Horse Thief Hollow Beer Wins Medal At Great American Beer Festival

CHICAGO, IL — A Horse Thief Hollow beer won a medal at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver last weekend. The Western Avenue brewery's "Biere de Voleur" was recognized at the national beer celebration as one of the best in the country for Belgian and French-style ale.

"I was thrilled," Horse Thief Hollow Owner Neil Byers said of when he first learned of the recognition, a silver medal in the category. "We were in the middle of a big rush when I got the text. I went around hi-fiving everyone, customers included."

Dave Williams, the brewer behind the popular beer, said Biere de Voleur was designed "to reflect classic examples of traditional BDGs brewed in the north of France."

"We focused on malt driven, yet extremely drinkable beer," Williams said. "The beer goes down easy, but also has toasted bread crusts/biscuity notes along with some toffee and caramel presence, which provide depth and complexity."

Byers said it's an honor for Horse Thief to compete against the best breweries in the world, but this isn't the first time they've been mentioned among the world's best.

As the most award winning brewpub on the South Side, Horse Thief won the 2014 World Beer Cup Silver for "Cheval Deux," 2014 GABF Bronze for "18th Rebellion Kolsch," 2016 GABF Bronze for "Prunckle's Dunkel" and 2016 Fobab Gold for "Hilltop Weizenbock" prior to this award.

"Dave and Matt (Johnsen) have proven themselves to be able to produce world class beers year after year," Byers said. "Their attention to detail and creativity have helped make Horse Thief such a great beer destination. "

Photo courtesy of Horse Thief Hollow