas like the “Heavy Medal” booth celebrated past winners, while live music and costume contests added a festive flair. The “Meet the Brewer” section connected fans with industry pioneers.

Sustainability Efforts: GABF 2016 emphasized eco-friendly practices, with composting stations and reusable tasting cups reducing the event’s environmental footprint.

The Cultural Impact of GABF 2016
The 2016 Great American Beer Festival underscored the craft beer movement’s growth and influence. With craft breweries contributing $67.8 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016 (per the Brewers Association), GABF served as both a celebration and a catalyst for innovation. The festival highlighted emerging trends, such as the rise of hazy IPAs, barrel-aged beers, and fruit-infused sours, which continue to shape the industry.

GABF also fostered community, bringing together brewers and fans to share stories, swap recipes, and toast to creativity. Its inclusive spirit welcomed newcomers and seasoned beer geeks alike, reinforcing Denver’s reputation as the “Napa Valley of Beer.”

Conclusion
The 2016 Great American Beer Festival was a landmark event, celebrating the artistry, diversity, and community of American craft beer. From award-winning brews to unforgettable experiences, GABF 2016 left an indelible mark on attendees and the industry. Whether you’re a craft beer novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the festival remains a bucket-list destination for discovering the best of American brewing. For more details on past winners or future events, visit the Brewers Association’s official GABF page.

 

2016 GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL WINNERS

GABF Style Medal Winners

Category 1: American-Style Wheat Beer
Gold: Tumblewheat, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Laramie, WY
Silver: Shredder’s Wheat, Barley Brown’s Beer, Baker City, OR
Bronze: Flash Bang, Excel Brewing Co., Breese, IL

Category 2: American-Style Wheat Beer With Yeast
Gold: White Noise, Überbrew, Billings, MT
Silver: Medley of Moods, Gibb’s Hundred Brewing Co., Greensboro, NC
Bronze: Boulder Bend Dunkelweizen, Fish Brewing Co., Olympia, WA

Category 3: American-Style Fruit Beer
Gold: Slingback, High Heel Brewing, St. Louis, MO
Silver: Miss IPPA, Peter B’s Brewpub, Monterey, CA
Bronze: Apricot Cream Ale, Vertigo Brewing, Hillsboro, OR

Category 4: Fruit Wheat Beer 
Gold: Mexican Spring, 515 Brewing Co., Clive, IA
Silver: Mango Wheat, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: Apricot Hefeweizen, Wasatch Brewery, Salt Lake City, UT

Category 5: Belgian-Style Fruit Beer
Gold: Apricot Wheat, Wiens Brewing Co./Wiens Family Cellars, Temecula, CA
Silver: Cherry Busey, Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN
Bronze: Cerasus, Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, Hood River, OR

Category 6: Pumpkin/Squash Beer
Bronze: Butt-Ah Nut, BTU Brasserie, Portland, OR

Category 7: Field Beer
Gold: Imperial Coconut Porter, Maui Brewing Co. – Production, Kihei, HI
Silver: Slam Piece, Coppertail Brewing, Tampa, FL
Bronze: Redbud with Cucumber, Independence Brewing Co., Austin, TX

Category 8: Chili Beer
Gold: Rocky Mtn Saison, 14er Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Silver: The Contender IPA with Fresh Chilis, Duck Foot Brewing Co., San Diego, CA
Bronze: Vengeance! Jalapeno Cream Ale, Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter, MN

Category 9: Herb and Spice Beer
Gold: NoDajito, NoDa Brewing Co. – Davidson, Charlotte, NC
Silver: Ginger American Ale, Broken Compass Brewing, Breckenridge, CO
Bronze: 1634 Ale, Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery, Frederick, MD

Category 10: Pumpkin Spice Beer
Gold: Pump Action Imperial Pumpkin Ale, 4 Noses Brewing Co., Broomfield, CO
Silver: Twisted Gourd, South Street Brewery, Charlottesville, VA
Bronze: 5 Phantoms Pumpkin Spice Barleywine, Philipsburg Brewing Co., Philipsburg, MT

Category 11: Chocolate Beer
Gold: Chaos, RAM/Big Horn Brewery – Wheeling, Wheeling, IL
Silver: The Ticket Chocolate Beer, ZwanzigZ Brewing, Columbus, IN
Bronze: 4th Gear (4th Anniversary), Kinetic Brewing Co., Lancaster, CA

Category 12: Coffee Beer 

Gold: Gusto Crema, Georgetown Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
Silver: Dusk ‘til Dawn – SC, Pizza Port San Clemente, San Clemente, CA
Bronze: Zumbar Chocolate Coffee Imperial Stout, New English Brewing Co., San Diego, CA

Category 13: Specialty Beer 

Gold: Campfire Stout, High Water Brewing, Stockton, CA
Silver: Good Conduct, Fieldwork Brewing Co., Berkeley, CA
Bronze: GAZPROM!, Lion Bridge Brewing Co., Cedar Rapids, IA

Category 14: Rye Beer  

Gold: Breakside Rye Curious?, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR
Silver: Rock-Biter Roggenbier, Hop Dogma Brewing Co., El Granada, CA
Bronze: Runaround Rye Ale, Roundhouse Brewery, Brainerd, MN

Category 15: Honey Beer 

Gold: Jetty Cream Ale, Great South Bay Brewery, Bay Shore, NY
Silver: Spring Fever, FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Truckee, CA
Bronze: Belgian Honey Blonde Ale, No Clue Craft Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Category 16: Session Beer

Gold: PSB Session IPL, Perry Street Brewing Co., Spokane, WA
Silver: Oatmeal Stout, Benchmark Brewing Co., San Diego, CA
Bronze: Slippery When Wit, South Street Brewery, Charlottesville, VA

Category 17: Session India Pale Ale

Gold: Trump Hands, Cannonball Creek Brewing Co., Golden, CO
Silver: Pace Car Racer, Bear Republic Brewing Co. – Production Facility, Cloverdale, CA
Bronze: Mosaic Session IPA, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – San Diego, San Diego, CA

Category 18: Other Strong Beer

Gold: Anodyne Wheat Wine, Revolver Brewing, Granbury, TX
Silver: Black Muddy River, Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon, North Olmsted, OH
Bronze: Muir Woods Coastal Red, Barebottle Brewing Co., San Francisco, CA

Category 19: Experimental Beer

Gold: Dry Hopped Systema Naturae – Scuppernong & Lily, D9 Brewing Co., Cornelius, NC
Silver: Wineification II, The Bruery, Placentia, CA
Bronze: Oyster Weiss, Scratch Brewing Co., Ava, IL

Category 20: Fresh or Wet Hop Ale

Gold: Melvin IPA, Melvin Brewing – Jackson, Jackson, WY
Silver: Acequia IPA, Bosque Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM
Bronze: IBUsive, Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon, North Olmsted, OH

Category 21: Historical Beer

Gold: Valhalla, El Rancho Brewing, Evergreen, CO
Silver: Grosse Teufel, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond, VA
Bronze: Wild & Crazy Rye, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery – Boulder, Boulder, CO

Category 22: Gluten-Free Beer

Gold: Dark Ale, Ground Breaker Brewing, Portland, OR
Silver: Copperhead, Greenview Brewing, Madison, WI
Bronze: Grapefruit IPA, Ghostfish Brewing Company, Seattle, WA

Category 23: American-Belgo-Style Ale

Gold: Mischief, The Bruery, Placentia, CA
Silver: #4.5 Hops with Saison Added, Brown Truck Brewery, High Point, NC
Bronze: White Wall Wit, Crank Arm Brewing Co., Raleigh, NC

Category 24: American-Style Sour Ale

Gold: Queen of Tarts, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – San Diego, San Diego, CA
Silver: Heart of Gold, Great Notion Brewing, Portland, OR
Bronze: Excommunication, Forte Cerise, Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery, Atlanta, GA

Category 25: Brett Beer

Gold: Touch of Brett, Alesong Brewing & Blending, Eugene, OR
Silver: Dreamy Thing, Cerebral Brewing, Denver, CO
Bronze: Brett Saison, Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond, VA

Category 26: Mixed-Culture Brett Beer

Gold: Fünke Hop Farm, Sudwerk Brewing Co., Davis, CA
Silver: White Label, Almanac Beer Co., San Francisco, CA
Bronze: DAM Wild: Marionberry Pink Peppercorn, Flat Tail Brewing Co., Corvallis, OR

Category 27: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer

Gold: Drama Queen, Denver Beer Co. – Canworks, Denver, CO
Silver: Brett Saison, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Walland, TN
Bronze: Rye Robustito, Drake’s Brewing Co., San Leandro, CA

Category 28: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer

Gold: Silent Warrior, TAPS Fish House & Brewery – Corona, Corona, CA
Silver: Mélange À Trois, Nebraska Brewing Co. – Papillion, Papillion, NE
Bronze: 15th Anniversary Ale, Island Brewing Co., Carpinteria, CA

Category 29: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout

Gold: Barrel-Aged Darkness, Surly Brewing Co., Brooklyn Center, MN
Silver: The Event Horizon, Olde Hickory Brewery, Hickory, NC
Bronze: Little Nonsense, Verboten Brewing, Loveland, CO

Category 30: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer 

Gold: Sour Project Ale, Adirondack Pub and Brewery, Lake George, NY
Silver: Avant-Chard, Historic Brewing Co., Flagstaff, AZ
Bronze: Angelina, Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids, MI

Category 31: Fruited Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer 

Gold: Razz-Jerry Tart, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery – Brea, Brea, CA
Silver: Saint Dekkera Reserve Sour: Framboise, DESTIHL, Normal, IL
Bronze: Pi, Propolis Brewing, Port Townsend, WA

Category 32: Aged Beer 

Gold: Doc’s Scotch Ale, Millersburg Brewing, Millersburg, OH
Silver: Expedition Stout, Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Comstock, MI
Bronze: Winter Wheatwine 2007, Rubicon Brewing Company Pub, Sacramento, CA

Category 33: Kellerbier or Zwickelbier –

Gold: Sunnyside Dweller, Ocelot Brewing, Sterling, VA
Silver: Kelly Alt, Snake River Brewing Co., Jackson, WY
Bronze: Pilsner, Marble Brewery, Albuquerque, NM

Category 34: Smoke Beer 

Gold: Raucher, Wolverine State Brewing Co., Ann Arbor, MI
Silver: Cowboy Curtis, Arts District Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA
Bronze: Croydon Is Burning, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., Croydon, PA

Category 35: American-Style or International-Style Pilsener 

Gold: Robot Crush, Aeronaut Brewing Co., Somerville, MA
Silver: Pelicano Extra!, Pelican Brewing Co., Tillamook, OR
Bronze: Mexican Logger, SKA Brewing, Durango, CO

Category 36: American-Style Light Lager or German-Style Light Lager

Gold: #10 American Lager, Brown Truck Brewery, High Point, NC
Silver: Lightner Creek Lager, Carver Brewing Co., Durango, CO
Bronze: Coors Light, Coors Brewing Co., Golden, CO

Category 37: American-Style Lager or Ice Lager or Malt Liquor – 34 Entries

Gold: Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR), Pabst Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA
Silver: Coors Banquet, Coors Brewing Co., Golden, CO
Bronze: Lager, Craft Brew Alliance – Omission, Portland, OR

Category 38: American-Style Cream Ale – 65 Entries

Gold: El Sully, 21st Amendment Brewery, San Leandro, CA
Silver: Old Style Lager, Pabst Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA
Bronze: Broadway Light, Detroit Beer Co., Detroit, MI

Category 39: American-Style Amber Lager or Dark Lager – 108 Entries

Gold: Casa Azul, El Segundo Brewing Co., El Segundo, CA
Silver: Tragedy of the Commons, Iowa Brewing Co., Cedar Rapids, IA
Bronze: Lighter Than I Look, Figueroa Mountain Brewing – Buellton, Buellton, CA

Category 40: German-Style Pilsener – 115 Entries

Gold: Industry, The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., Austin, TX
Silver: Bosque Lager, Bosque Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM
Bronze: Lokahi Pilsner, Kohola Brewery, Lahaina, HI

Category 41: Bohemian-Style Pilsener – 62 Entries

Gold: Sweet Ride, Bagby Beer Co., Oceanside, CA
Silver: Polaris Pilsner, Chainline Brewing Co., Kirkland, WA
Bronze: Torch Pilsner, Foothills Brewing Co., Winston-Salem, NC

Category 42: Munich-Style Helles – 84 Entries

Gold: Chuckanut Helles, Chuckanut Brewery, Bellingham, WA
Silver: Helles, Dry Dock Brewing Co. – South Dock, Aurora, CO
Bronze: Hell Yes, The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., Austin, TX

Category 43: Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest – 46 Entries

Gold: Dortmunder Mifflin, Emmett’s Tavern & Brewing Co. – Palatine, Palatine, IL
Silver: Longboard Island Lager, Craft Brew Alliance – Kona Brewery, Kailua-Kona, HI
Bronze: Figtoberfest, Figueroa Mountain Brewing – Westlake Village, Westlake Village, CA

Category 44: Vienna-Style Lager – 67 Entries

Gold: Vienna Lager, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Outpost Production Facility, Lexington, VA
Silver: 13.FIVE Ofest, Blue Mountain Barrel House and Organic Brewery, Arrington, VA
Bronze: Churchville Lager, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., Croydon, PA

Category 45: German-Style Maerzen – 79 Entries

Gold: Zirkusfest Oktoberfest Lager, Hi-Wire Brewing – Big Top Production Facility, Asheville, NC
Silver: Seven Bridges, Jekyll Brewing, Alpharetta, GA
Bronze: Fruhauf Oktoberfest, Pollyanna Brewing Co., Lemont, IL

Category 46: European-Style Dark Lager/Munich-Style Dunkel – 38 Entries

Gold: I Dunkled in My Pants, Figueroa Mountain Brewing – Buellton, Buellton, CA
Silver: Piney Ridge Dunkel, Front Range Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO
Bronze: Prunkle’s Dunkle, Horse Thief Hollow Brewery, Chicago, IL

Category 47: German-Style Schwarzbier – 47 Entries

Gold: General Schwarz, Central Coast Brewing Co., San Luis Obispo, CA
Silver: Alternate Present, Fiction Beer Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: Once You Go Schwarz…, Figueroa Mountain Brewing – Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Grande, CA

Category 48: Bock – 36 Entries

Gold: Breakline Bock, Rip Current Brewery, San Marcos, CA
Silver: Numbskull, Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom, Travelers Rest, SC
Bronze: Bridge Street Bock, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – Phoenixville, Phoenixville, PA

Category 49: German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock – 29 Entries

Gold: Warning Sign, Rockyard American Grill & Brewing Co., Castle Rock, CO
Silver: Frankenwald Eisbock, ZwanzigZ Brewing, Columbus, IN
Bronze: Apocalyptinator, Nevin’s Brewing Co., Plainfield, IL

Category 50: Baltic-Style Porter – 41 Entries

Gold: Danzig, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Basecamp, Roseland, VA
Silver: Apogee Baltic Porter, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA
Bronze: Siberian Silk, La Cumbre Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM

Category 51: Golden or Blonde Ale – 115 Entries

Gold: Kirby, Echo Brewing Co., Frederick, CO
Silver: Miss Conduct, Moonraker Brewing Co., Auburn, CA
Bronze: German Blonde Ale, Bemidji Brewing Co., Bemidji, MN

Category 52: German-Style Koelsch – 111 Entries

Gold: Light of Cologne, Ornery Beer Co., Woodbridge, VA
Silver: Vacation, Daredevil Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN
Bronze: Lü, Solemn Oath Brewery, Naperville, IL

Category 53: English-Style Summer Ale – 68 Entries

Gold: Hometown Blonde, RAM/Big Horn Brewery – Lakewood, Lakewood, WA
Silver: Ridgway Blonde, Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery, Ridgway, CO
Bronze: Liquid AC, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – La Jolla, La Jolla, CA

Category 54: Classic English-Style Pale Ale – 38 Entries

Gold: Extra Pale Ale, Summit Brewing Co., Saint Paul, MN
Silver: Breakside ESB, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR
Bronze: HopFish IPA, Flying Fish Brewing Co., Somerdale, NJ

Category 55: English-Style India Pale Ale – 43 Entries

Gold: Gatecrasher, Temperance Beer Co., Evanston, IL
Silver: Face Plant, Lost Rhino Brewing Co., Ashburn, VA
Bronze: Live Wire, Roak Brewing Co., Royal Oak, MI

Category 56: Australian-Style or International-Style Pale Ale – 90 Entries

Gold: Drop Bear Australian Pale Ale, Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Raleigh, NC
Silver: Mai Tai P.A., Alvarado Street Brewery, Salinas, CA
Bronze: Breakside Lunch Break ISA, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR

Category 57: American-Style Pale Ale – 157 Entries

Gold: Stick’s Pale Ale, Bootstrap Brewing Co., Niwot, CO
Silver: Monterey Street, Central Coast Brewing Co., San Luis Obispo, CA
Bronze: The Charlatan, Maplewood Brewery, Chicago, IL

Category 58: American-Style Strong Pale Ale – 169 Entries

Gold: Good Green, Highland Park Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
Silver: Rippin, Sunriver Brewing, Sunriver, OR
Bronze: HFS, Alpine Beer Co., San Diego, CA

Category 59: American-Style India Pale Ale – 312 Entries

Gold: Bodhizafa IPA, Georgetown Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
Silver: Super Cali IPA, Riip Beer Co., Huntington Beach, CA
Bronze: Breaking Bud, Knee Deep Brewing Co., Auburn, CA

Category 60: Imperial India Pale Ale – 211 Entries

Gold: Humulus Insani, Überbrew, Billings, MT
Silver: Nobility, Noble Ale Works, Anaheim, CA
Bronze: Hop JuJu Imperial IPA, Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH

Category 61: American-Style Amber/Red Ale – 114 Entries

Gold: Ole Prospector Red Ale, BNS Brewing & Distilling Co., Santee, CA
Silver: Better Off Red, Vintage Brewing Co., Madison, WI
Bronze: Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, Smog City Brewing Co., Torrance, CA

Category 62: Double Red Ale – 78 Entries

Gold: The Red Glove, Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM
Silver: Average at Best, Überbrew, Billings, MT
Bronze: RIPA, Carson’s Brewery, Evansville, IN

Category 63: Imperial Red Ale – 62 Entries

Gold: Paradocs Red Imperial IPA, Raised Grain Brewing Co., Waukesha, WI
Silver: reDANKulous – Backstage Series, Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, MI
Bronze: Wreak Havoc, Bootstrap Brewing Co., Niwot, CO

Category 64: English-Style Mild Ale – 44 Entries

Gold: Workman’s Compensation, Lion Bridge Brewing Co., Cedar Rapids, IA
Silver: Saddle Bronc Brown, Black Tooth Brewing Co., Sheridan, WY
Bronze: Old Town Brown, Auburn Alehouse, Auburn, CA

Category 65: Ordinary or Special Bitter – 39 Entries

Gold: DBA (Double Barrel Ale), Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, CA
Silver: Drop Top Amber Ale, Craft Brew Alliance – Widmer, Portland, OR
Bronze: Special Bitter, Redwood Curtain Brewing Co., Arcata, CA

Category 66: Extra Special Bitter – 71 Entries

Gold: Redfeather, Black Raven Brewing Co., Redmond, WA
Silver: Red Fish, Flying Fish Brewing Co., Somerdale, NJ
Bronze: Mother Earth ESB, Mother Earth Brew Co., Vista, CA

Category 67: Scottish-Style Ale – 46 Entries

Gold: White Street Scottish Ale, White Street Brewing Co., Wake Forest, NC
Silver: Scottish Ale, Two Kilts Brewing, Sherwood, OR
Bronze: McGreagor Scottish Ale, Kootenai River Brewing Co., Bonners Ferry, ID

Category 68: Irish-Style Red Ale – 80 Entries

Gold: Highlander Devil’s Hump Red Ale, Missoula Brewing Co., Missoula, MT
Silver: St. James Irish Red Ale, Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co., Glenwood Springs, CO
Bronze: Riley’s Irish Red, The Packinghouse Brewing Co., Riverside, CA

Category 69: English-Style Brown Ale – 47 Entries

Gold: Tri-Town Brown, Echo Brewing Cask and Barrel, Erie, CO
Silver: Sir Williams, Grapevine Craft Brewery, Grapevine, TX
Bronze: Not Brown, CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing, Fort Collins, CO

Category 70: American-Style Brown Ale – 84 Entries

Gold: Brown, Culture Brewing Co., Solana Beach, CA
Silver: Upslope Brown Ale, Upslope Brewing Co. – Flatiron Park, Boulder, CO
Bronze: Face Down Brown, Telluride Brewing Co., Telluride, CO

Category 71: American-Style Black Ale – 61 Entries

Gold: Once You Go, Lynnwood Brewing Concern – Production Facility, Raleigh, NC
Silver: Midnight Moonlight, Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH
Bronze: Alpha Force Double Tap, Überbrew, Billings, MT

Category 72: German-Style Sour Ale – 141 Entries

Gold: Gose, Reuben’s Brews, Seattle, WA
Silver: Gose, Kulshan Brewing Co., Bellingham, WA
Bronze: Farmers Market Citrus Gose, Sudwerk Brewing Co., Davis, CA

Category 73: German-Style Altbier – 57 Entries

Gold: Little Red Cap, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, Loveland, CO
Silver: Deep Roots, Red Cypress Brewery, Winter Springs, FL
Bronze: On-Sight Alt, Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., Chattanooga, TN

Category 74: South German-Style Hefeweizen – 111 Entries

Gold: Windansea Wheat, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – San Diego, San Diego, CA
Silver: Weißbier, Prost Brewing, Denver, CO
Bronze: Shotgun Betty, Lonerider Brewing Co., Raleigh, NC

Category 75: German-Style Wheat Ale – 33 Entries

Gold: AlpenGlow, Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon, North Olmsted, OH
Silver: Slam Dunkel, Steamworks Brewing Co., Durango, CO
Bronze: Küsterer Original Weissbier, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs, MI

Category 76: Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale – 61 Entries

Gold: Solid Gold, Cannonball Creek Brewing Co., Golden, CO
Silver: Lunatic, Wicked Weed Brewing – Asheville, Asheville, NC
Bronze: Sunken Road, Spencer Devon Brewing, Fredericksburg, VA

Category 77: Belgian-Style Witbier – 85 Entries

Gold: Ommegang Witte Ale, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY
Silver: Wit’s End Ale, Great American Restaurants – Sweetwater Tavern, Centreville, VA
Bronze: Witbier, Community Beer Co., Dallas, TX

Category 78: Classic Saison – 88 Entries

Gold: Achtertuin Seizoen Farmhouse Ale, The Post Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO
Silver: Meriwether, Perennial Artisan Ales, St. Louis, MO
Bronze: Saison, Baere Brewing Co., Denver, CO

Category 79: Specialty Saison – 92 Entries

Gold: Six Finger Sam Saison, Two Rivers Brewing Co., Easton, PA
Silver: #4 Saison, Brown Truck Brewery, High Point, NC
Bronze: Creme de Peche, The Commons Brewery, Portland, OR

Category 80: Belgian- and French-Style Ale – 27 Entries

Gold: Domaine DuPage, Two Brothers Brewing Co., Warrenville, IL
Silver: Swingin’ Single, Piece Brewery, Chicago, IL
Bronze: Antonym, 2SP Brewing Co., Aston, PA

Category 81: Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale – 74 Entries

Gold: Hexotic, Two Roads Brewing Co., Stratford, CT
Silver: Chaos is a Friend of Mine, Beachwood Blendery, Long Beach, CA
Bronze: Roes Red, Pure Project, San Diego, CA

Category 82: Belgian-Style Dubbel or Quadrupel – 63 Entries

Gold: Abbey Dubbel, Elm City Brewing Co., Keene, NH
Silver: Responsibly, Nebraska Brewing Co. – Papillion, Papillion, NE
Bronze: Flyin’ Monks, Adelbert’s Brewery, Austin, TX

Category 83: Belgian-Style Tripel – 92 Entries

Gold: Allagash Tripel, Allagash Brewing Co., Portland, ME
Silver: PDA, Black Bottle Brewery, Fort Collins, CO
Bronze: Tripel Dog Dare, Big Dog’s Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV

Category 84: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale – 70 Entries

Gold: Old Split-Foot, Broken Bow Brewery, Tuckahoe, NY
Silver: Monk in Public, Maize Valley Craft Brewery, Hartville, OH
Bronze: Treachery, 12Degree Brewing, Louisville, CO

Category 85: Other Belgian-Style Ale – 31 Entries

Gold: Blond, Copper Kettle Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Silver: Standard Issue, Central Standard Brewing, Wichita, KS
Bronze: Petite Classique, The Commons Brewery, Portland, OR

Category 86 Brown Porter – 61 Entries

Gold: FivePine Chocolate Porter, Three Creeks Production, Sisters, OR
Silver: Black Shack Porter, Wachusett Brewing Co., Westminster, MA
Bronze: Porter, Back East Brewing, Bloomfield, CT

Category 87: Robust Porter – 94 Entries

Gold: Tabula Rasa Toasted Porter, Second Chance Beer Co., San Diego, CA
Silver: Shallow Grave, Heretic Brewing Co., Fairfield, CA
Bronze: Point Reyes Porter, Marin Brewing Co., Larkspur, CA

Category 88: Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout – 41 Entries

Gold: Big Drought Stout, Solid Rock Brewing, Spicewood, TX
Silver: Love Stout, Yards Brewing Co., Philadelphia, PA
Bronze: Bangin The Mash, Latitude 42° Brewing Co., Portage, MI

Category 89: Export Stout – 43 Entries

Gold: Dirty Frank Stout, River’s Edge Brewing Co., Milford, MI
Silver: Fade to Black, Volume 1, Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, CO
Bronze: Starway Stout, Barrel Mountain Brewing, Battle Ground, WA

Category 90: American-Style Stout – 55 Entries

Gold: P2P, 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Bend, OR
Silver: Black Cliffs, Boise Brewing, Boise, ID
Bronze: The Volcanist, Societe Brewing Co., San Diego, CA

Category 91: Sweet Stout or Cream Stout – 71 Entries

Gold: Chocolate Milk Stout, Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM
Silver: Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout, Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, Farmville, NC
Bronze: Good Mooed Milk Stout, Railtown Brewing Co., Dutton, MI

Category 92: Oatmeal Stout – 61 Entries

Gold: Sless’ Oatmeal Stout, Iron Springs Pub & Brewery, Fairfax, CA
Silver: Backside Stout, Steamworks Brewing Co., Durango, CO
Bronze: Feelin’ Your Oats, SLO Brew, San Luis Obispo, CA

Category 93: Imperial Stout – 91 Entries

Gold: The Russian, 2SP Brewing Co., Aston, PA
Silver: Gatling Gun Imperial Stout, BNS Brewing & Distilling Co., Santee, CA
Bronze: Iron Triangle Jawbone, Iron Triangle Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA

Category 94: Scotch Ale – 76 Entries

Gold: Real Heavy, Real Ale Brewing Co., Blanco, TX
Silver: Oh My Darlyn!, Revelry Brewing Co., Charleston, SC
Bronze: Going Plaid, Fifty West Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH

Category 95: Old Ale or Strong Ale – 38 Entries

Gold: Irish Walker, Olde Hickory Brewery, Hickory, NC
Silver: COLOSSAL FIVE, Port City Brewing Co., Alexandria, VA
Bronze: Old Silenus Ale, Migration Brewing Co., Portland, OR

Category 96: Barley Wine-Style Ale – 60 Entries

Gold: AleSmith Old Numbskull, AleSmith Brewing Co., San Diego, CA
Silver: Barley Wine Ale, Dick’s Brewing Co., Centralia, WA
Bronze: Toad Choker Barley Wine, Nine-Band Brewing Co., Allen, TX

Pro-Am – 88 Entries

Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co., The Country Malt Group, Yakima Chief-Hopunion and White Labs

Gold: Just Rye’te, Panther Island Brewing Co., Fort Worth, TX
Brewmaster: Panther Island Brewing
Homebrewer: Clifton Ellis

Silver: Vernal Equinox, Starr Hill Brewery, Crozet, VA
Brewmaster: Starr Hill Brewing Team
Homebrewer: Gary Layton

Bronze: The Kolsch Experiment, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Laramie, WY
Brewmaster: Jesse Brown
Homebrewer: Shawn Miller

2016 Brewery and Brewer of the Year Awards

Very Small Brewing Company and Very Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Brewers Supply Group (BSG)
Brown Truck Brewery, High Point, N.C.
Team Brown Truck

Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by O-I
Überbrew, Billings, Mont.
Über Cru

Mid-Size Brewing Company and Mid-Size Brewing Company Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by MicroStar Logistics
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – San Diego, San Diego, Calif.
Team Karl

Large Brewing Company and Large Brewing Company Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Beer Institute
Pabst Brewing Co., Los Angeles, Calif.
Gregory Deuhs

Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
ZwanzigZ Brewing, Columbus, Ind.
Mike Rybinski and Trent Fleener

Mid-Size Brewpub of the Year
Sponsored by Brewers Supply Group (BSG)
Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Albuquerque, NM
Justin Hamilton and Dylan Davis

Large Brewpub and Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Country Malt Group
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., Austin, Texas
Amos Swifty Kim

 

 

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Oakshire Brewing Announces Updated Plans For Third Taproom In Downtown Springfield

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EUGENE, OR – Oakshire Brewing is excited to announce its third taproom, Oakshire Commons, will now open in a vibrant new location in Downtown Springfield. Originally planned for The Rivett Building, the taproom will now be located just four doors down at 416 Main St. in the space formerly occupied by The Pedaler. This bar and restaurant location has been a cherished part of the community and Oakshire Commons will continue creating a welcoming space for connection and craft in the heart of Springfield.

“Downtown Springfield is a special place for Oakshire and for me personally,” said Kiley Gwynn, Oakshire’s Director of Marketing and a proud Springfield resident. “We’re excited to be part of the vibrant and growing community here, and we look forward to contributing to the culture and connections that make Downtown Springfield so unique.”

The Oakshire Commons will bring together the best features of Oakshire’s current locations: the Public House in Eugene and the Beer Hall in NE Portland. It will feature Oakshire’s award-winning beers, Detroit-style pizza, and morning coffee hours, creating a welcoming gathering place for the community to enjoy at any time of day.

“We’re as committed as ever to making this space a hub for connection and creativity,” said Oakshire Founder and CEO, Jeff Althouse. “Oakshire Commons will feel both fresh and familiar, blending the craftsmanship of our beers with the warmth of community in Downtown Springfield.” Designed to complement Springfield’s rich culinary and social scene, Oakshire Commons will welcome
outside food, encouraging visitors to enjoy fare from the neighboring food carts and local favorites. Its coffee service and Detroit-style pizza will establish the Commons as a daytime destination for locals and visitors alike.

The new location will also host Oakshire Inspires events, continuing the brewery’s commitment to giving back to the community. To celebrate the opening, Oakshire Commons will host an extra special grand opening party benefitting the McKenzie Community and Land Trust and its efforts supporting the recovery from the Holiday Farm Fire, furthering Oakshire’s mission of supporting meaningful causes in the region.

Megan Gallbraith, Oakshire’s Taproom Director, emphasized the importance of community in shaping this new space: “We’re excited to bring the Oakshire experience to Springfield. Our taprooms are about more than just beer—they’re about creating welcoming spaces where people can gather, relax, and share memorable moments. It’s a chance to deepen our roots and be part of this incredible revitalization story.”

Oakshire Commons will open in early 2025. Stay tuned for updates as the team works to bring this exciting new chapter to life in the heart of Springfield.

About Oakshire Brewing

Oakshire Brewing of Eugene, Oregon, is a community inspired small batch brewing company founded in 2006. Oakshire is privately owned by the family and friends of its founders, employs 28 people, and produces a wide variety of beers through its three distinct brewing programs: Core, Pilot, and Vintage. These beers are available on draft and in package through Oakshire’s
exceptional wholesale partners in Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Oakshire operates two taprooms in Oregon: the Oakshire Public House in Eugene, which is located at 207 Madison Street, and the Oakshire Beer Hall in NE Portland, which is located at 5013 NE 42nd Ave. For more information about Oakshire, including our people, locations, and beers, visit our website at oakbrew.com

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

New Realm Brewing Company Opens World-Class Brewery, Distillery and Restaurant in Suffolk, VA

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SUFFOLK, VA – Atlanta-based New Realm Brewing Company hosted a grand opening celebration for the award-winning brewery’s sixth location, and its second in Virginia. Located at 5941 Harbour View Blvd., the brewery, distillery and restaurant is now open seven days a week. New Realm’s leadership team was joined by Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman at a ribbon-cutting event to mark the official opening.

“We are thrilled to open our Suffolk location and offer customers a great place to gather for our award-winning craft beers and spirits and a locally sourced scratch kitchen,” said Carey Falcone, CEO of New Realm Brewing. “Our connection to the communities we serve is very important to us, and we’ve been proud to serve the community at our Virginia Beach location over the past 6 years. We’re excited to grow our commitment with this incredible venue and bring New Realm to the people of Suffolk.”

New Realm Brewing Company Suffolk features:

· A 110-seat restaurant with additional bar seating and indoor event space with a world-class scratch kitchen featuring fresh ingredients for locally sourced dishes.

· Outdoor experiences including a rooftop setting with 114 seats plus additional bar seating and an 8,000-square-foot beer garden featuring an outdoor music venue and dog park.

· A brewhouse with annual capacity to brew 500 barrels, including a variety of innovative beers to complement the existing award-winning core brands. The beer brewed onsite will be featured in our Suffolk and Virginia Beach taprooms.

· A distillery with capacity to create 400 gallons annually of New Realm’s small-batch hand-crafted distilled spirits. New Realm mixologists create specially made fresh cocktails using unique regional ingredients for a refreshingly curated experience. Guests can experience New Realm’s full line of small-batch aged bourbon, gin, vodka and agave along with seasonal small-batch special releases.

The New Realm Suffolk brewery is led by world-famous Brewmaster Mitch Steele and Chief Operating Officer Brian Faivre, with Kane Wille as the head brewer. World-renowned chef Grant MacPherson designed New Realm’s culinary program from its inception. With over 17 years of experience in New York City and Virginia, Chef John Urena heads up the Suffolk location following success opening New Realm Virginia Beach and other breweries and restaurants in the Hampton Roads area. Chef John is passionate about the culinary arts and sharing his love of cooking with the community.

New Realm’s beers include Hazy Like a Fox IPA, Kickflipper West Coast IPA, Psychedelic Rabbit and Tank Dog to name a few. The brewery also has successful partnerships with the American rock band Blackberry Smoke in addition to Auburn University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Tech and Old Dominion University.

In addition to Suffolk, Virginia Beach and the flagship location in Atlanta, the company also operates locations in Auburn, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; and Greenville, South Carolina.

ABOUT NEW REALM BREWING CO.

New Realm is an American craft brewery and distillery started in 2016 by co-founders Carey Falcone, Bob Powers, and Mitch Steele. The company operates production and innovation breweries/distilleries, each with on-site scratch kitchens serving globally inspired, locally sourced fare, in multiple Southeastern US cities. New Realm’s core values are quality, creativity, authenticity, and striving for perfection, all with a customer-centric community focused commitment and approach.

New Realm’s awards include Multiple Great American Beer Fest gold medals (2022), Brewbound’s “Rising Star” Brewery, Ratebeer’s “Best New Brewer in Georgia,” Ratebeer’s 11th “Best New Brewer in the World”, and Virginia Craft Beer Cup’s gold medal (2019 & 2021) and “Best in Show” for Euphonia Pilsner (2019). Brewmaster Mitch Steele was awarded the Russell Scherer Award for Innovation in Brewing and authored the book IPA: Brewing Techniques, Recipes, and the Evolution of India Pale Ale. Learn more at NewRealmBrewing.com.

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