It bills itself as the “Most Prestigious Beer Competition in the World”, and this year B.C. brewers proved they are among the best of the best.
In all, B.C. breweries brought home nine medals—including three golds—from the World Beer Cup, held last night in Nashville, Tennessee. The rest of Canada combined for an additional five medals.
Leading the way was Riot Brewing Co. from Chemainus, which won gold for its Working Class Hero Dark Mild in the English-Style Mild Ale category and a bronze for Breakfast of Champions Coffee Lager in the Coffee Beer category.
Vancouver’s Powell Brewery won gold in the Extra Special Bitter category for its Old Jalopy Pale Ale, while Abbotsford’s Raven Brewing Co. took the top spot in the gose competition with it Corvus Lingonberry Lime Gose.
Other award winners were 33 Acres of Euphoria by 33 Acres Brewing Co. (silver, Belgian-Style Tripel), Juxtapose by Four Winds Brewing Co. (silver, American Belgo-Style Ale), Scarlet by Steamworks Brewing Co. (silver, Wood- or Barrel-Aged Strong Beer), Smoke and Mirrors Imperial Smoked Ale by Coal Harbour Brewing Co. (silver, Smoke Beer) and Black Tusk Ale by Whistler Brewing (bronze, English-Style Mild Ale).
The World Beer Cup is held every two years and features more than 8,000 entries from 2,500 breweries in close to 60 countries.
Out of a possible 303 awards in 101 beer style categories, 302 were awarded. One gold award was not given in the International-Style Pilsener category.
“Beer brings people together,” said Charlie Papazian, founder and past president of the Brewers Association, which puts on the event. “The World Beer Cup showcases the breadth of the global brewing community and winning an award symbolizes one of the greatest brewing achievements.”
For the full competition results, visit WorldBeerCup.org.
