2 MN Brews Medal At Great American Beer Festival

MINNESOTA — Two Minneapolis breweries won medals this past weekend at the Great American Beer Festival that wrapped up Saturday in Denver.

The festival is the nation’s largest for professional brewers and hands out some of the industry’s most sought-after accolades. The festival ran over nine days, with 250 beer experts from 10 countries serving as judges.

Judges evaluated nearly 9,445 entries from 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, including collaborations between professional breweries and pro-am collaborations from professionals and amateurs. Among those, 303 medals were awarded to 263 breweries across 99 categories and 175 beer styles. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded.

Brews from Minnesota's Surly Brewing Co. and the Freehouse were both recognized.

Minnesota's medals:

● Gold: The Freehouse, Minneapolis: "No. 68 Red Lager" in the Rye Beers category
● Bronze: Surly Brewing Co., Minneapolis: "Lemonade" in the American Fruit Beer category

"Minnesotans should be very proud of the quality and craftsmanship of our local craft beer," said Jess Talley, Executive Director of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, in a news release.

"These breweries are continuing the tradition of phenomenal, award-winning craft beer being made and enjoyed across our great state."

Check out all the 2023 winners here.