Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Wins Gold @ European Beer Star Awards

La Vista, NE –  The competition “European Beer Star“ of Private Brauereien, was founded 11 years ago and has become one of the most desired prizes of the international brewery sector. This year, Nebraska Brewing Company from La Vista, Nebraska is among the winners: Nebraska Brewing Company’s Cardinal Pale Ale was awarded the Gold medal at European Beer Star 2014, one of the world’s greatest beer competitions, in the category English-Style Pale Ale!

Never before has it been so difficult to achieve such a result, because the competition for Cardinal Pale Ale was impressive: In total, 1,613 beers from 42 countries were entered – an increase of 7% compared to the record year of 2013! An important element contributing to the prestige of the prize is the set of criteria according to which the 105-person-jury, consisting of master brewers, beer sommeliers and recognized beer experts, makes its decisions in a blind tasting: Color, aroma, taste, aroma profile and the general impression: Exactly as the consumer would evaluate a beer.

“Nebraska Brewing Company has participated in other international beer competitions previously but this one was very special to us because the competition included the best beers from all continents”. Says a delighted Paul Kavulak, President / Founder of Nebraska Brewing Company after hearing about the award during the presentation ceremony at BrauBeviale in Nuremberg. “The prize represents the express recognition of our quality policy and is a flagship of the entire brewery”. Further, “This competition brings an awareness directly in Germany and wherever these awards are communicated that great beer can come from right here in Nebraska.  We’d said many times that these beers are World Class – it’s fantastic to prove it in Europe.”

“Nebraska Brewing Company is proud to be awarded such a prestigious honour in Europe’s most important beer competition”, said Kim Kavulak, Co-owner and Vice President of Nebraska Brewing Company.  “Cardinal Pale Ale is one of the beers that launched us into the brewing business and to have the beer be awarded a Gold medal is reflective of our commitment to quality.”
Cardinal Pale Ale is characterized by a deep golden color, very floral, citrus aroma, and a medium yet crisp bitterness.  6% ABV and 25 IBU. This beer is sold in kegs and 6 pack / case packages of canned beer.

“With the European Beer Star Award we want to recognize beers that are special, created by hand, with a real character, that are great in taste and quality”, says Dr Werner Glossner, managing director of Private Brauereien, on the idea to create this prize, which was initiated in 2004 in cooperation with the Association of Small and Independent Breweries in Europe. The competition is directed at breweries from all over the world which are committed to the traditional European brewing method.

Judging of the beers was done by an international expert panel at the Doemens Brewing Academy in Gräfelfing near Munich, with 105 beer and brewery experts from all over the globe. Judges were in 12 teams from 25 different countries.