The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild hosted the 2017 Virginia Craft Beer Cup awards ceremony Monday in Richmond with more than 240 brewers in attendance.

Two new area breweries, Hammer & Forge Brewing Co. in Franklin County and Great Valley Farm Brewery in Rockbridge County, both landed awards. There were 356 beers entered into 24 categories for the competition. The judging took place May 13 at Fair Winds Brewing Co. in Lorton. The awards are the largest state competition of its kind.

“The Virginia Craft Beer Cup recognizes brilliant independent craft beer and the creativity of the brewers that make it all happen,” Brett Vassey, president, and CEO of Virginia Craft Brewers Guild said in a news release. “Congratulations to all the teams that competed in this year’s Cup.”

Great Valley Farm Brewery grabbed first place for its Lemongrass Basil Saison in the spice, herb or vegetable beer category, and its GVFB Stout landed third place in the Dark British Ale competition. Great Valley opened last fall in Natural Bridge.

Hammer & Forge Brewing Co., which opened earlier this year in Boones Mill, won third place in the Amber and Dark European Lager category for its Night Witches brew.

This year’s best-in-show first-place award went to Smartmouth Brewing Co. in Norfolk for its Safety Dance German pilsner.

The full list of winners can be found at www.virginiacraftbrewers.org.

Read More at Source: The Roanoke Times