STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) -- The Stevens Point Brewing Company has won a prestigious honor at the 2019 US Open Beer Championships.
The award came to the surprise of officials at the Brewery, as they had to beat out over 50 other beers to take home the gold medal. "To compete with all these other breweries and win an award is really something now because of how saturated the market is," said Julie Birrenkott, Point's Director of Marketing.
The 2019 US Open Beer Championships featured over 7,000 beers from over a half-dozen countries. A total of 12 Wisconsin breweries took home awards including Point, Sprecher, Lakefront (Both out of Milwaukee), The Explorium Brewpub (Greendale), and Ahnapee (Algoma) who all won multiple awards. There were 130 different categories judged including some non-alcoholic beverages such as craft soda and NA beer. Birrenkott says when you take those numbers into account it makes the win even more special for Point's flagship brew. "There are so many different flavors and types of beer out in the market that it's really nice to get recognized nationally for your beer."
She says they are also especially proud that the beer they consider to be their "flagship" label was recognized nationally. "It's a special beer that everyone knows and loves, especially in the area."
It's actually the second time that Point Special Lager has been honored at the US Open Beer Championships. Back in 2015, it was named the silver medal winner in the same category. Birrenkott says believe it or not thanks to technology the recipes can actually improve over time. "Brewing methods, operating procedures, lab testing, the technology we have available [can help make] a clean, great tasting beer."
Point's Whole Hog Brewing Company also won a bronze medal for their recently released Lord James Scotch in the Scottish Ale category.
