THE GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL, which was held in Denver last weekend, is a massive beer fest, and earning a medal there isn’t easy. The fest awards gold, silver and bronze medals in 107 beer style categories.
Three local breweries managed to take home some hardware from this weekend, and that means good things for those breweries and the Milwaukee brewing community in general. Plus, all three of these beers are available right now in cans throughout the Milwaukee area, so you can experience what excellence tastes like even if you don’t want to venture to the the brewery.
1.
MobCraft Beer Low pHunk Sour Ale
Medal: Gold
Category: American-Style Sour Ale
MobCraft Beer solidified its strong sour program by earning a gold medal for Low pHunk Sour Ale.
“I’m so glad that Low pHunk won,” said MobCraft founder Henry Schwartz. “(Brewer) Adam (Thomas) is a talented sour and wild brewer so it’s great seeing one of his beers win. This just shows that ‘Brew City’ is back.”
2.
City Lights Brewing Hazy IPA
Medal: Silver
Category: Juicy or Hazy IPA
City Lights Brewing claimed a silver in a crowded category, with 348 entrants, for its delicious Hazy IPA. It was the first GABF medal for City Lights for a beer that deserves the honor.
“Winning silver in the largest category at GABF feels a little surreal and insanely awesome,” said Jimmy Gohsman, founder and brewer at City Lights. “A lot of work went into tweaking the recipe and the process of this beer, so to be awarded silver at GABF is incredible. Winning a medal like this just elevates the entire brand recognition, and also sets the bar with consumers that if you buy a City Lights beer you’re expecting that beer to be a great one. We’re looking forward to exceeding those expectations and can’t wait to share more hazy awesomeness.”
3.
Unite the Clans Scottish Ale
Medal: Silver
Category: Rye Beer
Third Space Brewing has collected a few medals in its short existence, and Unite the Clans has snagged three of them. It took gold in 2017, silver in 2018 and silver again this year.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win a GABF medal for the third year in a row with the same beer,” said Andy Gehl, co-founder of Third Space. “The judges change every year so it’s truly an impressive feat and a tribute to (brewmaster) Kevin (Wright) and his whole production team’s efforts to craft and consistently produce such a quality beer.”
The medal count is another sign that Milwaukee’s breweries are crafting quality beers. The 2019 GABF marks the first time that three different Milwaukee craft breweries claimed awards.
“The Milwaukee craft scene has arrived and we are finally getting more widespread recognition for the great beers brewed in the Brew City,” added Gehl. “We may all be competitors, but we are so proud of our local brewery friends for what they have all accomplished. We all root for each other, and this year there was a lot to cheer for.”
