Boston Beer Co.’s Samuel Adams beers won eight medals at the European Beer Star Awards.
Judging was conducted Monday and awards were handed out Thursday at BRAU Beviale in Germany, a giant trade show primarily for the European beverage industry.
Fifty-four judges from 28 countries judged 575 beers for the Beer Star Awards. The competition, which “assesses beers purely on sensory criteria and enjoyment,” was initiated four years ago.
Samuel Adams and Deschutes Brewery both won three gold medals. Deschutes captured four overall.
The Harpoon Brewery in Boston grabbed two golds, besting the Germans on their home turf to win the Märzen category as well as the highly competition India Pale Ale competition (where American breweries were second and third).
Great Divide Brewing from Colorado and Victory Brewing from Pennsylvania also won two medals apiece.
Brewery Ommegang, BridgePort Brewing, Rogue Ales, Left Hand Brewing, Pete’s Brewing and Alaskan Brewing all won one medal.