Festbier Earns Bronze at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival®

Zipline Brewing Company was awarded a bronze medal at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, presented by the Brewers Association®. The best beers in 97 beer categories covering 175 different beer styles (including all subcategories) were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals at a ceremony at the Bellco Theatre in Denver on Friday evening during the Craft Brewers Conference® and livestreamed on The Brewing Network. 

Zipline was recognized in the Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest beer-style category for its Festbier. The beer will be featured at this Saturday’s Oktoberfest at Zipline’s brewery taproom (2100 Magnum Cir.), where fans can get a commemorative mug and specials on the beer from 4-10 pm.  The event follows Friday’s release of Zipline’s Mosaic IPA, itself the recipient of a Silver Medal at the 2020 U.S. Beer Open. 

“This beer has a special place among our fans and is eagerly anticipated every year” said Brendan McGinn, Director of Brewing Operations at Zipline.  “We feel Festbier is among the best beers in our portfolio, and we are thrilled that it’s been recognized as such.”

Judging took place in 34 sessions over 17 days with strict health and safety measures in place. 170 judges evaluated 9,680 entries from 2,192 breweries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. 

“Despite being forced to cancel the festival portion of GABF, our brewing community rallied together to make this year’s GABF competition one for the books — our largest competition judged to date,” said Chris Swersey, competition director, Great American Beer Festival. “Judges continue to be impressed with the quality and innovation of all entries they evaluated. The Brewers Association is proud to honor this year’s deserving winners.” 

For more information on the GABF competition, including a complete 2021 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.