Firestone Walker named, ‘Grand National Champion’ at competition
Blind judging competition held in Ohio
– Breweries from Maui to Munich sent in almost 5,000 beers representing over 90 different styles for the 2016 U.S. Open Beer Championship. This competition includes professional breweries and award-winning home-brewers. On Monday, U.S. Open judges from England, Canada and the United States announced the winners.
Firestone Walker Brewing from Paso Robles, was named Grand National Champion by winning three gold medals, one silver medal and a bronze. Their three beers that were awarded gold medals were Union Jack IPA, Double Jack and Parabajava. Melvin Brewing from Jackson, Wyoming placed second while Cigar City Brewing from Tampa, Florida took home third.
Judging in the U.S. Open Beer Championships is blind; the judges do not know what beers they are tasting. The final round of judging was held at the Quarter Barrel Brewery & Pub in Oxford, Ohio.
The full winner’s list can be found here.