Three North San Diego County breweries won gold medals on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, the nation’s largest professional brewing competition commonly referred to as “The Oscars” of the craft beer industry.
The local gold-medal winners are San Marcos’ Craft Coast Beer & Tacos for its Chillzner in the International-Style Pilsner category, Solana Beach’s Culture Brewing Co. for its 3 Citrus Gose in the Contemporary Gose category, and Oceanside’s Green Cheek Beer Co. for its Jeff’s Baltic Porter in the Strong Porter category.
Gold medals are awarded for a “world-class beer that accurately exemplifies the specified style, displaying the proper balance of taste, aroma and appearance,” according to the Great American Beer Festival website.
Two North County breweries also won silver medals: Vista’s Pure Project for its Mount Eden in the Specialty Saison category and Carlsbad’s Rouleur Brewing Company for its Domestique Blonde Ale in the Belgian- Style Ale or French Style Ale category.
Twelve medals were earned overall by San Diego County breweries, including five gold, four silver and three bronze.
“American’s Finest City had yet another fine performance in the Rockies this year,” San Diego Brewers Guild Executive Director Erik Fowler said. “The quality of craft beer is certainly spread throughout the County. As always, we hope San Diegans will go out and try these great beers, along with great food in many cases at these breweries and brewpubs.”
The Great American Beer Festival competition, which is presented by the Brewers Association, included more than 9,000 entries within 102 categories. An average of 85 beers were entered in each category, and the medals were awarded by 285 certified judges and experienced members of the brewing industry. For a complete list of winners, visit greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2024-winners/.
San Diego County is known as “The Capital of Craft,” a moniker that was trademarked in 2015. San Diego has the most craft brewery locations among all counties in the United States with more than 150.
San Diego Brewers Guild is a nonprofit organization that promotes local small businesses and entrepreneurs of craft beer via education, events, and community involvement. The 16th Annual San Diego Beer Week, presented by the Guild, returns Nov. 1-10 at breweries, brewpubs, bars and restaurants throughout San Diego County.
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