Bear Republic Strikes Silver at 2015 GABF

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Sonoma County, CA — Bear Republic Brewing Company® claimed a silver medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, receiving their twenty-second medal overall. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest national beer competition that recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in each category were announced September 26 at the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

Up against 57 other entries in the Brown Porter category, Bear Republic’s brew team took home a silver medal for Peter Brown Tribute Ale™. A truly decorated beer, Bear Republic has previously taken home a gold medal in the Brown Porter category in 2004 and a bronze in 2006 and 2012 respectively.

Bear Republic was one of 18 Northern California breweries to win a medal, and one of three in Sonoma County. Locally, Russian River Brewing Company and St. Florian’s Brewery took home one medal each. These breweries solidify the strength of brewers in Wine Country and continually put Sonoma County on the map.

About Peter Brown, Bear Republic Sales Manager

Peter Brown, our “Million Dollar Salesman”, was Bear Republic’s Sales Manager for over three years and is missed daily at the Bear since his death in November 2002. Before joining the Bear, he represented our products as one of the top salesmen for Morris Distributing in Petaluma, Ca.

Throughout his career as part of our team, he was a great asset in increasing our distribution and sales throughout Northern California.

Throughout his life, Pete played softball. Pete is ranked as one of the top softball pitchers of all time and took his team to a record fifth national master’s softball championship in September, just two months before his passing. From playing on kid’s softball teams to coaching high school, to being part of several All-American teams, and even playing in international softball tournaments, he will always be remembered as an important part of the team.

In honor of the life of a good friend and an internationally recognized softball pitching ace, Bear Republic released Peter Brown Tribute Ale as a new bottled product in July 2003.

Our rendition of a Strong American Brown Ale, Peter Brown is balanced with a dark grain blend that is pleasing to the eye and smooth on the palate. Truly Peter Brown’s, a man who always lived life to the fullest, we can still see Pete sitting at the bar enjoying a pint. Cheers to you Pete, we share this win with you.

About Peter Brown Tribute Ale: 

  • Description: Tribute Ale is our rendition of an American Brown Ale. This ale pays homage to subtle flavors of golden brown sugars and sweet molasses. Just the way Pete would have wanted it…Here’s to you Peter Brown…it’s the least we could do. Peter Brown, Sales Manager. Our “Million Dollar Man.”
  • Pairing Suggestions: Sweet and Savory Dishes, Blue Cheese, Beef, Pork
  • Availability: Specialty Kegs
  • Hops: Centennial and Cascade
  • ABV: 6.3% – IBUs: 21 – American Brown Ale
  • Peter Brown Tribute Ale is a house ale, available on tap at our Healdsburg brewpub regularly.

To find Peter Brown Tribute Ale near you, please visit www.bearrepublic.com/bear-tracker

The 2015 Great American Beer Festival winners were selected by an international panel of 242 beer experts from 15 countries. A record number of 6,647 commercial entries and 91 Pro-Am entries were received from 1,552 United States breweries. “American brewers continue to create innovative, flavorful high quality beers. That was on full display at this year’s Great American Beer Festival,” said Chris Swersey, Competition Manager, Great American Beer Festival.

The 2015 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition awarded 275 medals to some of the best commercial breweries in the United States, including GABF Pro-Am medals. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and a symbol of brewing excellence.

For more GABF competition information, including the 2015 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com