Karl Strauss Takes 21 Medals at the CA State, LA and SD International Beer Competitions

SAN DIEGO, CA — Karl Strauss Brewing Company recently competed in the Los Angeles, San Diego, and California State Fair commercial beer competitions, winning a company record of 21 medals. The company has won a total of 23 medals in 2012, surpassing its record of 16 wins in 2011. “We know we’re always against terrific local and even international competition, so each win is validation for what we do,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster.

The company took home triple golds for its most-decorated beer, Red Trolley Ale, making it a clean sweep for top honors in each competition the beer was entered in this year, including a gold medal at the prestigious World Beer Cup in May. Additionally, the company took triple silvers for its Karl Strauss Amber, showing that 23 years later, San Diego’s original microbrew is still turning heads. The awards were rounded out by a mix of hop-forward beers like Tower 10 IPA and Tower 20 IIPA, as well as newcomer Wreck Alley Imperial Stout.

The company is currently gearing up for the nation’s largest beer competition, the Great American Beer Festival, in Denver this fall.

California State Fair Commercial Beer Competition

Karl Strauss entered 12 beers into the competition and placed for each one. The company competed against 475 entries in 30 categories from more than 60 breweries.

  • Gold: Red Trolley Ale, Irish Red Ale
  • Gold: Pintail Pale Ale, American Pale Ale
  • Gold: 23rd Anniversary Old Ale, Wood Aged Beer
  • Gold: Two Tortugas Belgian Quad, Belgian Strong
  • Gold: Fullsuit Belgian Brown Ale, Belgian & French Ale
  • Gold: Boardwalk Black Rye IPA, Specialty Beer
  • Silver: Windansea Wheat, South German Style Hefeweizen
  • Silver: Off the Rails, Specialty Beer
  • Silver: Tower 20 IIPA, Imperial IPA
  • Silver: Tower 10 IPA, American IPA
  • Silver: Karl Strauss Amber, Euro Amber Lager
  • Bronze: Wreck Alley Imperial Stout, Russian Imperial Stout

Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition

More than 500 beers were entered into the competition from 75 breweries, including international entries from as far away as Italy. The judging took place over two days with more than 50 BJCP certified judges.

  • Gold: Red Trolley Ale, Irish Red Ale
  • Gold: Boardwalk Black Rye IPA, American Style Black Ale
  • Silver: Off the Rails, Other Strong Ale or Lager
  • Silver: Karl Strauss Amber, Vienna Lager
  • Silver: Wreck Alley Imperial Stout, Coffee-Flavored Beer

San Diego International Beer Competition

The competition, now in its sixth year, received 300 entries from 140 breweries across 15 states and 15 countries. Judging was conducted by more than 70 BJCP certified judges.

  • Gold: Red Trolley Ale, Irish Red Ale
  • Gold: 23rd Anniversary Old Ale, Wood and Barrel Aged Pale to Amber Beer
  • Silver: Karl Strauss Amber, Vienna Lager
  • Bronze: Fullsuit Belgian Brown Ale, Dark American Belgo Style Ale

For more information about Karl Strauss’ award-winning beers, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it, cheers.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Since 1989, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has pioneered the local beer scene in San Diego. 23 years later, the company continues to brew an innovative line-up of award-winning beers ranging from longtime favorites like Red Trolley Ale to new releases like Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. In 2011, the company brewed 40,000 barrels and ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. To keep up with double-digit sales growth, the company is adding capacity to its brewery, expanding distribution throughout California, opening a new brewery restaurant, and breaking ground on an extensive brewery renovation. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Share it. Cheers.