EBS STAFF
The Montana Brewers Association, a group dedicated to promoting production and sales of Montana-made beer, will hold its first Montana Beer Awards. The awards will take place in late February in Helena, with judging happening from Feb. 22 to 24, and awards presented on Feb. 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Brewing.
There are 19 award categories for types of beers including “Smoke and Wood Flavored Beer,” “Experimental Beers” and classics like “Pale Ale.” Breweries can also earn “Brewery of the Year” for small, medium and large establishment categories. Brewers will be awarded gold, silver and bronze. One brewery will be selected for the 2024 Community Impact Award.
The beers will be judged using MBA style guidelines.
Although early bird registration has passed for the competition, standard online registration is open until Jan. 31 for commercial brewers. Competitors can submit their samples to Lewis & Clark Brewing in Helena from Feb.12 to 16.
“Montanans are so dedicated to and passionate about their local craft beer. We’re already seeing how excited people are to take time to appreciate the remarkable work of our breweries,” competition organizer, Loy Maierhauser, stated in a press release from MBA.
“Montana often gets recognition for our stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, but for a state that ranks third in the nation in breweries per capita, it’s high time we shine a spotlight on our beer too,” Maierhauser added.
