It was my pleasure and honour last night to host the Canadian Brewing Awards, an annual industry celebration that has grown from a somewhat suspect endeavour into a legitimate recognition of some of the best in beer this country has to offer.
Note I say, “some of the best.” Reason for this being that there were several notable absences from the winners list in more than just one or two categories, more likely a result of the breweries not entering their beers, I suspect, than of the judges not finding them worthy. (I’m indulging in pure speculation here, as I have no idea which breweries did or did not enter.) Not once in 24 categories, for example, did I read out the name Dieu du Ciel. Or Alley Kat. Or Spinnakers. Or any of a number of other fine breweries with which I’m familiar, or any other number with which I am not.
My point being that the CBAs are on the right track, with style awards scattered across the country from Halifax to Victoria, but more involvement is needed before this competition matures into the reflection of the Canadian beer scene it needs and deserves to be. In particular, I think that Quebec brewers must be encouraged to become more involved, and small, innovative operations need also get their entries in. The publicity value is great, and hell, if nothing else, it’s worth it just for the party.
Part of this outreach must be accomplished by the event organizers, Taps Media, of course, but a role can also be played by you, the Canadian beer aficionado. If you have a favourite brewery near you, ask if they entered the competition, and if they didn’t, ask why not. Convince them to get involved and don’t take “no” for an answer.
We all need to work together to make the 2009 CBAs a proper reflection of Canadian brewing excellence.
(For a complete list of winner, pick up the autumn edition of Taps Magazine, or surf over to Troy Burtch’s blog here.)
