The California Mid-State Fair and the Central Coast Brewer’s Guild announced the Brewmaster of the Year at the second annual Craft Beer Tasting & Awards.
Kevin Ashford, the head brewer of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., was recognized Wednesday at Mission Square during the fair.
“We work tirelessly to uphold the time-honored tradition of crafting beer. I am thankful and proud to be recognized by my peers here on the Central Coast,” Ashford said.
Ashford’s career in the craft beer industry started back in 2009 when he worked in Baltimore. He eventually became the lead brewer of Heavy Seas Beer within four years.
Other candidates in the running included Brendan Gough of Central Coast Brewing and Matt Brynildson of Firestone Walker.
The event featured a walk-around tasting of beers from 15 craft breweries along the Central Coast, including Bang the Drum Brewery, Libertine Brewing Co., Firestone Walker and Santa Maria Brewing Co.
The Craft Beer Tasting & Awards celebrates the thriving craft beer industry in San Luis Obispo County each year.
