While no beer enthusiast has doubted the craftsmanship of Iron Hill brewers, it’s great to see them recognized beyond the level of their local lovers….again.
Iron Hill’s brewers recently packed up their craft brew crew and journeyed to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver for the 16th time. The annual event celebrates the best in American brewing culture and this year attracted 49,000 attendees to celebrate more than 2,700 beers (36,500 gallons!) from 578 breweries vying for the 252 medals. Out of those 252 medals, Iron Hill Brewery secured an impressive 4, bringing their GABF total over the years to 39 medals.
“We are tremendously proud of all our talented brewers, particularly this year’s GABF winners Bob, Brian, Tim and Kevin, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate 16 years of consecutive wins as a team,” says Director of Brewing Operations Mark Edelson. This year’s success may have had something to do with their big following, a sea of 79 supporters who wore “16 Years, So Many Beers” t-shirts and rang cowbells to cheer on their brewers at GABF. While the enthusiasm was much appreciated, the largest effort toward winning the medals was completed pre-trip, as winning head brewers, Bob Barrar (Media), Brian Finn (Wilmington), Tim Stumpf (Phoenixville) and Kevin Walter (Lancaster) were hard at work in their laboratories, crafting the medal-worthy beers.
The GABF win was particularly meaningful for Barrar, who extended his winning streak to 11 years and is Iron Hill’s – and the Philadelphia region’s – most decorated brewer, with an astonishing 24 medals from the GABF and the World Beer Cup (WBC).
Medals or not, you probably already knew the winning beers listed below were top notch. Still, the medals are nice. Now get your hands on the best brews around and cheers to Iron Hill’s victory!
Russian Imperial Stout, a bronze medal winner for “Imperial Stout,” from Barrar at Media, PA.
Iron Hill’s most decorated beer: GABF silver medal 2011; GABF gold medal 2010; GABF gold medal 2006; GABF gold medal 2003; WBC gold medal 2012; WBC gold medal 2010; WBC bronze medal 2006
A full-bodied beer that starts with a complex malty sweet and high roasted character, wonderfully balanced with the generous use of citrusy American hops.
Black IPA, a bronze medal winner for “American-Style Black Ale,” from Finn at Wilmington, DE.
An American-style IPA with full malt flavor, pronounced bitterness and substantial hop flavor and aroma complemented by a touch of roast character.
Roggenbier, a bronze medal winner for “Rye Beer,” from Stumpf at Phoenixville, PA.
Another multi-medal winner: GABF gold medal 2008
A traditional German-style dark rye beer with a huge, fruity nose from Bavarian ale yeast with hints of unsweetened chocolate and caramel and a touch of spiciness from the rye.
Rauchtoberfest, a silver medal winner for “Smoked Beer,” from Walter at Lancaster, PA.
A traditional German-style festival beer brewed with 50% malt smoked over beechwood chips for a subtle smoke flavor and aroma that complements the malt character.
For more information about Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, or to make a reservation at any of their locations, please visit www.ironhillbrewery.com, follow them on Twitter (@ironhillbrewery) and like them on Facebook.
