Independence's Convict Hill Stout Wins National Award

Congrats to Austin's Independence Brewing. Cut and pasted from their blog:

Independence Brewing Co. wins 2012 Good Food Awards

Independence Brewing Co., the Austin microbrewery, received the 2012 Good Food Award for their Convict Hill Stout in recognition of the handcrafted ale’s exceptional quality, and the brewery’s commitment to sustainability and supporting the Austin community.

The Good Food Awards celebrate outstanding American food producers who push their industries towards craftsmanship and sustainability while enhancing the agricultural landscape and building strong communities.

Independence Brewing Co.’s Convict Hill Stout was selected from over 900 entries to become one of 18 finalists. Amongst such well-respected craft breweries like Alaskan Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Lagunitas, and New Belgium, the lone Texas brewery looked like the “little brewery that could”.

Since opening in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a husband-and-wife run microbrewery to a talented crew of 13 with a reputation for brewing some of the best beers in Texas.

“Breweries should be a reflection of their community, and Independence Brewing is a reflection of Austin,” said Independence co-founder Amy Cartwright. “With creative tenacity we strive to responsibly produce the absolute best in our field while working with fellow farmers, business owners and non-profits to build a thriving community.”

Independence Brewing Co. gives back to the community in a unique way. Certified organic local rancher Calvin Jechow owner and operator of Six J Ranch in Thorndale, collects the barley that Independence used to brew and uses it to feed his livestock including, free range chickens, turkeys and goats. The meat is later sold at Austin-area farmers markets which collectively benefit the Sustainable Food Center.

And by supporting benefit dinners at Mansion at Judge’s Hill and Edible Austin’s Farm to Table Dinner, Independence Brewing has been working to further the Sustainable Food Center’s goals of improving access to healthy nutritional foods and strengthening the local food system.

In addition, Independence helps out other Austin non profits including Keep Austin Beautiful, It’s My Park Day, Friends of the Forest, Urban Roots and many animal rescue groups including Austin Pets Alive and Forgotten Friends.

“It was an honor to be on stage with such well-respected craft brewers, and we are feel that the 2012 Good Food Awards brings to light our efforts to be a responsible company that produced one of the best beers in America.”

Austinites can sample the award-winning Convict Hill Stout at two of the original stores to sell Independence beers: the Whole Foods on Lamar on Sunday, January 15 and January 22 from 1-3 pm, and at Wheatsville Co-Op on Saturday, Jan 21, 12-3pm. Independence fans are encouraged to attend a celebration happy hour at the Ginger Man Pub on January 20, 6-8 pm.

About Independence Brewing Co.
Independence Brewing Co. was founded in Austin in 2004 by Amy and Rob Cartwright. Over the years the microbrewery has become a staple in Austin bars, restaurants and grocery stores. Independence has developed a repertoire of favorite craft beers available year-round in bottles, from the easy-drinking Austin Amber to the dark, rich and roasty Convict Hill Stout. The more adventurous fans seek out seasonal draft-only brews like the ESB and the limited Brewluminati series.