Peaceful Side Brewery earned a gold medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival (GABF®) competition, hosted and presented by the Brewers Association.
In the 2024 competition, beers and ciders spanning 107 categories and 175 different styles were judged meticulously by 285 judges over 7 days. Awards presented during the Great American Beer Festival competition are considered coveted symbols of brewing excellence globally, and brews that receive an award are considered the most excellent representation of their style category.
Peaceful Side Brewery was recognized with a Gold Medal in the Brett beer-style category for its First Release: Part 2, an iteration of the brewery’s Saison brand. This Saison evolved from the Blackberry Farm Brewery Classic Saison recipe which won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2016 – the renowned international beer competition. Peaceful Side Brewery now produces all Blackberry Farm Brewery beer after the purchase of the brewery in Maryville, Tennessee in December 2023.
Building on the award-winning Classic Saison recipe, Peaceful Side Brewery’s First Release: Part 2 was aged in an oak foeder and dry-hopped with New Zealand Riwaka hops, creating the unique, tropical profile that the GABF awarded the Gold Medal.
“Making beer with artistic intention using quality ingredients is an integral piece of our story as an evolving brewery. We know we make great beer because we’re here every day, working hard to maintain that consistency. To be recognized on a national level for our hard work is an incredible feeling that fills our hearts with joy,” said Chris Meadows, Head of Brewery Operations at Peaceful Side Brewery.
Thanks to a panel of 285 professional judges from around the world and over 250 volunteers, the Great American Beer Festival competition analyzed 9,216 entries. The
2024 competition saw entries from 1869 breweries and cideries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
“The Great American Beer Festival competition recognizes greatness in innovation and craftsmanship from brewers all over the country, and the Brewers Association takes great pride in crowning one winner from each category as ‘Best in Class,’” remarked Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “The Brewers Association is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s winners.”