DURANGO, Colo. – Steamworks Brewing Co. once again helped maintain Durango’s reputation as the Napa Valley of Beer, capturing a Silver medal for the signature Colorado Kölsch at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival (GABF).
The GABF is sponsored by the Brewers Association and was held in Denver, Sept 24-25. According to a press release from the Brewers Association, the 29th GABF surpassed all previous participation records, exceeding last year’s record-setting competition.
Award-winning brewers received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in 92 beer categories covering 145 different beer styles (including all subcategories), establishing the best examples of each style in the country. Winners were chosen from 6,647 competition entries (20 percent more than in 2014) from 1,552 breweries hailing from 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
This year’s GABF competition also saw its biggest panel of judges ever, with 242 beer experts from 15 countries, including the U.S., and 155 competition volunteers.
Steamworks’ Colorado Kölsch competed among 111 entries to take the Silver in the German-style Kölsch category. The Colorado Kölsch is a derivative of German Kölschs, which were created in response to the popular lager-based Pilsners being produced in the Czech Republic in the 1840s.
“It’s a light crisp ale with a hint of sweetness, and is very refreshing – which the judges agreed was true to the original style,” said Brian McEachron, Steamworks co-founder. “The credit for the Kölsch and all our award-winning beers definitely goes to our stellar brewers Ken Martin, Spencer Roper and Chad Quinn.”
The Colorado Kölsch is a recipient of Silver at the GABF in 2007 and 2010, as well as Silver at the 2008 World Beer Cup. At the Australian International Beer Competition it also took Silver in 2009 and Bronze in 2008.
Only one additional Durango brewery, Ska Brewing Co., medaled at the event, with the “Ska Face” taking Bronze in Wood and Barrel-aged Strong Beer category, as well as a Silver in the American Style or International Style Pilsner category for the Mexican Lager.
Based in Boulder, the Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade and education association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit www.brewersassociation.org to learn more.
Steamworks Brewing Co., open 11 a.m. to closing seven days a week, is located at 801 E. Second. Ave., Durango (970.259.9200). For further information, visit www.steamworksbrewing.com.