Another Great American Beer Festival has come and gone. Beers were shared, judged, and celebrated. A huge congratulations to all of this year's winners, eight of which came from Pennsylvania. Of those medals, one was gold, four were silver, and three were bronze.

This year’s lone gold medal winner was Saucony Creek Brewing for xReserve Ale 05-15 Peach and Ginger Saison in the Belgian-Style Fruit Beer category. Congratulations go out to Sly Fox, Iron Hill - Chestnut Hill and Lancaster, Church Brew Works, Susquehanna Brewing, Marley's Brewery, and Stoudts for bringing home medals as well.

The Brewers Association awarded 275 medals in 92 categories at this year’s Great American Beer Festival, which marked the competition's 29th year. Total entries climbed to more than 6,600 from over 1,500 breweries hailing from all corners of the country. It took 242 judges from 15 countries to choose this year's winners. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.

For 13 years running now, the most-entered category continues to be American-Style India Pale Ale (IPA), which featured 336 different brews vying for a medal. The second-most popular category at this year's competition was the big brother of IPAs, Imperial India Pale Ale, with 208 entries, followed by Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer with 179 entries.

Breweries continue to step up their game, which was proven by a four-way tie between Firestone Walker, Sun King, Port City, and Left Hand Brewing for most medals won. Each brewery took home three medals.

Three new style categories were added this year – Chili Pepper Beer, Session India Pale Ale, and Mixed Culture Brett Beer. Interestingly, there was one category in which no gold medal was awarded, Pumpkin Beer. The end of a trend? Probably not. 

Photo © Brewers Association