News

Which local brewery won gold and silver at U.S. Open Beer Championship?

By Bill Moss, Published: July 12, 2024

Oklawaha Brewing Co. won a gold medal for Weekend Joe, an Imperial Stout, and a silver medal for its Tiny Pils, in the German Leichtbier category, at the U.S. Open Beer Championship this week in Oxford, Ohio.

The downtown Hendersonville brewery competed in the contest that included 9,000 beers in 170 styles. The event, held at the U.S. Open Event Center in Oxford, Ohio, is renowned for its rigorous judging process and high standards.

Weekend Joe, a full-bodied, coffee-forward Imperial Stout with rich chocolate notes, is brewed with two types of chocolate malt, roasted barley, and oats, and finished with locally roasted Sharewell Coffee Roaster's Mad Mountain Mama coffee beans. Tiny Pils, a light and crisp lager brewed with Weyermann Pilsner malt and Mittlefruh hops, has been a favorite since it first hit the taps, offering a small ABV but big flavor.

“This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our brewers,” said Zack Zollner, Oklawaha's head brewer. “We are honored to be acknowledged by the U.S. Open Beer Championship and are grateful for the support of our community and patrons.”

Appalachian Mountain Brewery, a Boone-based brewery that has a taproom in Mills River, won a bronze medal in the Session IPA category for its Low & Hazy.