STEVE HUXLEY AWARD
Professional Beer Career Recognition
WHAT IS IT?
At the eighth edition of the festival (2019), we decided to begin a tradition, one that is so ingrained in so many other sectors, of recognising professionals in the sector that stood out for their trajectory and have made an important contribution to the development of craft beer in the country.
An award that recognizes a professional career in our country could only have one name: Steve Huxley (Liverpool, 1950 – Barcelona 2015). Steve was a teacher, disseminator, agitator, friend, revitalizer, inspirer … brewer. He is recognized as the father and pioneer of the craft brewing sector in the country. We thank his family for their permission and the affection with which they welcomed the idea of this award.
The three main principles summarizing the values that this recognition aims to enhance, are the following:
- Spread and value craft beer
- Recognize career paths full of dedication and passion.
- Embody the positive values of fellowship, fraternity, innovation or knowledge exchange, present in the craft beer sector
HOW IS IT AWARDED?
The recognition is chosen by a jury of 100 professionals within the sector over two round. In the first round, all judges can present up to a maximum of three nominations of those they consider worthy of the prize. In the second round, the five candidates with the most support are chosen and from amongst this group, a single winner is chosen. Any winner/s will be unique in each edition. The prize cannot be awarded posthumously. Winners of previous editions are not eligible in subsequent editions.
BBF 2019
FIRST EDITION
In the first edition of the Steve Huxley Award in 2019, the prize was awarded to Carlos Rodríguez from the Ales Agullons brewery. The jury, at the time of granting it, highlighted his achievements to include:
- Being one of the pioneers in the craft brewery world in Spain and having helped the creation of both new craft and professional brewers.
- Always being open to helping and sharing his knowledge with anyone who asked for it, and having a renowned career as a developer, consultant, equipment designer, etc.
- He has been and still is the greatest champion of craft beer, both internationally and nationally, carrying out an extraordinary and recognized work of dissemination. He is currently the model to follow for many professionals in the sector.
Who will be Steve Huxley Award winner in 2020? Bets are being placed!
BBF 2020
SECOND EDITION
In the second edition, the prize was awarded to Albert Barrachina for his journey as a beer disseminator and scholar. The judges highlighted the following aspects of his career.
- He’s one of the people that have contributed the most to developing the sensory analysis and tasting of beer. His articles about tasting and evaluating beer and ingredients are always interesting.
- Albert has helped us to understand beer better than anyone and we still wouldn’t be able to classify the different types without him.
- Albert is a great beer disseminator and scholar who never says no to anyone and we have all asked him for information and advice which he has always given us both humbly and in abundence.
Check out this announcement to find out more information about the award.
INNBREW 2021
THIRD EDITION:
This third edition was awarded Andrew Dougall, from Cervezas Dougall, teacher, promoter, agitator, dynamizer, inspiring, known as the father and first instigator of the craft beer sector in the country. The judges highlighted his career:
- For his career, his honesty and maintenance in his brewing approaches.
- For being an affable person and always willing to collaborate, sharing knowledge to improve the overall quality of the beer.
- Because is a pioneer and veteran brewer, of undeniable quality – among the best in the country – brewed in a rural environment where his beer is strongly recognized.
INNBREW 2022
FOURTH EDITION:
In 2022, Salvador Marimón (Salva), one of the most respected and beloved people in the industry for more than 25 years installing equipment, was chosen by vote. The highlights of his career according to the jury:
- For his constant selfless support in the development of the sector in the field of brewing technical service and to contribute to the professionalization.
- Salva has always been at the side of brewers, distributors and hoteliers, advising and helping everyone. He never has a negative answer for nobody or for nothing.
INNBREW 2023
FIFTH EDITION
Guillem Laporta, Steve Huxley Award for professional beer career. A pioneer in the sector, he has been the engine of craft beer for twenty-five years in projects such as Humulus Lupulus, La Cerveteca and Homo Sibaris.
In the selection process, his colleagues dedicated words like this to Guillem:
- One of the best known names in the beer scene. Sommelier, promoter and dynamizer of the world of beer.
- For his essential -and persistent- vocation to learn and teach from humility.
- All his trajectory. Brewing association, introductory work on lambic beers, sommelier, hotelier…
INNBREW 2024
SIXTH EDITION
After being a constant in the list of finalists, MONTSE VIRGILI, has obtained the 2024 honorary guardon, for her work in Ales Agullons, Mostra de Mediona and GECAN.
For the Fira de Mediona, for the Masia, for being and helping everyone and not being visible, and, what the hell, because it is the best!
More information here
