Bear Republic's Racer 5 Wins Medal at European Beer Star Competition

Bear Republic Brewing Co., an independent and family-owned brewery, has won a bronze medal for Racer 5 IPA® in the New Style India Pale Ale category at the 2016 European Beer Star (EBS) competition, receiving their first EBS medal.

EBS recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the world. Presented by Private Brauereien in cooperation with the Association of Small and Independent Breweries in Europe, the European Beer Star competition was established in 2003 and is one of the largest beer competitions in the world.

“This year it has been more difficult than ever to win a medal in the European Beer Star,” said Oliver Dawid, CEO of Private Brauereien Bayern.

With 2,103 beers from 44 different countries, gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in 57 categories were chosen by a panel of 124 international judging experts during a blind tasting in October of this year. Medals were awarded on November 9 at the BrauBeviale Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, where brewers from across the globe were recognized for their commitment to the art of brewing authentic, distinctive beers of an impressive taste and quality.

Dawid added, “The European Beer Star has enabled us to again increase public awareness of the wide variety of great, hand-crafted beers.”
For the first time, US-based brewers found their way to the top of the leader board with a total of 39 medals overall, including 17 gold, 10 silver, and 12 bronze. Sixty percent of the entries were international participants, with a nine percent increase in participation from the previous year.

Brewmaster/COO, Richard G. Norgrove stated, “We are thrilled to win this medal from the European Beer Star. Racer 5 is one of our most medal winning beers, and it feels great to have continued success for our team and the Bear Republic brand. We’re very excited to be a part of one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world.”

Racer 5 is Bear Republic’s flagship beer, and for good reason. It has been a great success, winning four medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF)®, twelve medals at the California State Fair, and a silver in the American-Style India Pale Ale category at the World Beer Cup®, just to name a few.

This hoppy IPA is a full-bodied beer brewed with malted barley, wheat, and crystal malts. With a malt base designed to highlight the unique floral qualities, and Columbus, Cascade, Chinook, and Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest, there’s a trophy in every glass.

Norgrove credits the success of Racer 5 to Bear Republic’s loyal drinkers. “It’s really our customers who have helped us get this far. Our team of brewers works hard to create beers that people will love. We thank each and every one of you for supporting us.”

Racer 5 is available year-round in draft, 6-packs, 12-packs, and 22 oz. bottles.

With a growing portfolio of craft beers, Bear Republic Brewing Company was founded by the Norgrove family to create a sense of loyalty and tradition, becoming one of the largest independent craft breweries in Northern California over the past twenty years.

Racer 5 is on tap daily at Bear Republic’s brewpub in Healdsburg, California. To find Racer 5 near you, visit www.bearrepublic.com/bear-tracker.

Stats:
ABV: 7.5% - IBUs: 75+ - Color: Golden – American India Pale Ale
Untappd: 4 stars – Beer Advocate: 94/100 – Ratebeer: 99/100

Tasting Notes:
Pairing Suggestions: Soft Cheeses, Roasted Artichokes, Burgers, Spicy Foods, Poultry, Seafood

Overall: Racer 5 is an aggressively styled India Pale Ale. As you drink, you will notice the intense floral and citrus flavors, while still tasting a nice malt backbone.