The Great American Beer FestivalOpens in new window (GABF) is not just about sampling quality beer, it’s also the largest commercial beer competition in the world. In 2013, 4,809 entries were judged by 201 beer experts from 11 countries, with assistance from more than 130 competition volunteers.
More than 250 medals were awarded to some of the best commercial breweries in the United States. These medals that are recognized around the world as symbols of brewing excellence, and are among the most coveted in the industry and heralded by the winning brewers in their national advertising.
See the 2013 GABF Winners ListOpens in new window.
Though the hardware is given to the most technically sound beers, judges taste the entries blind, without reference to beer and brewery names. We have to give credit where credit is due, and some of these names—from the funny to the downright bizarre—have to be recognized. Here are some of our favorite beer names (in alpha order) from the 2013 GABF medal winners:
Afternoon Delight | Sun King Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Indianapolis, IN Gold: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
Amazeballs | Peekskill Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Peekskill, NY Silver: International-Style Pale Ale
Bitchin’ Berry | Great Basin Brewing Co.Opens in new window – Reno | Reno, NV Silver: Fruit Wheat Beer
Kilt Lifter | Four Peaks Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Tempe, AZ Silver: Scottish-Style Ale
Kung Fu Elvis | Pizza Port Ocean BeachOpens in new window | Ocean Beach, CA Bronze: American-Style Strong Pale Ale
Project Dank: Operation Pharoah’s Return | La Cumbre Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Albuquerque, NM Bronze: American-Style India Pale Ale
Quad Damn It | Chicago Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Las Vegas, NV Silver: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale
Slam Dunkel | Steamworks Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Durango, CO Gold: German-Style Wheat Ale
Stumblin’ Monk | Stewart’s Brewing Co.Opens in new window | Bear, DE Gold: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale
Udder Love | Beachwood BBQ & BrewingOpens in new window | Long Beach, CA Silver: Sweet Stout or Cream Stout
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If your favorite didn’t make the list, add it in a comment below!
Claire Chastain is a lifelong North Carolinian who relocated to Boulder, Colorado to become the Craft Beer Program Intern. When she’s not checking out local taprooms, you can find her on the Ultimate frisbee field or hiking with her dog.
CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.
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