The Brewers Association (BA) named the winners of its annual industry awards during its annual Craft Brewers Conference, which took place in person for the first time since 2019 last weekend in Denver.
“From innovations in brewing to fighting for legislation to protect craft brewers, this year’s award recipients have made countless contributions to the craft beer community,” BA president and CEO Bob Pease said in a press release. “We are thankful for the positive impact they’ve had on the industry and their efforts to advance craft brewing.”
Each year, the BA recognizes craft beer industry members “who inspire, defend and innovate” with three awards: the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award, named for the late founder of F.X. Matt Brewing Company; the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing, named for one of the late founders of Wynkoop Brewing; and the Brewers Association Recognition Award.
Pamela Brulotte, owner of Leavenworth, Washington-based Icicle Brewing Company and München Haus, received the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry award for leaving “her imprint on the Washington beer community in countless ways over the last decade.”
“She has selflessly and generously donated her time, reputation and industry expertise to further the interests of all craft brewers, first as a board member of the Washington Brewers Guild and later serving as president,” a video about Brulotte’s award said. “You can always count on Pam to jump in the car and drive across the state for issues both big and small, even while undergoing chemo. She understands that showing up consistently and building relationships is key to our industry’s continued success.”
Brulotte co-founded München Haus in 2000 and Icicle in 2010. She serves on the BA’s market development committee.
Boulevard Brewing brewmaster Steven Pauwels was awarded the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing.
“Since joining Boulevard Brewing in 1999, Steven has overseen all aspects of brewing and quality control, as the Kansas City craft brewery’s sales have more than quadrupled,” a video about Pauwels’ win said. “Steven is recognized for his delicious and innovative beers, such as Tank 7, and is also responsible for more than a dozen new Boulevard brands, including the critically acclaimed Smokestack Series line of artisanal beers.”
ZON, a Belgian-style witbier that has earned Boulevard more awards than any other offering, was the first beer Pauwels brewed after arriving from his native Belgium.
The BA Recognition Award, which “is presented each year to an individual or company whose inspiration, enthusiasm and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement,” went to John Mallett, vice president of operations at Bell’s Brewery, president of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas and chairperson of the American Malting Barley Association.
Mallett’s decades-long career in the beer industry began at Boston-based Commonwealth Brewing in 1986, according to his LinkedIn profile, and has featured stints brewing at Old Dominion Brewing and teaching at the Siebel Institute of Technology. He received the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing in 2002 and “is the only person to have served on the professional blind tasting panel for every World Beer Cup.”