One of the favorite annual traditions at the brewery is our Pro-Am competition. Local, amateur brewers submit their best batches of garage grog in the hopes of winning a coveted chance to brew on one of our satellite brew systems and have their beer poured in our pubs as well as a spot in the Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am category.

“Homebrewers played a big role in establishing craft beer here in San Diego. They helped create a taste for bold, unique, locally made beers. We proudly support them in many ways and this competition is a way to give back and provide them a shot to compete at the Great American Beer Festival.” –Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster

This year’s competition featured 35 unique and varied beers that were judged by a diverse panel consisting of Karl Strauss brewers and staff, San Diego beer media, and local industry folks. In years past, there’s been a clear, unanimous winner, but the competition this year was especially tough with many high quality submissions.

The coveted first place prize was eventually awarded to “The Devil’s Postpile“, brewed by Kevin Stamer from Carlsbad. The winning brew, whose name and recipe were inspired by summers of camping in Mammoth with family, was brewed at our downtown brewpub and is, as of this writing, en route for delivery to be entered into GABF’s Pro-Am competition.

“The fresh, crisp profile of the beer is perfect for a day of fishing on the lake or after many hikes to Devil’s Postpile and beyond” said Stamer.

You can find The Devil’s Postpile on tap starting today (8/26) at our Downtown San Diego Brewpub as well as our Main Brewery and Tasting Room in Pacific Beach. It will also be pouring at the Saturday session of the Great American Beer Festival in September in the Pro-Am Area.