Coastal Empire Beer Co received a silver medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival competition. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in the competition’s 102 beer-style categories were announced September 22 at the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. 

Coastal Empire Beer Co was recognized in the Field Beer beer-style category for its Coco Piña Gose, a tropical take on the classic sour German Gose style brewed with pineapple, coconut, pink Himalayan salt and sea salt. Coco Piña is pale gold in color and beer blends flavors of pineapple, coconut, pink Himalayan salt and sea salt with a nice refreshing tartness.  This beer pairs well with cerviche, arugula salad, scored flounder, Burrata, La Tur, and macadamia nut tart.  Coco Piña was first brewed in 2015 as a one off for our 4^th anniversary but we were told quickly by our patrons and distributor to produce on a larger scale.  In the beginning Kevin, co-founder and head brewer, wanted nothing to do with the beer concept but subsequently nailed it on his first attempt.  The beer quickly became a fan favorite. Coastal Empire Beer Co is a 2200-barrel microbrewery located in Savannah, Georgia that specializes in brewing beers that meld well with coastal cuisine and lifestyle.

“I was super excited 4 years ago to win our first medal at the GABF, it is even more sweet to win our second today.  It is so awesome and humbling to be recognized amongst the top of your field.” said Kevin Haborak, co-founder and head brewer at Coastal Empire Beer Co.

The 2018 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 293 expert judges from 8,496 entries, received from 2,404 U.S. breweries, plus 101 Pro-Am and 49 Collaboration entries.

“The 32^nd edition of the GABF competition yielded a remarkable turnout of the country’s most exemplary beers,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. “I’m continuously impressed by contenders’ talent and passion and would like to extend congratulations to this year’s winners for their excellence in brewing.”