10/8/2019
SAN DIEGO – October 7, 2019 – SouthNorte Beer Co. is proud to return from Denver with a gold medal for Sea Señor Mex Lager and a silver medal for Agavemente Hibiscus Lager, from the 2019 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition. The GABF, presented by the Brewers Association, is the world’s largest commercial beer competition and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded on October 5 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, in 107 beer categories covering 174 different beer styles (including all subcategories), establishing the best examples of each style in the country. Founded at the crossroads of cultures, SouthNorte seeks to bring together the best of both sides of the border, and winning two awards at the industry’s most prestigious competition is validation that these flavors are resonating with both fans and critics alike.
SouthNorte was recognized in the Cream Ale beer-style category for its Sea Señor Mex Lager. “I’ve been tinkering with this recipe for the past four years,” says Ryan Brooks, Brewmaster, SouthNorte Beer Co. “When I heard we took a gold medal, I was ecstatic! The icing on the cake was knowing the beer we entered into the competition was pulled straight off our canning line—it’s the same beer you could pull off the shelf at the grocery store,” says Brooks. Sea Señor Mex Lager is a sessionable lager brewed with flaked corn, a touch of Saaz and Hallertau hops, then fermented with a Mexican yeast strain for a refreshingly crisp finish.
In addition to taking a gold medal in the Cream Ale category, SouthNorte also took a silver medal in the Specialty Beer category for its Agavemente Hibiscus Lager. “We brew Agavemente with agave and hibiscus,” says Brooks. “The agave lends a unique flavor and helps dry the beer out, while the hibiscus gives it a beautiful magenta color. Having a beer medal in the specialty category—with so many unique entries—was incredible! It meant that the flavors stood out and the judges recognized that this beer is special.” Agavemente previously won a bronze medal at the 2017 GABF in the same Specialty Beer category.
In the 33rd edition of the GABF competition, 9,497 entries were submitted to the general competition, along with 113 Pro-Am and 70 Collaboration entries. The beer was made by 2,295 breweries from across the nation, with entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Judging took place over the course of three days, with an international panel of 322 judges from 18 countries. “This year’s GABF competition was the largest and most competitive to date,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. “The beers and talent were as impressive as ever, and I’m thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners for their achievements in brewing.”.
Both Sea Señor Mex Lager and Agavemente are distributed throughout San Diego at major retail outlets, specialty liquor stores, bars and restaurants. SouthNorte’s award-winning Sea Señor is available on tap at all three Coronado Brewing Company locations, and Agavemente is currently pouring at Coronado’s Main Brewery and Tasting Room location. For more information about GABF, visit www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com. For more information about SouthNorte, visit www.southnorte.com. ¡Salud!
Sea Señor Mex Lager:
Style: Mexican Lager
ABV: 4.5%
IBU: 18
Package: 12oz can and glass six packs, draft
Availability: San Diego, CA
Agavemente:
Style: Lager brewed with hibiscus and agave
ABV: 6.3%
IBU: 20
Package: 12oz can six packs, draft
Availability: San Diego, CA
