A few Central Alberta breweries medalled at the 2024 Canada Beer Cup.
An awards presentation was held for the annual nonprofit craft beer competition in New Westminster, B.C. on Friday, Oct. 18.
Lacombe's Blindman Brewing had a big showing, winning four medals: Perepllut Barley Wine won gold in the Strong British Ale category, Dwarf Sour Cherry Saison won gold in the Specialty Wild or Mixed Fermentation category, Drinking Buddies won gold in the Community and Collaborations Packaging category, and 24-2 Brett Stock Ale won silver in the Brett Beers category.
Troubled Monk in Red Deer took home two medals: Rebels Red won bronze in the Canadian Malt-Forward Beer category and Open Road won a silver in the North American Brown Ale category.
Olds College Brewery won silver in the North American Amber Ale category.
Over 1,500 entries were received from more than 250 breweries across Canada. Beer submissions were blind tasted in mid-September by a judging panel at Blackburn Brew House in Niagara Falls, Ont. The judging panel included 32 judges from Italy, the Netherlands, Mexico, the United States and across Canada. They were hand-picked by head judges Lauren Richard from Toronto, Ont., Dave Cole from Winnipeg, Man., and Joe Wiebe from Victoria, B.C.
The Canada Beer Cup awarded gold, silver and bronze trophies in 56 beer categories and four packaging categories at the gala, which had attendees from across Canada. The packaging awards were a new addition to the Canada Beer Cup this year.
"We were proud to welcome craft brewers from across Canada to New Westminster, B.C. and celebrate craft beer from across the country that is truly second to none," said Joe Wiebe, one of the Canada Beer Cup head judges who also emceed the gala.
Quark, Strangeness, Charm, from Pile O’ Bones Brewing in Regina, Sask., won the Canada Beer Cup 2024 best of show award. Brewed in collaboration with Nokomis Craft Ales, Quark, Strangeness, Charm is described as a "classic Witbier with coriander, sweet orange peel and a little bit of oats." The can label features artwork by deaf, two-spirited Nakota artist, Torrie Ironstar. Pile O ’Bones Brewing is partially Métis-owned and is a Verified Saskatchewan Métis Business.
For a full list of winners, visit www.canadabeercup.com/2024-results.
