AVBC Strikes Gold in Denver
Boonville, CA (October 9, 2000) Anderson Valley Brewing scored another triumph at the 19 th Annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver this past weekend. The Boonville Brewery achieved a Gold Medal, recognizing their High Rollers Wheat Beer as the best of 49 entrants in the "American Style Wheat Ale" category. Anderson Valley Brewing has now won a total of eight medals, including five golds, from the GABF, regarded as the World Series of beer competitions. Over 400 breweries from across the United States took part, and over 1800 different beers were available for sampling by the over 20,000 beer aficionados who attended the festival over three days. Beers submitted for judging were evaluated by the industry’s most highly regarded experts in a rigid ‘blind tasting’ course, and a gold medal is not necessarily awarded in each of the 55 different categories.
Brewery President and founder, Dr. Kenneth Allen, on his return from the festival expressed his appreciation for the Anderson Valley "brew crew" that produces the frequently awarded beers. "I am extremely proud of our fine brewers and support people, since most all of the beers at the GABF were wonderful," Allen said. "It is an honor to be singled out to receive a Gold Medal because they are only awarded to world class beers that accurately exemplify the proper balance of taste, aroma, and appearance for their particular styles."
Head Brewer Brit Antrim, who attended the proceedings in Denver, was surprised and pleased by the award. "For a brewery known for its high gravity, highly hopped beers, it’s gratifying to win in such a challenging category. There’s really nothing to hide behind with this style—no specialty malts or intense hop flavor. There were many good beers entered, and we are proud to have been named the best."
High Rollers Wheat Beer has long been a cult favorite among Anderson Valley’s fans. Available in the 22-ounce ‘bomber’ bottles and on draft, it is made with 40% wheat malt, as opposed to the usual barley malt, and special low alpha acid hops, which allow the natural tartness of the wheat to shine through. High Rollers Wheat Beer has a dazzling head, delicate tangy taste, and a crisp clear finish that makes it a refreshing, thirst quenching beer that has won over many ardent ‘mainstream’ domestic beer drinkers.
The timing for this latest award couldn’t be more fortuitous. Previously a seasonal offering from Anderson Valley, High Rollers Wheat Beer was available only from April to October, but last month the decision was made to make High Rollers a year round product. Deep Enders Porter, another seasonal, has also joined Anderson Valley’s roster of beers available throughout the year. Anderson Valley, which just began operations in its newly constructed Bavarian style brew house, expects to be able to triple its production capability.
Anderson Valley Brewing last won a Gold Medal at the GABF in 1998, when their Boont Amber Ale bested over 90 entrants in its category. Earlier this year, the Boonville brewery’s Hop Ottin’ India Pale Ale took a Bronze Medal in the World Beer Cup, a highly prestigious international judging.
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April 25th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Excellent post i am sure that i will come back here soon