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USA: Miller Brewing Company, America's second-largest brewer, was recognized as Large Brewing Company of the Year at the Association of Brewers' Great American Beer Festival (GABF) held in Denver, September 30 - October 2. Additionally, Miller's Dr. David S. Ryder won the honor of Large Brewing Company Brewmaster of the Year MARKET WIRE posted on October 5.

This year's Great American Beer Festival boasted the largest array of beers ever at the GABF, and the biggest selection of beers ever gathered together at one time on the globe. Miller and its subsidiaries together walked away with a total of six individual medals -- one gold, three silver and two bronze -- in the 23rd annual competition that featured more than 400 brewers and more than 2,000 beer brands.

The Great American Beer Festival invites industry professionals from around the world to sit together in small groups and, without knowing the brand name, taste beers in each specified style category. The ultimate goal of the Greatest American Beer Festival Judge Panel is to identify the three beers that best represent each beer-style category as described and adopted by the Great American Beer Festival. Six different three-hour judging sessions take place during the three-day period during the week of the festival. Judges are assigned to evaluate beers in their specific area of expertise and never judge their own product or any product in which they have a concern. The Professional Judge Panel awards gold, silver or bronze medals that are recognized around the world as symbols of brewing excellence.

Milwaukee-based Miller Brewing Company is the oldest major brewery in America and a wholly owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, the world's second-largest brewer. Miller's principal beer brands are Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and Miller High Life. The company imports Pilsner Urquell and Foster's and has craft brews Leinenkugel's and Henry Weinhard's. Its portfolio of brands also includes Milwaukee's Best and Sharp's, a non-alcohol brew. Miller produces Icehouse from the Plank Road Brewery -- a small division of Miller; Olde English 800 and Mickey's Malt Liquor; and SKYY Blue flavored malt beverage.


10 October, 2004