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Local brewery Devils Backbone Brewing Company earned a gold medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival competition, hosted and presented by the Brewers Association for its Dogwood Saison.
In the 2024 competition, beers and ciders spanning 107 categories and 175 different styles (including all subcategories) were meticulously judged by 285 judges over seven days. Awards presented during the Great American Beer Festival competition are considered coveted symbols of brewing excellence globally, and brews that receive an award are considered the most excellent representation of their style category. Since 2009, Devils Backbone has won 31 Great American Beer Festival medals, 12 of which are gold.
“I approach a classic Saison as if it were a Belgian or French interpretation of a crisp, refreshing German Pils. The minimal specialty grains in Dogwood lend a hint of rustic character,” said brewing supervisor Tim Copple, the creator of the Dogwood Saison recipe. “Yeast fermentation character leans toward citrus and fresh pepper while providing enough fruity aroma and flavor to keep things interesting.”
Devils Backbone was recognized in the Classic Saison beer-style category for its Dogwood Saison. The beer uses Pilsner, Rye, Spelt, Wheat, and Oat grains, with Saaz and Celeia hops, and has a 5.9% ABV.
“Dogwood Saison is the perfect example of a brewer having a passion, then chipping away at it and perfecting it,” said Jason Oliver, founding brewmaster at Devils Backbone Brewing Company.
Thanks to a panel of 285 professional judges worldwide and over 250 volunteers, the Great American Beer Festival competition analyzed 9,216 entries over two phases and seven days. The 2024 competition saw entries from 1,869 breweries and cideries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
The 2024 medals were unveiled during an intimate ceremony held at the Bellco Theatre in Denver on Saturday, Oct. 12, as part of the Great American Beer Festival. The ceremony was live-streamed via The Brewing Network. For more information on the Great American Beer Festival competition, including a complete 2024 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival. com.
