Nelson and Fernie breweries win at 2013 BC Beer Awards

— Photo courtesy Nelson Brewing Company.

The 4th Annual BC Beer Awards & Festival was held in Vancouver on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Croatian Cultural Centre. The marquee consumer tasting event of BC Craft Beer Month, this festival celebrated the very best in craft brewing from all across this great province. The one-day only event, it featured both the craft beer festival and the BC Beer Awards ceremony.

The 2012 BC Beer Awards judging drew over 400 unique entries from over 35 BC breweries and brewpubs, with winners selected in 12 distinct categories. Judges included certified beer judges, cicerones, sommeliers, journalists, as well as noted beer and food lovers. The BC Beer Awards adheres to standards set by the Internationally-recognized Beer Judging Certification Program (BJCP).

The overall mandate of the BC Beer Awards is to celebrate excellent beer, judging each hand-produced, artisanal beverage on its own merits. Craft Brewers across the province are well-known for their innovation and creativity, something that the BCBA organizers are keen to help honour.

Here is a list of Kootenay breweries that won...

SESSION ALE—26 ENTRIES

1st Place - The Nelson Brewing Co. - Wild Honey Organic Ale - Mike Kelly

ENGLISH ALE—14 ENTRIES

1st Place - The Nelson Brewing Co - Hop Good Organic Session IPA - Mike Kelly

FRUIT BEER—18 ENTRIES

3rd Place - Fernie Brewing Company - What the Huck - Gord Demaniuk/Paul Graham 

SCOTTISH / IRISH—7 ENTRIES

3rd Place - Fernie Brewing Company - Fernie Big Caboose Red Ale - Gord Demaniuk/Paul Graham  

Congratulations to the Nelson Brewing Company and the Fernie Brewing Company.