GORE BAY—Split Rail Brewing of Gore Bay received second place (honourable mention) for Brewery of the Year in the 2023 Canadian Brewers Choice Awards earlier this month.
“It is special because it is a national award,” Andrea Smith, co-owner of Split Rail told The Expositor.
“We’re thrilled to share that we were honoured with second place in the Canada-wide ‘Brewery of the Year Award’ at the Brewers Journal Canada Awards last Wednesday (at Niagara on the Lake),” a Facebook post from Ms. Smith states. “Sincere congratulations to the amazing Blindman Brewing in Alberta for winning first place,” she added, also acknowledging the other breweries who had been nominated for the award.
Richard (Richie) Piotrowski, publisher of Brewers Journal Canada had written in a letter to Ms. Smith, “I hope this message finds you well and thriving in the world of brewing excellence. It is with immense pleasure that I extend our warmest congratulations to you for making the shortlist in the ‘Brewery of the Year’ category for the prestigious Canadian Brewers Choice Awards.”
“Your brewery’s unwavering dedication, imaginative creativity, community involvement and steadfast commitment to creating exceptional brews have truly set you apart, and we are thrilled to have you as a contender for this esteemed recognition,” wrote Mr. Piotrowski. “The competition was fierce, and your presence on the short list is a testament to the outstanding quality of your work.”
The Journal reported, “The annual Canadian Brewers Choice awards (CBCAs) brought down the house with a spectacular conclusion at the dazzling awards presentation dinner event held on January 31. Pouring in from ever corner of the Great White North, over 140 brewing professionals raised their glasses in a cheer-worthy salute to their colleagues in the brewing industry. It was truly a coast-to-coast celebration and we can’t forget our friends south of the border.”
“Designed as the pinnacle platform to showcase the ‘best of the best’ in Canadian brewing, the CBCAs once again illuminated the outstanding accomplishments of industry trailblazers,” the Journal reported. “The awards ceremony served as a beacon, spotlighting the exceptional talents and contribution of those who have set new standards in brewing excellence.”
A total of 10 awards were presented, with the nomination process requiring beer industry peers to submit nominations, justifying what particular brewery or individual deserves as a special award. There were more than 450 entries. “Every individual and brewery who was shortlisted and emerged victorious should take immense pride in their achievement,” wrote the Journal.
“Split Rail is a community driven success because of the support from the community,” added Ms. Smith.
