Recipients of 2020 Industry Awards
Brewers Association | Since 1987, the Brewers Association has been recognizing individuals who inspire, defend, and innovate within the craft brewing industry. The recipients of the 2020 Industry Awards were presented virtually this year.
Brewers Association Recognition Award
Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Co., Asheville, USA, was honored with the Brewers Association Recognition Award. In 1994, Oscar Wong founded Asheville, North Carolina’s first craft brewery, Highland Brewing Co., kicking off a craft beer renaissance that took the city from sleepy mountain town to the craft beer capital of the Southeast. Wong is widely recognized as the “Father of Asheville Craft Beer.”
Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing
Brendan McGivney, chief operations officer at Odell Brewing Co., Fort Collins, received the Russell Schehrer Award. McGivney is recognized for aiding the development of new hops, building farmer-brewer relationships, serving as part of the hop quality group, and discovering the innovative process of “fresh grind” hops. He is responsible for developing brands such as Odell IPA, Drumroll American Pale Ale, Friek, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, and Rupture.
F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
Adam DeBower, co-founder and director of operations at Austin Beerworks, Austin, was nominated for the award named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co. which is presented for efforts in championing the small brewing industry. DeBower currently serves as the chair of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild Legislative Committee and in 2017 founded CraftPAC, a political action committee dedicated to advancing the rights of Texas craft brewers.
