Steamworks Brewing Co. took home a gold medal for its Backside Stout at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver earlier this month – the 19th GABF medal awarded to the brewery over the course of its 29-year history.
According to a news release by Steamworks, the brewery competed against 32 other entries in the oatmeal stout category, and walked away with the highest honor.
Steamworks, which has also been awarded five World Beer Cup medals, ranks among the most decorated breweries in the United States, the release said.
The Backside Stout, named for the tricky ski runs off Chair 8 at Purgatory Resort, is “celebrated for its rich complexity – a smooth, silky beer with layered malt and oat flavors balanced by sweet chocolate and roasted notes,” according to the release.
“It’s always great to be recognized by the GABF, especially when we’re making exactly what our customers love to drink,” said Brewmaster Ken Martin in the release.
The Backside Stout also won gold in 2010, Bronze in 2014, and Silver in 2016 at the festival.
The Great American Beer Festival, which has operated for 39 years, is the largest commercial beer competition in the world, with 250 judges evaluating 8,315 entries from 1,555 breweries across all 50 states.
epond@durangoherald
