Denali Brewing deemed favorite

Frontiersman.com

Denali Brewing Company of Talkeetna was awarded the “Best of Show” ribbon at Sunday’s ceremony after a panel of judges scrutinized a wide range of craft beers at the second annual Microbrew Invitational Competition. Out of seven different categories, Denali Brewing Company was recognized in five, receiving a total of two gold medals and three silver medals.

Judges rated each beer based on a set of strict guidelines, then assigned points in a variety of areas such as appearance, aroma and, of course, flavor. The points from each judge were then averaged to determine a final score.

Denali’s 2011 Wassail and 2012 oak-aged Hibernale both won gold medals with a score of 49.75, just a quarter of a point shy of a perfect score. Silver medals were given to Denali’s Single Engine Red in the Light Ales category, Chuli Stout in the Dark Ales category and Big Red’s Black Beer in the Lager category.

In addition to being honored with Best of Show at the Microbrew Invitational, Denali Brewing held another distinction at this year’s fair with their Mother Ale being dubbed the official beer of the Alaska State Fair. This designation was awarded by popular vote at the Mighty Matanuska Brewfest last October. Denali Brewing Company’s Single Engine Red was the official beer of the 2011 Alaska State Fair.

This year’s Mighty Matanuska Brewfest is Oct. 19-20 at Raven Hall will determine the official Alaska State Fair beer for 2013.