West Side Story

Well, ladies and gents, the votes are in, the ballots counted, the hangovers begun, and can I just say, ..."Hell, yeah"!!

The 26th Great American Beer Festival was held this weekend in Denver, Co and it was another kick-ass time. For those of you who live under a rock, this is the mack daddy of beer festivals. If you're American and a dude, it's the Superbowl, If you're American and a chick, think Oscars. You're European? It's the World Cup. But way better. Throw in Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction, a catfight between Jessica Biel and Cameron Diaz, and Zidane's headbutt-heard-round-the-world all rolled into one and we're getting closer.
Here's a taste of what went down in the mile-high city.
"More than 100 judges labored for three days to evaluate 2,793 beers and
pick the best entries and top breweries for this year’s Great American Beer Festival. A total of 222 medals were awarded in 75 beer style categories and top breweries and brewers were designated based on the total number of medals won. This year 473 breweries entered 2,793 beers making 2007 the most competitive GABF on record. Only 8 percent of all beers entered earned a medal. Only one percent of the breweries entered were recognized with
“Brewery of the Year” awards. In total 142 breweries—30 percent of all those participating—won at least one medal this year. Only 62 breweries—13 percent of all those participating—won at least one gold medal this year.
As in recent years, American-style India Pale Ale drew the largest number of entries with 120 in total. This year the competition saw explosive growth in the Fruit and Vegetable Beer category from 46 entries in 2006 to 94 entries in 2007. The Wood- Barrel-Aged Beer category also grew, going from 58 entries in 2006 to 72 entries in 2007. The newest category of Gluten Free Beer had just 8 entries this year, and Judge Director Chris Swersey believes it will grow dramatically in the future."
Ooh, I'm getting all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.
It was a definitely all about the West Coast this year and I'm happy to report that some very close friends were awarded medals this year. Of the the five top awards recognizing small, medium and large breweries and small and large brewpubs, here's are a few special shout-outs. Check 'em out, they brought it.

Mid-Size Brewing Company and Mid-Size Brewing Company Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by HopUnion CBS, LLC
Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, California
Matt Brynildson firestonewalker.com.
Congrats, boys!



Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Microstar Keg Management
Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, California
Tomme Arthur

Other notables were Marin Brewing Company, who took home 4 Gold Medals. (Special shout out to Big Al!!! First Sanctification's on me, my tall friend!).

And, last, but most certainly not least, I'm so, so, so proud to report that here at Russian River Brewing we took home 3 medals for Supplication, Temptation, and Blind Pig.



Bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded in each of the 75 style categories. For a complete list of winners
please see www.GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.