Local Winners of National Notoriety

Local Winners of National Notoriety

Recently Denver, Colorado just hosted just hosted the WorldBeer Cup International Competition, a competition developed by the Brewers Association in 1996 “to celebrate the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding achievement.” After judging was complete, Northeast Ohio, and by distribution Western PA, have a lot to celebrate.

            Four beers from Northeast Ohio received celebratory remarks at the World Beer Cup this past week. Among them, one of my personal favorites (link first article), Willoughby Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter, took home gold in its category.  Fat Head’s (North Olmstead/Cleveland/Pittsburgh) took home two prizes, while Thirsty Dog in Akron and Columbus Brewing Co. in Columbus each took home one.

Willoughby Brewing Co.: Willoughby Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter won the Gold Medal for category 9, “Specialty Beer.”  This style was characterized by “any beers brewed using unusual fermentable sugars, grains and starches that contribute to alcohol content other than, or in addition to, malted barley.” This beer finished first of thirty contestants.

Thirsty Dog: Barrel-Aged Siberian Night won the Bronze Medal for category 22, “Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout.”  This category includes any and all stouts with an alcohol percentage greater than 6.5% abv. These beers must be aged for any period of time in wood barrels (whiskey, oak, bourbon, sherry, wine, etc) and the presence of the original beer may or may not be apparent.  From the categorical definition by the World Beer Cup, “Ultimately a balance of flavor, aroma and mouthfeel are sought with the marriage of new beer with wood and/or barrel flavors.” This beer finished third of seventy-two entrants.

Fat Head’s Brewery: Head Hunter won the Silver Medal for category 87, “American-Style India Pale Ale.” IPAs are perhaps the hottest ticket in craft beer right now as they’re loved by both beginners to the craft beer scene, as well as experienced connoisseurs.  The style demands rigid appearance, allowing for some haze from hops.  The aroma and taste of the beer is heavily reliant on “citrus-like, piney, resinous or sulfur-like American-variety hop character” with “medium maltiness present.” This beer finished second of 224 contestants (the highest total of entrants).

Fat Head’s Brewery: Bonehead Red won the Silver Medal for category 90, “Imperial Red Ale.” Imperial Red Ales are dark amber in color, full of hops and balanced by medium to high caramel malt character. The alcohol should be perceived and the hops provide a biting edge.

            The Gold Medal winner was Columbus Brewing Company’s Uncle Rusty, noted here because it may occasionally be available regionally, as Columbus is available in and around Youngstown, Ohio.

You can find the official 2014 winners page here and specific style criteria here.

Ever try any of these? Think they deserve the award, or were they sold short? Perhaps you feel they are overrated? Have your say below.

Cheers til next time,

KevBot