Brewers Association Announces 2020 Industry Awards Winners

Ever since 1987 the Brewers Association has been recognizing individuals who inspire, defend, and innovate within the craft brewing industry.

And this year’s winners couldn’t be more deserving…

Brewers Association Recognition Award

Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing (Asheville, NC)

The Brewers Association’s Recognition Award is presented each year to an individual or company whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement. And Highland Brewing’s Oscar Wong, widely recognized as the “Father of Asheville Craft Beer,” is this year’s recipient.

In 1994, Oscar Wong founded Asheville, North Carolina’s first craft brewery, Highland Brewing, kicking off a craft beer renaissance that took the city from sleepy mountain town to the craft beer capital of the Southeast.

In 2019, the brewery celebrated 25 years of quality craft beer and independent family ownership. And this year, the brewery will celebrate Wong’s 80th birthday and his pioneering spirit, which continues to inspire the local brewing community to this day.

Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing

Brendan McGivney, Odell Brewing (Fort Collins, CO)

The Russell Schehrer Award is presented by the Brewers Association to an individual or company for their innovative contributions to the brewing industry. And this year’s honor went to the Chief Operations Officer at Odell Brewing.

Brendan McGivney was recognized by the Boulder-based trade organization for aiding the development of new hops, building farmer-brewer relationships, serving as part of the hop quality group, and discovering the innovative process of “fresh grind” hops.

One of the industry’s leading hop pioneers, McGivney, who has worked at Odell Brewing since 1995, is credited with developing brands such as Odell IPA, Drumroll American Pale Ale, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, and Rupture.

Always willing to share his brewing knowledge with others, McGivney’s work has allowed smaller breweries better access to higher quality hops and new experimental varieties.

 

FX Matt Defense of the Industry Award

Adam DeBower, Austin Beerworks (Austin, Texas) 

Named for the late FX Matt of FX Matt Brewing, the FX Matt Defense of the Industry Award is presented annually to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry.

This year’s winner is the co-founder and director of operations at Austin Beerworks, Adam DeBower who has made a huge difference for craft brewers in Texas.

In 2019, DeBower, along with other Texas brewers and the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, drove a successful effort to allow most manufacturing breweries to sell beer to-go at their taprooms.

In 2017 DeBower founded CraftPAC, a political action committee dedicated to advancing the rights of Texas craft brewers which has served as a model for other beer activists committed to making effective legislative changes, and currently serves as the chair of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild Legislative Committee.

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For more information on past winners and information on nominations for 2021 awards, please visit here.