Center of the Universe Brewing Company and Origin Beer Lab Win Big at the World Beer Cup

From Center Of The Universe:

Ashland, VA May 4, 2018: Center of the Universe Brewing Company and sister research and development brewery Origin Beer Lab each took home a medal at the 2018 World Beer Cup. Beers were judged during six sessions over a period of three days by an elite panel of 295 judges from 33 countries—72 percent of whom were from outside the United States. Judges evaluated 8,234 beers—a 25 percent increase in the number of entries from the 2016 World Beer Cup. Of the 2,515 participating breweries, 807 were from outside the United States. Out of a possible 303 awards in 101 beer style categories, 302 were awarded. One gold award was not given in Category 36, International-Style Pilsner. Overall, Virginia breweries were awarded a total of 5 medals from this year’s competition.

Center of the Universe Brewing Company won the silver medal in category 16. Session Beer. Their beer, “Session Pale Ale,” is a 3.8% American Pale Ale brewed with Mosaic and Simcoe hops and balanced with a malt base of premium 2-row barley, flaked oats, and crystal 30.

Origin Beer Lab took home Virginia’s only gold medal with their win in category 87, Irish-Style Red Ale, called “The Bald Irishman.” The Bald Irishman is an Irish-Style Red Ale brewed to both celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and serve as a contribution to Center of the Universe’s annual charity event thrown by their Satellite club members serving on the St. Baldericks shave team, the “El Balderinos.” The beer is released at the brewery each year for the “St. Paddy’s Day Party for St. Baldrick’s” charity event organized by their amazing Satellites. It benefits the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of The Bald Irishman” donated to the charity.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team. We are fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly hard working and talented brewers and cellarman that share our everyday commitment to improving and advancing our beer. There are a lot of smiling faces in the brewery today, including my own.” – Chris Ray

“I am proud to work with such an amazing group of brewers. We have worked hard to revamp our processes and make this a truly collaborative environment. It is a great to see the group be recognized on such a global stage.”