Made in Humboldt California

Mad River Brewing Company Brings National Award Home – Again!

BLUE LAKE, California –  The 2011 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition drew an impressive field of competitors, with 2011 topping last year's entries by 11 percent. GABF remains the largest commercial beer competition in the world, with 3,930 beers vying for medals. Mad River Brewing Company was one of the lucky few, bringing a Silver Medal back to Humboldt County for their legendary Jamaica Brand Red Ale. “The Great American Beer Festival is the premier beer competition for the American beer industry,” says Nancy Johnson, festival director. “Winning a medal, no matter if gold, silver or bronze, is truly an accomplishment.”

Located in Humboldt County, Mad River Brewing Company, producers of Steelhead and Jamaica Brand Fine Ales have been practicing the most traditional brewing methods with an environmentally sound approach for over 22 years. Mad River Brewing Company is long on tradition and continues to handcraft their ales in the truest sense; hand stirred one batch at a time. This dedication to their craft brought them not only three medals (Gold, Silver and Bronze) during the 2010 GABF but they were also awarded with the Small Brewing Company of the Year and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year Awards.

Truly an award for Humboldt County the Jamaica Brand Red Ale was originally inspired by, and crafted for the Reggae on the River Festival in 1993. The overwhelmingly positive response lead into packaging the beer year round. “I am ecstatic that Jamaica Red has been recognized and awarded for the truly amazing beer it is” says Cindy San Filippo, National Sales Manager.

The Jamaica Red Ale was entered into the American-Style Amber/Red Ale category, competing against 82 other entries. One of Mad River’s top three sellers, closely behind Steelhead Extra Pale Ale and Steelhead Double IPA, Jamaica Red is a mahogany hued ale that brings an intense spectrum of spicy aromatic hop character, balanced by a full-bodied caramel richness. "Our Jamaica Red Ale is legendary in the craft beer community, carrying an iconic cult status. As one of the first American Red Ales in the industry, it has been held up as a benchmark for the style and an inspiration to brewers throughout the country, and it is truly an honor for us to see this beer recognized at such a distinguished competition." says Brew Master Dylan Schatz.

You can find out more information on this and other award winning Fine Ales from Mad River Brewing Company at www.madriverbrewing.com, or stop in have a pint at the Mad River Brewing Company Tasting Room located at 101 Taylor Way in Blue Lake, California.