This article was originally published in the Illinois Valley Times on September 27, 2021
State Sen. Sue Rezin is celebrating Tangled Roots Brewing Company’s recent strong showing at the Great American Beer Festival.
“Congratulations to Scott Struchen and TRBrewing for taking home the bronze with their Sunkissed Blonde in the Fruit Wheat Beer category,” Rezin posted on Twitter.
Of 123 entries in the fruit wheat beer category, the Ottawa-based establishment, which grows its own hops and barley, and sources ingredients for the menus at its brewery and restaurants from local farmers and growers, placed third for its Sunkissed Blonde offering.
This year’s competition, which was held remotely, marked the largest in history with medals awarded in 97 different beer categories covering 175 different beer styles.
The event took place over 17 days and 34 sessions. The contest included 170 judges and some 9,680 beers that were from 2,192 different breweries and all 50 states. The winners were feted during the Craft Brewers Conference that took place in Denver that was also showcased via livestream on The Brewing Network.