The year 2020 goes down in history. Despite all the trouble and worries due to Corona virus, we are glad to annouce positive messages like this one: The managing directors Roland and Oswald Kundmüller together with brewmaster Michael Popp are pleased to receive one of the most important awards in the (beer)world. Earlier this year they were nominated as the Craft Brewer of the Year - now, their “Weiherer / Cervejaria Bamberg Rauchbock” won a Bronze medal in the “strong smoke beer” category at the European Beer Star. That means a total of 21 medals for the Kundmüller brewery and therefore they are amongst the most successful breweries taking part in this competition.
For master brewer Roland Kundmüller, the new award is another impressive affirmation that the company is on the right track. „Constant quality is decisive, particularly in times of uncertainty.“ With 21 medals won at European Beer Star in the past 12 years and additional 66 medals and awards at other relevant competitions, it has been shown that the Weiherer beers are of consistently excellent quality, regardless of wether it’s a classical Lager or one of the extraordinary special brews.
Alexandre Bazzo, the Collaboration-Brew-Partner from the allied Cervejaria Bamberg in Brazil also celebrated the award. Under normal circumstances, Brazzo and the Kundmüller brothers would have met again for this year´s Brau Beviale trade fair, during which the European Beer Star is handed over... they still remember 2018 when their Co-brewed “Rauchbock” won a gold medal. But due to Corona virus the fair had to be canceled and though the ceremony was held via online stream, followed by a little get together in the brewery - security distance inclusive. Well, digitally the winning team could raise a toast and is optimistic to see each other personally again soon.
It is exactly 10 years ago, when the Franconian-Brazilian friendship started. And the famous “Rauchbock” was brewed in 2014 for the first time. Amber coloured, smoky with heart-warming 7.0% alc and the spiciness of home-grown hops. The final result stands for their friendship - and moreover for the unique taste that they love. Still brewed seasonally according to the former established recipe: 4 types of malt and 3 different hops.
Some facts about his year´s EBS competition: With 2.036 beers from 42 countries all over the world, the European Beer Star recorded a unique high number of participants - even in the difficult year marked by Covid19 virus. The jury: 66 judges, all of them wether master brewer, beer sommelier or proven beer connoisseurs from all over Europe. The tasting: Gräfelding near Munich, beginning of October, 3 days, blind tasting, 70 categories of beer styles - hard work, of course, as it was all based on the objective evaluation of criteria such those used by beer consumers: appearance, foam, smell, taste and does the beer match the typical characteristics of its style.
