— Arizona Independent Beers Gain National Clout —
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Four independent Arizona breweries were awarded medals at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held over the course of three days October 5-7 in Denver, Colorado. The largest commercial beer competition in the world, GABF receives thousands of entries each year from breweries across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Beers were judged by a panel of industry professionals from all over the world in 98 beer categories, covering 161 distinct beer styles.
Arizona’s craft beer industry has flourished in recent years, and is now home to more than 87 independently owned brewing companies at 110 locations across the state that have come together in their commitment to producing a rich variety of high quality, locally crafted beers. Recognition at this year’s awards further punctuates a statewide movement in designating Arizona as an up-and-coming craft beer destination in the Southwest.
Rob Fullmer, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, commented, “We couldn’t be more proud of Arizona’s showing at this year’s Great American Beer Festival. As our community has grown, so has the quality of beers we’ve seen being produced throughout the state and it’s great to see that dedication to quality be recognized. With each passing year, we see and hear our independent Arizona brewers step up to the plate, constantly looking to what’s next and pushing themselves and their beers to get better and better. Being recognized on a national platform like this is a win for all of Arizona’s independent craft brewers and a testament to the power and potential of the industry as a whole.”
Saddle Mountain Brewing Co. received a Gold Medal for its Taildragger’s Clan-Destine Scottish-Style Ale, made with reclaimed water as part of an initiative used to educate Arizonans on the value of water recycling and purification. The award marked a first for the Goodyear-based brewery, as the first-ever West Valley brewery to receive a GABF award.
Tempe-based, Pedal Haus Brewery took home a Silver Medal in the category of Light Lager for its Pedal Haus Light Lager.
Derek Osborne of Pedal Haus commented, “I’m so proud of craft beer this year! Historically, our friends at the giant mega breweries with flawless equipment, super talented people and unlimited budgets have dominated this category. Joining two other great craft breweries in sweeping the American Light Lager category is a sweet victory that gives me a sense of pride . . . “
Arizona breweries also took home two Bronze Medals at this year’s competition; the first awarded to Goldwater Brewing Co. of Scottsdale for its American-Style Brown Ale, Machine Gun Teddy and the other to Scottsdale Beer Company for its Cannonball Australian-Style Pale Ale.
Each of the four recognized breweries are active members of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.
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About the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild
The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild was established in 1998 and represents nearly 100 breweries, breweries in the planning stages, craft beer bars, partners and distributors across the state of Arizona. The Guild promotes the craft brewing industry in Arizona by providing educational opportunities to brewers, distributors and consumers and promotes quality craft beers and the responsible consumption of those products. Visit chooseazbrews.com for more information.
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Shelby Tuttle | ANDERSON Advertising & PR
(480) 330-9346 | shelby@anderson-adv.com
