Cheers to the Carolinas: Local Breweries Shine at GABF
Denver, Colorado, was buzzing over the weekend with excitement as the annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) took place, and we have some fantastic news from the Carolinas! A total of a dozen breweries from the region grabbed the spotlight, bringing home a whopping 13 medals. Among those celebrating were two local favorites from Charlotte, who took top honors in their categories.
Charlotte’s Top Brews
First up, Pilot Brewing Co. made waves with their exceptional Pub Ale, which snagged a shiny Gold medal. This isn’t just any award; pilots of flavor at the brewery have clearly hit the mark that judges were looking for. But that’s not all! Resident Culture also took home a Gold medal for their innovative NARC IPA, which is a notable achievement considering the growing popularity of non-alcohol beers these days.
A Record-Breaking Event
For those not in the know, the GABF is an annual event organized by the Brewers Association, a key player in the beer trade. This year was particularly exciting as it welcomed several new cider categories for the first time. Brewers from all corners of the country got together to show off their best creations. It’s estimated that over 1,836 breweries and cideries participated from all 50 states, including Puerto Rico, leading to an impressive tally of more than 8,800 beers judged across various categories. That’s a lot of brews to sample!
How They Did It
With an average of 85 entries per category, competition was fierce, but that didn’t deter our local breweries. Out of a total of 326 medals awarded to 273 breweries, the Carolinas held their own among the nation’s finest. It’s a clear testament to the thriving craft beer culture in our states!
The Carolinas’ Medal Winners
Here’s a breakdown of the medal winners from the Carolinas for your bragging rights:
- Pilot Brewing Co. – Gold for Pub Ale
- Resident Culture – Gold for NARC IPA
Celebrating Craft Beer
For beer enthusiasts, the GABF is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of craft beer culture that brings together brewers and lovers of beer alike. Whether you enjoy a hoppy IPA or a classic lager, there’s something for everyone to appreciate. The recognition received at this festival is about more than just medals; it is a highlight for these breweries and a delightful moment for every beer lover who enjoys their heart-crafted brews.
What’s Next?
With these accolades in hand, we can expect even greater things from our local breweries. They not only represent the talented craft brewers of Charlotte but also the entire Carolinas. So, let’s raise a glass to Pilot Brewing Co. and Resident Culture, along with all the other participating breweries. Their hard work and creativity make our local beer scene vibrant and exciting!
So, if you haven’t stopped by to try their award-winning beers yet, now’s the perfect time to do so. Give them a visit, and support local brewers who continue to put our region on the craft beer map!
