The Dayton Beer Co. wins Alltech Commonwealth Cup

Saturday, May 16, was a huge day for the owner of The Dayton Beer Co. — not only did he get married at his new brewery, but his “Batch 100” golden strong ale was also chosen from over 350 beers to win the Alltech Commonwealth Cup. The competition is the only professional beer competition in Kentucky and boasted 350 beers from 20 countries and five continents competing for the title.

The top award was announced at the Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fest Saturday in Lexington, an event that in its second year, drew 51 national and local craft breweries to nearly 50,000 square feet in Heritage Hall, double the size of last year’s space. 180 brews were sampled by thirsty patrons, with special tappings every 15 minutes that kept the excitement level high. Kentucky craft distillers from across the state were pouring samples, for those looking for a bourbon, rye, brandy or even absinthe fix. Food vendors dispensed samples and meals as many patrons stayed, socialized and debated which brew or cider to sample next from breweries across the country as local bands played onstage.

Batch 100 from The Dayton Beer Co. of Dayton, Ohio, is a Belgian-style ale filtered and tank conditioned and made with candy sugar. The judges noted its subtle malty sweetness, pleasant dry finish, high carbonation and nice hop quality. The small brewery is headed by Pete Hilgeman. Brewery representative John Wiley traveled from Dayton, Ohio, to accept the award. The brewery won eight medals last year in the competition and won another five this year. The brewery is “proud to be the first true microbrewery in the Dayton area in over 50 years and describes its beer as “hand-crafted with no automation in small batches.”

Other entrants received gold, silver and bronze medals for quality brews. Lexington’s Blue Stallion Brewing Co. won four silver medals and five bronzes. Country Boy Brewing Co. of Lexington was awarded one silver medal and two bronzes. The brewery winner last year, Zip’s Brewhouse of Hungary, also picked up several medals for its brews.

Winners were chosen by an expert panel of judges based on blind judging of appearance, aroma, flavor, body, style and quality.