U.S. Open Beer Championships - 2009 Winners

The 1^st annual U.S. Open Beer Championship was held July 4, 2009, recognizing quality craft beer from around the world. Sponsored by BeerInfo.com, the call for entries came on June 1, with a deadline of June 14. Open to more than 1000 breweries from 30 nations, and accessible to homebrewers from across Canada and the U.S., over 500 winners would rise to the top of 50+ beer categories, from American IPAs to Imperial Stouts, from Schwarzbier to Belgian Lambics.

At long last here are the results. The top 10 winners, by style, are available here.

In Chicagoland, go to the brewery itself if you can; Goose Island has two Chicago locations and Three Floyds is not far away in Muenster, IN. Two Brothers is in Warrenville, west of the city while Mickey Finn's is north in Libertyville. Lunar Brewing is in Villa Park.

Otherwise find winners at local, enlightened liquor stores like Binny's Beverage Depot or Sam's Wine and Spirits.

From Wisconsin, locate elixirs by Lakefront, Sprecher, New Glarus, Miller, Point, Leinenkugel, Capital, Viking, and Sand Creek.

Not far into Michigan belly up to beers by Bell's Brewery and Shoreline Restaurant and Brewery.

Indeed, in Chicagoland, imbibe the best. The U.S. Open Beer Championship can point you in the right direction.