Talkeetna takes awards for beards and beers at the State Fair

Talkeetna took home top honors in a handful of competitions at the Alaska State Fair this weekend.

Al Gallo took first place in the Colonist category of the Alaska State Fair Beard Contest. Al Made it to the final round but lost out on Best of the Fair to the winner of the Soup Strainer category, Doug Renfre of Anchorage, who claimed the ultimate prize, the Sourdough award.

Denali Brewing Company claimed a handful of prizes as well. Denali Brewing Company of Talkeetna was awarded the “Best of Show” ribbon at Sunday’s ceremony after a panel of judges scrutinized a wide range of craft beers at the second annual Microbrew Invitational Competition.  Out of seven different categories, Denali Brewing Company was recognized in five, receiving a total of two gold medals and three silver medals. Judges rated each beer based on qualities such as appearance, aroma and, flavor.    Denali’s 2011 Wassail and 2012 oak-aged Hibernale both won gold medals with near-perfect scores.  Silver medals were given to Denali’s Single Engine Red in the Light Ales category, Chuli Stout in the Dark Ales category and Big Red’s Black Beer in the Lager category.  In addition to being honored with Best of Show at the Microbrew Invitational, Denali Brewing held another distinction at this year’s fair with their Mother Ale being dubbed the official beer of the Alaska State Fair.  This designation was awarded by popular vote at the Mighty Matanuska Brewfest last October.  Denali Brewing Company’s Single Engine Red was the official beer of the 2011 Alaska State Fair.  This year’s Mighty Matanuska Brewfest will take place October 19th and 20th at Raven Hall on the Palmer fairgrounds and will determine the official Alaska State Fair beer for 2013.