27th Great American Beer Festival Names Top Beers and Brewers

Hopefully we'll get some thoughts from Brendon when he gets back (or even before then if he logs in to RealBeer from the States).


Record Number of Entries Heightens Competition
Denver, Colo.- October 11, 2008- More than 127 judges labored for three days to evaluate 2,902 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. The five top awards recognize small, medium and large breweries and small and large brewpubs. The awards went to the following breweries:

Large Brewing Company and Large Brewing Company Brewer of the Year:
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Doug Muhleman

Mid-Size Brewing Company and Mid-Size Brewing Company Brewer of the Year: Sponsored by Crosby & Baker Ltd.
Pyramid Breweries Inc.
Simon Pesch

Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year: Sponsored by Microstar Keg Management
AleSmith Brewing Co.
The AleSmith Brewing Team

Large Brewpub and Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year: Sponsored by Brewers Supply Group
Rock Bottom Brewing
Rock Bottom Brewing Team

Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year: Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
Redwood Brewing Co.
Bill Wamby

To view the complete winners view a PDF:
http://www.beertown.org/events/gabf/pdf/winners/gabf08_winners.pdf

or visit www.GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com festival winners at
http://www.beertown.org/events/gabf/medals/medalists.aspx