Last week we ran with news that Endeavour picked up a gold medal at the International Beer Challenge 2011, now news of more medals is coming out. Below is a release from McLaren Vale Beer Company about their gold medal and and also one from Edith Cowan University, whose Degrees Brewery also picked up a Silver. A quick scan of the results also shows minor medals to Redoak, Mountain Goat, Nail Brewing, Holgate, Hawthorn Brewing and Bridge Road. Full list here.

The awards have been running for 15 years and are staged by UK trade publication Off Licence News.

Media Release – McLaren Vale Brewing Company

While the world looks forward to the London Olympics, McLaren Vale Beer Company has won a gold medal of its own in London.

Its VALE/DRY has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2011 International Beer Challenge – one of only two Australian brews to win gold.

Head Brewer Jeff Wright said the team was elated with the win: “We love Vale Dry, we know our fans appreciate it, and now to have a panel of international judges tasting over two days and then awarding it gold is very satisfying indeed,” Jeff said.

The International Beer Challenge has been held annually for the past 15 years with the judging panel made up of beer aficionados, drinks journalists and category experts. A total of 25 gold medals, 64 silvers and 127 bronzes were awarded globally.

VALE/DRY is now in the running to be judged the world’s best beer with trophy winners and the overall winner of the International Beer Challenge to be announced at an awards ceremony in London on September 12.

McLaren Vale Beer Company’s growing stable of beers now includes VALE/ALE, VALE/IPA and VALE/DRY with a fourth brew – VALE/DRK – set to be launched at its Willunga Brewery site next week.

Media Release – Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University’s (ECU’s) Degrees Brewery has been awarded a silver medal for their Belgian abbey ale, Degrees Dubbel, at the 2011 International Beer Challenge held in London recently.

This Belgian abbey-style beer ale is deep ruby in colour with a creamy, off white head. In keeping with the trappist tradition, the palate displays rich malt and fruity flavours with a soft bitterness. This bottle conditioned ale will age well but is ready to drink now with your favourite rich meat dish.

The London-based International Beer Challenge (IBC) has been running for 15 years and is regarded as an industry leader in promoting and rewarding excellence in brewing.

The Challenge attracts entries from over 30 countries, encouraging participation from the largest breweries in the world, as well as pioneering microbrewers across countries such as Australia, Italy and the U.S.A.

At the heart of the competition is a rigorous and independent judging process with over 50 judges from around the world and across the industry.

Degrees Brewers and creators of Degrees Dubbel, Jon Luff and Clay Millar are extremely proud of the silver medal.

Acting Manager of Degrees Brewery, Jon Luff said:

“This award really shows that we are producing quality craft beer that is being recognised on the world stage.”

“It appears that the IBC judging was quite tough this year, given a lot of big name beers that you would expect to receive a medal didn’t, which makes our achievement that much more rewarding.”

ECU’s Brewing Lecturer, Hugh Dunn, believes the award is timely.

“The malting and brewing facility has gained some momentum in the last couple of years with the recent installation of Australia’s only pilot malting plant, our successful short course and postgraduate programmes and engagement with a broad range of industry and consumer organisations,” Mr Dunn said.

“The very high employment rates for our graduates and recognition of our beer at this level shows that we not only provide students with a sound theoretical understanding of malting, brewing and fermentation, but that we can also achieve practical results comparable with some of the best brewers in the world.”

The award winning Degrees Dubbel, Degrees Rauchbier and other Degrees Brewery beers will be on sale 10th and 17th of August, between 12:30 and 2:30pm at the Brewery.

This International Beer Challenge award is the brewery’s second gong in recent months. In May they received international acclaim at the 2011 Australian International Beer Awardsin Melbourne, winning silver for Degrees Rauchbier.

As part of ECU Open Day on Sunday 31, July 2011 Degrees Brewery will open its doors to the public providing a number of tours of the facility highlighting how the award-winning beer is made.

ECU’s Research Week is running from the 15 – 19 August 2011. As part of this week and National Science Week 2011, the brewery is hosting Science at the Pub on Thursday 18, August 2011 at ECU Tavern.

Register and come and enjoy samples of the beers brewed right here on campus whilst enjoying a presentation from Master Brewer Hugh Dunn.

[adrotate group=”1″]