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Gold-Medal Winners at the Great American Beer Festival

Check out the Great American Beer Festival picks for the top 20 beers.
By Sara Schwartz
<p>If you're anything like us, the endless choices in the beer aisle make your eyes cross and you end up of reaching for the same old standards. Why bypass the Budweiser for an unknown brew?</p><br /><p>Well, the judges at the Great American Beer Festival did the research and came up with the best beers of 2007. California breweries had a good year, claiming eight of the 20 gold medals awarded, while Fancy Lawnmower by Saint Arnold Brewing Co. (Texas) wins our personal award for Beer with the Most Outlandish Name.</p>
Jason E. Kaplan/ Great American Beer Festival
Confused about what to choose in the beer aisle? Check out the Great American Beer Festival picks for the top 20 beers of 2007.
1

Great American Beer Festival

<p>If you're anything like us, the endless choices in the beer aisle make your eyes cross and you end up of reaching for the same old standards. Why bypass the Budweiser for an unknown brew?</p><br /><p>Well, the judges at the Great American Beer Festival did the research and came up with the best beers of 2007. California breweries had a good year, claiming eight of the 20 gold medals awarded, while Fancy Lawnmower by Saint Arnold Brewing Co. (Texas) wins our personal award for Beer with the Most Outlandish Name.</p>
Jason E. Kaplan/ Great American Beer Festival

If you're anything like us, the endless choices in the beer aisle make your eyes cross and you end up of reaching for the same old standards. Why bypass the Budweiser for an unknown brew?


Well, the judges at the Great American Beer Festival did the research and came up with the best beers of 2007. California breweries had a good year, claiming eight of the 20 gold medals awarded, while Fancy Lawnmower by Saint Arnold Brewing Co. (Texas) wins our personal award for Beer with the Most Outlandish Name.

2

Atlanta Brewing Co. - Red Brick Blonde

<p><b>Atlanta Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Red Brick Blonde</p>
<p>Georgia</p>
<p>Golden or Blonde Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> American-style beer with light body and fresh malt flavor. Mild hops and a clean finish make this brew ideal for the summer.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Atlanta, GA, and surrounding areas</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $6.99-8.99/6-pack</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Atlanta Brewing Co.

Red Brick Blonde

Georgia

Golden or Blonde Ale


Flavor Profile: American-style beer with light body and fresh malt flavor. Mild hops and a clean finish make this brew ideal for the summer.


Region(s) Sold: Atlanta, GA, and surrounding areas

Approximate Cost: $6.99-8.99/6-pack

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3

Boscos Brewing Co. - Hefeweisen

<p><b>Boscos Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Boscos Hefeweizen</p>
<p>Tennessee</p>
<p>German-Style Wheat Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Boscos Hefeweizen is a special, unfiltered German-style wheat beer sold seasonably in Boscos' restaurants.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Tennessee and Little Rock, AR</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $10/half-gallon</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Boscos Brewing Co.

Boscos Hefeweizen

Tennessee

German-Style Wheat Ale


Flavor Profile: Boscos Hefeweizen is a special, unfiltered German-style wheat beer sold seasonably in Boscos' restaurants.


Region(s) Sold: Tennessee and Little Rock, AR

Approximate Cost: $10/half-gallon

4

Clipper City Brewing Co. - Balto Märzhon

<p><b>Clipper City Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Balto Märzhon</p>
<p>Maryland</p>
<p>Vienna-Style Lager</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> A classic marzen style lager, Balto Märzhon is amber in color with a rich, toasty malt flavor and finish. Well balanced and smooth.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> 21 states throughout the East Coast and Midwest</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $8.99-9.99/6-pack</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Clipper City Brewing Co.

Balto Märzhon

Maryland

Vienna-Style Lager


Flavor Profile: A classic marzen style lager, Balto Märzhon is amber in color with a rich, toasty malt flavor and finish. Well balanced and smooth.


Region(s) Sold: 21 states throughout the East Coast and Midwest

Approximate Cost: $8.99-9.99/6-pack

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5

Deschutes Brewery - The Abyss

<p><b>Deschutes Brewery</b></p>
<p>The Abyss</p>
<p>Oregon</p>
<p>Imperial Stout</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Imperial Stout, a dark beer made with roasted malts or roasted barley, is named after its dark, deep, and mysterious flavor experience.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Throughout Oregon and surrounding states</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $7-9/22 oz. Bomber</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Deschutes Brewery

The Abyss

Oregon

Imperial Stout


Flavor Profile: Imperial Stout, a dark beer made with roasted malts or roasted barley, is named after its dark, deep, and mysterious flavor experience.


Region(s) Sold: Throughout Oregon and surrounding states

Approximate Cost: $7-9/22 oz. Bomber

6

Elysian Brewing Co. - The Wise ESB

<p><b>Elysian Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>The Wise ESB</p>
<p>WA</p>
<p>Extra Special Bitter or Strong Bitter</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> The ESB stands for Extra Special Bitter and the bitterness comes from the extra doses of hops and Belgian Special B malts.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Seattle, WA</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $3.50-5.50/22 oz. Bottle</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Elysian Brewing Co.

The Wise ESB

WA

Extra Special Bitter or Strong Bitter


Flavor Profile: The ESB stands for Extra Special Bitter and the bitterness comes from the extra doses of hops and Belgian Special B malts.


Region(s) Sold: Seattle, WA

Approximate Cost: $3.50-5.50/22 oz. Bottle

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7

Flossmoor Station Brewing - Killer Kowalski

<p><b>Flossmoor Station Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Killer Kowalski</p>
<p>IL</p>
<p>Baltic-Style Porter</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> This Baltic Porter beer is very dark with a burnt taste and hints of coffee and chocolate flavors.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Flossmoor, IL and surrounding areas</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $14.95/ 64oz. Growler</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Flossmoor Station Brewing Co.

Killer Kowalski

IL

Baltic-Style Porter


Flavor Profile: This Baltic Porter beer is very dark with a burnt taste and hints of coffee and chocolate flavors.


Region(s) Sold: Flossmoor, IL and surrounding areas

Approximate Cost: $14.95/ 64oz. Growler

8

Great American Restaurants - Crazy Jackass Ale

<p><b>Great American Restaurants</b></p>
<p>Crazy Jackass Ale</p>
<p>VA</p>
<p>Rye Beer</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> The Crazy Jackass Ale, which is beer brewed from malted barley using a top-fermenting brewers' yeast, is refreshing and easily drinkable. It has a very light and fruity aroma and flavor, with a little bit of a spicy, plantain-like taste from the rye.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Virginia</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $14/ two-liter Growler</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Great American Restaurants

Crazy Jackass Ale

VA

Rye Beer


Flavor Profile: The Crazy Jackass Ale, which is beer brewed from malted barley using a top-fermenting brewers' yeast, is refreshing and easily drinkable. It has a very light and fruity aroma and flavor, with a little bit of a spicy, plantain-like taste from the rye.


Region(s) Sold: Virginia

Approximate Cost: $14/ two-liter Growler

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9

Marin Brewing Co - Star Brew Triple Wheat

<p><b>Marin Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Star Brew Triple Wheat</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>American-Style Wheat Wine Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> The Star Brew Triple Wheat is a big, rich and smooth sherry-like wheatwine-style ale.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Arizona, California, Oregon</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $4.25-4.75/10 oz.</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Marin Brewing Co.

Star Brew Triple Wheat

CA

American-Style Wheat Wine Ale


Flavor Profile: The Star Brew Triple Wheat is a big, rich and smooth sherry-like wheatwine-style ale.


Region(s) Sold: Arizona, California, Oregon

Approximate Cost: $4.25-4.75/10 oz.

10

Marin Brewing Co. - Tiburon Blonde

<p><b>Marin Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Tiburon Blonde</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>Belgian and French-Style Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> The Tiburon Blonde is a blonde ale, a style characterized by clear, crisp, and dry flavors, with low-to-medium bitterness and aroma from hops, and some sweetness from malt.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Arizona, California, Oregon</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $4.25-4.75/10 oz.</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Marin Brewing Co.

Tiburon Blonde

CA

Belgian and French-Style Ale


Flavor Profile: The Tiburon Blonde is a blonde ale, a style characterized by clear, crisp, and dry flavors, with low-to-medium bitterness and aroma from hops, and some sweetness from malt.


Region(s) Sold: Arizona, California, Oregon

Approximate Cost: $4.25-4.75/10 oz.

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11

Marin Brewing Co. - Tripel Dipsea Belgian

<p><b>Marin Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Tripel Dipsea Belgian-Style Ale</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>Belgian Style Abbey Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> The Tripel Dispea Belgian is an Abbey Tripel, which means that it is a strong pale ale with malts, hops, candy sugar and Belgian yeast. </p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Arizona, California, Oregon</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $4.25-4.75/10 oz.</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Marin Brewing Co.

Tripel Dipsea Belgian-Style Ale

CA

Belgian Style Abbey Ale


Flavor Profile: The Tripel Dispea Belgian is an Abbey Tripel, which means that it is a strong pale ale with malts, hops, candy sugar and Belgian yeast.


Region(s) Sold: Arizona, California, Oregon

Approximate Cost: $4.25-4.75/10 oz.

12

Moylan's Brewing Co. - Hopsickle

<p><b>Moylan's Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Hopsickle</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>Imperial or Double India Pale Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> This Scottish ale is a tribute to the “hop,” with fresh Tomahawk, Cascade and Centennial Hops.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Throughout the West Coast, Southwest and Midwest</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $3.50-4/10 oz. Glass</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Moylan's Brewing Co.

Hopsickle

CA

Imperial or Double India Pale Ale


Flavor Profile: This Scottish ale is a tribute to the hop, with fresh Tomahawk, Cascade and Centennial Hops.


Region(s) Sold: Throughout the West Coast, Southwest and Midwest

Approximate Cost: $3.50-4/10 oz. Glass

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13

Moylan's Brewing Co. - Dragoons Dry Irish Stout

<p><b>Moylan's Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Dragoons Dry Irish Stout</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>Classic Irish Style Dry Stout</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Dragoon’s is a Dry Irish Stout, which tend to have light bodies, lower carbonation, and bitterness from both roasted barley and a generous dose of hops.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Throughout the West Coast, Southwest and Midwest</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $3.50-4/10 oz. Glass</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Moylan's Brewing Co.

Dragoons Dry Irish Stout

CA

Classic Irish Style Dry Stout


Flavor Profile: Dragoons is a Dry Irish Stout, which tend to have light bodies, lower carbonation, and bitterness from both roasted barley and a generous dose of hops.


Region(s) Sold: Throughout the West Coast, Southwest and Midwest

Approximate Cost: $3.50-4/10 oz. Glass

14

Odell Brewing Co. - IPA

<p><b>Odell Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>IPA</p>
<p>CO</p>
<p>American-Style India Pale Ale</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> A bolder version of the traditional India Pale Ale, which was shipped from England to India during the 18th century.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Online at <a href="http://www.arcticliquor.com/" target="_new">www.articliquor.com</a></p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $9.99/6-pack</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Odell Brewing Co.

IPA

CO

American-Style India Pale Ale


Flavor Profile: A bolder version of the traditional India Pale Ale, which was shipped from England to India during the 18th century.


Region(s) Sold: Throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Online at www.articliquor.com

Approximate Cost: $9.99/6-pack

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15

Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey - Cuvee

<p><b>Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey</b></p>
<p>Cuvee de Tomme</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> This Pizza Port wine is made with four sugars (Malted Barley, Raisins, Candi Sugar and Sour Cheeries) and aged for a full year to create the dark flavor.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> California</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $15/ 375 ml</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey

Cuvee de Tomme

CA

Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer


Flavor Profile: This Pizza Port wine is made with four sugars (Malted Barley, Raisins, Candi Sugar and Sour Cheeries) and aged for a full year to create the dark flavor.


Region(s) Sold: California

Approximate Cost: $15/ 375 ml

16

Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey - Judgment Day

<p><b>Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey</b></p>
<p>Judgment Day</p>
<p>CA</p>
<p>Specialty Beer</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Judgement Day is a very dark, intense beer due to it’s 5 different types of malts and various hops.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> California</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $8.99-12.99/750 ml</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey

Judgment Day

CA

Specialty Beer


Flavor Profile: Judgement Day is a very dark, intense beer due to its 5 different types of malts and various hops.


Region(s) Sold: California

Approximate Cost: $8.99-12.99/750 ml

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17

Pyramid Breweries - Crystal Wheat Ale

<p><b>Pyramid Breweries</b></p>
<p>Pyramid Crystal Weizen</p>
<p>WA</p>
<p>American-Style Wheat Beer</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> The Crystal Wheat Ale is a wheat beer, which are brewed with wheat and malted barley and usually top-fermented. Crystal Wheat Ale is made with wheat hops and pale ale, resulting in a full-flavored yet light brew.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Throughout the Western, Midwest and Southwestern states. Available sparingly throughout East Coast.</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $8/6-pack</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Pyramid Breweries

Pyramid Crystal Weizen

WA

American-Style Wheat Beer


Flavor Profile: The Crystal Wheat Ale is a wheat beer, which are brewed with wheat and malted barley and usually top-fermented. Crystal Wheat Ale is made with wheat hops and pale ale, resulting in a full-flavored yet light brew.


Region(s) Sold: Throughout the Western, Midwest and Southwestern states. Available sparingly throughout East Coast.

Approximate Cost: $8/6-pack

18

Redrock Brewing Co. - Organic Zwickelbier

<p><b>Redrock Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Organic Zwickelbier</p>
<p>UT</p>
<p>Cellar or Unfiltered Beer</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Zwickelbier is a type of unpasteurized beer that is matured to produce a smooth, naturally cloudy beer that's rich in vitamins (from the yeast).</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Salt Lake City and Park City, UT</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $12/22 oz. Growler</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Redrock Brewing Co.

Organic Zwickelbier

UT

Cellar or Unfiltered Beer


Flavor Profile: Zwickelbier is a type of unpasteurized beer that is matured to produce a smooth, naturally cloudy beer that's rich in vitamins (from the yeast).


Region(s) Sold: Salt Lake City and Park City, UT

Approximate Cost: $12/22 oz. Growler

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19

Saint Arnold Brewing Co. - Fancy Lawnmower

<p><b>Saint Arnold Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower</p>
<p>TX</p>
<p>German Style Kölsch/Köln Style Kölsch</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> German hops and yeast achieve a light yet has a sweet malty body that is balanced by a complex, citrus hop character.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Texas</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $8/6-pack</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Saint Arnold Brewing Co.

Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower

TX

German Style Kölsch/Köln Style Kölsch


Flavor Profile: German hops and yeast achieve a light yet has a sweet malty body that is balanced by a complex, citrus hop character.


Region(s) Sold: Texas

Approximate Cost: $8/6-pack

20

Steamworks Brewing Co. - Steam Engine Lager

<p><b>Steamworks Brewing Co.</b></p>
<p>Steam Engine Lager</p>
<p>CO</p>
<p>American Style Amber Lager</p>
<br />
<p><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Steam Engine is an Amber Lager noted for its malt sweetness and hop spice with a smooth, dry finish.</p>
<br />
<p><b>Region(s) Sold:</b> Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas</p>
<p><b>Approximate Cost:</b> $8/6-pack</p>
Courtesy of the Great American Beer Festival

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Steam Engine Lager

CO

American Style Amber Lager


Flavor Profile: Steam Engine is an Amber Lager noted for its malt sweetness and hop spice with a smooth, dry finish.


Region(s) Sold: Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas

Approximate Cost: $8/6-pack

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