Brewers Association Recognizes Achievement

The Brewers Association is down in San Diego this week for the Craft Brewers Conference.  While down there, they’ve handed out three awards to members of the brewing community, including two with ties local to the Bay Area. 

First, the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry award went to John Carlson, Executive Director of the Colorado Brewers Guild.  This award was given to John for being the champion of the little guy.  The award is given in memory of F.X. Matt (1933-2001), president of the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. in Utica, New York from 1980-1989 and Chairman from 1989-2001.

Now for the local ties.  Dr. Michael Lewis of UC Davis was given the Brewers Association Recognition Award.  Among Dr Lewis’ pupils is Brian Hunt of Moonlight Brewing who says Dr. Lewis has taught an amazing percent of today’s brewers.  Dr. Lewis has been teaching at Davis for over 30 years.

Finally, the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing went to local brewing rock star Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing.  The award is given in memory of Russell Schehrer, foundingpartner and head brewer at Wynkoop Brewing in Colorado.  Russell died in 1996 and is remembered for intorducing many newstyles to productionbrewing.  Vinnie joins a list of well decorated brewers that is definitely worth looking over. 

For all lists of past winners and a more complete press release, see the Brewer’s Association’s website.

Brewer’s Association - Brewers Association 2008 Achievement Award Winners