Oct. 12 -- Three Albuquerque breweries beat out some tough competition in two categories at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
Quarter Celtic Brewpub and Meadery won a gold medal for its Vienna Festbier, in the Vienna Style Lager category, which had 123 entries. This is the fourth GABF medal for Quarter Celtic. It won two silvers in 2020 and a bronze in 2022 at GABF.
"We are super excited to get a gold medal at the Great American Beer Fest, in the Vienna Festbier style!" Ror McKeown, Quarter Celtic co-owner, said via text. "There is one keg left that we are holding for a previous employee for their wedding."
McKeown added his brother and head brewer Brady McKeown along with assistant brewer and Ror's son, Keegan McKeown, will brew another Vienna.
"So everyone can taste the best Vienna lager in America once again," RorMcKeown said. "Our regulars already know how delicious it is because they ordered it like it was going out of style! New Mexico beer is still going strong thanks to the still growing 505 craft beer culture!"
Another gold winner at this year's GABF, was Tractor Brewing Company. It took the top medal for its Mustachio Milk Stout in the Sweet Stout or Cream Stout category. Boxing Bear Brewing Co.- Firestone, took silver in the same category, with its Chocolate Milk Stout. The category had 37 entries.
"I couldn't be more proud or excited for this brewing team," said TJ Frederich, head brewer of Tractor Brewing Company, in a statement. "We have worked so hard over the last 3-4 years to reach this milestone. It's not the end of the story, but just the beginning in my opinion. I am extremely excited for the next chapter of this journey."
It is Tractor's first GABF medal for its brewing team made up of Damian Perez, Dominic Gantar, César Adrián Quezada-Hernández, and Friedrich. The Mustachio Milk Stout is available at all Tractor locations as well as in package at various retailers throughout the state.
"Watching the hard work, dedication, and love for the game pay off has been a true joy," Friedrich added. "I'm beyond grateful for the unwavering support from everyone along the way, and I look forward to all the amazing things ahead. Thank you all for being a part of this journey!"
Boxing Bear Brewing Co. has medaled in the past at GABF with its Chocolate Milk Stout. The stout won gold in 2016 and silver in 2015 at the competition. It is available on tap at both Boxing Bear locations.
The Brewers Association in partnership with the American Cider Association, awarded 326 medals to 273 breweries and cideries, during an awards ceremony held on Saturday morning at GABF, according to a GABF news release. The festival is the nation's largest professional beer competition.
This year, the GABF judge panel evaluated noteworthy brews and ciders in 102 beer categories, including 170 subcategories, as well as five new cider categories and the Pro-Am and Collaboration competitions. The Pro-Am is an opportunity for commercial breweries to team up with homebrewers to vie for top honors.
There was a multi-step judging process done by 285 beer experts who evaluated 8,836 commercial beer entries, 233 commercial cider entries, 95 collaboration entries and 52 Pro-Am entries, according to the news release. Judging took place in three phases over seven days and included brewery entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
"The Great American Beer Festival continues its commitment to recognizing exceptional beverages from across the country in the 2024 competition," Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association, said in a statement. "With the addition of five new cider categories, we're pleased to recognize the best of the best in beer and beyond. Congratulations to this year's winners!"
