Three Kootenay-based craft breweries win at BC Beer Awards

The mandate of the BC Beer Awards is to reward excellent beers even if not brewed exactly to strict style guidelines.

Jordan Aasland and Rusty Cox of Fisher Peak Brewing Company at the BC Beer Awards. — Photo courtesy BC Beer Awards

The recent BC Beer Awards held in Vancouver saw three Kootenay-based breweries take home some hardware – Fisher Peak Brewing Company, Cranbrook; Whitetooth Brewing Company, Golden and the Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson.

Golden’s Whitetooth captured two first place awards and Cranbrook’s Fisher Brewing Company and Nelson Brewing Company won one each.

This was the largest year ever! BC Beer Awards received 1085 entries from 109 BC Breweries. The judging took place over 3 days and was performed by a BJPC, Cicerone and Pro Brewers judges from all over North America. The BC Beer Awards & Festival (BCBA) has become one of the most anticipated awards ceremonies and beer tasting festivals in the Lower Mainland.

The BC Beer Awards & Festival (BCBA) has become one of the most anticipated awards ceremonies and beer tasting festivals in the Lower Mainland. — Photo courtesy BC Beer Awards

The mandate of the BC Beer Awards is to reward excellent beers even if not brewed exactly to strict style guidelines. Secondary, is ensuring that every beer brewed in BC can be entered regardless of whether it fits in a style or not. Craft Brewers across the province are well-known for their innovation and creativity, something that the BCBA organizers are keen to help celebrate. There are well over 150 craft breweries in BC.  

Here are the Kootenay winners by category: 

Strong Ale

1. Hellroaring Scottish, Fisher Peak Brewing Company — Cranbrook

Speciality Beer

1. Launch Pad Belgian-Inspired Rye Ale, Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd. — Golden

North American Porter & Stout

1. Truth, Dare, Consequence Nordic Imperial Stout, Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd. — Golden

North American Light Beer

1. Hooligan, Nelson Brewing Co. — Nelson

Brewery of the Year was awarded to Vancouver's 33 Acres Brewing Company.

Congratulations to all of the winners!