Three Maryland Breweries Shine at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival

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Three Maryland Breweries Shine at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – It was a great weekend for the Maryland craft beer scene as three outstanding breweries from the state earned medals at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival held in Denver, Colorado. Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery – Bethesda, Silver Branch Brewing, and Waredaca Brewing Company distinguished themselves in a competition featuring over 9,000 individual entries from 2,000 breweries across all 50 states and Washington, DC.

The winners from Maryland celebrated their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to the art of brewing:

• Rock Bottom Brewery – Bethesda:
  
  Gold Medal in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer category for their masterpiece, the Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Atom Smasher. This remarkable barley wine has been aged to perfection in previously used rye whiskey barrels, imparting complex and delightful flavors that captured the judges’ hearts.
  

• Silver Branch Brewing Co.:
  
  Silver Medal in the Vienna-Style Lager category for their outstanding Oktoberfest Lager. This lager showcases the brewery’s commitment to traditional styles, delivering a crisp and flavorful brew that stands proudly among the best in the nation.
  

• Waredaca Brewing Company:
  
  Silver Medal in the Sweet Stout or Cream Stout category for their velvety and indulgent Milk Stout. This award-winning brew reflects Waredaca’s mastery in crafting rich, creamy stouts that leave a lasting impression on palates far and wide.

These achievements at the GABF highlight the talent and creativity that the Maryland craft brewing community brings to the industry. Each of these breweries demonstrates a commitment to innovation and quality that is worthy of celebration.

“We are incredibly proud of our Maryland breweries and their achievements at the Great American Beer Festival,” said Kelly Dudeck, Executive Director at the Brewers Association of Maryland. “These medals are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the breweries’ teams. Get out to these breweries and try these great beers as soon as you can!”

The Great American Beer Festival, organized by the Brewers Association, is one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the United States. Winning a medal at this event is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the craftsmanship defining American craft brewing.

For more information about these award-winning breweries and their exceptional beers, please visit their respective websites:

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery – Bethesda: https://rockbottom.com/locations/bethesda/

Silver Branch Brewing: https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/

Waredaca Brewing Company: https://www.waredacabrewing.com/

About the Brewers Association of Maryland

The Brewers Association of Maryland, founded in 1999, is the non-profit trade association of Maryland brewing companies. The mission of BAM is to grow, promote, and protect the Maryland craft beer industry. Representing 135 licensed, operating Maryland breweries, the Brewers Association of Maryland is committed to producing memorable beer experiences for craft beer consumers. Events produced and promoted by the Brewers Association of Maryland are fundraisers and directly benefit our craft brewing industry.