Iron Hill Celebrates “Sweet 16” w/Four GABF 2012 Medals

WILMINGTON, DE – Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, with nine locations in the mid-Atlantic region, is proud to announce that Media, PA Head Brewer Bob Barrar, Wilmington, DE Head Brewer Brian Finn, Phoenixville, PA Head Brewer Tim Stumpf and Lancaster, PA Head Brewer Kevin Walter brought home medals from this year’s prestigious Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held this past weekend in Denver, CO. Marking their 16^th consecutive year as GABF medal winners, the four latest bring Iron Hill’s company-wide total to 39 medals.

“We are tremendously proud of all our talented brewers, particularly this year’s GABF winners Bob, Brian, Tim and Kevin, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate 16 years of consecutive wins as a team,” says Director of Brewing Operations Mark Edelson.

This year, the Iron Hill crew made an impressive showing with 79 people traveling to Denver to wear t-shirts stating “16 Years, So Many Beers” and ring cowbells to cheer on their brewers. This GABF win is particularly meaningful for Barrar, who extended his winning streak to 11 years and is Iron Hill’s – and the Philadelphia region’s – most decorated brewer, with an astonishing 24 medals from the GABF and the World Beer Cup (WBC).

Iron Hill’s award-wining beers are:

· Russian Imperial Stout, a bronze medal winner for “Imperial Stout,” from Barrar at Media, PA.

Iron Hill’s most decorated beer: GABF silver medal 2011; GABF gold medal 2010; GABF gold medal 2006; GABF gold medal 2003; WBC gold medal 2012; WBC gold medal 2010; WBC bronze medal 2006

A full-bodied beer that starts with a complex malty sweet and high roasted character, wonderfully balanced with the generous use of citrusy American hops.

· Black IPA, a bronze medal winner for “American-Style Black Ale,” from Finn at Wilmington, DE.

An American-style IPA with full malt flavor, pronounced bitterness and substantial hop flavor and aroma complemented by a touch of roast character.

· Roggenbier, a bronze medal winner for “Rye Beer,” from Stumpf at Phoenixville, PA.

Another multi-medal winner: GABF gold medal 2008

A traditional German-style dark rye beer with a huge, fruity nose from Bavarian ale yeast with hints of unsweetened chocolate and caramel and a touch of spiciness from the rye.

· Rauchtoberfest, a silver medal winner for “Smoked Beer,” from Walter at Lancaster, PA.

A traditional German-style festival beer brewed with 50% malt smoked over beechwood chips for a subtle smoke flavor and aroma that compliments the malt character.
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