Buffalo Water Beer Co - News

Ryan Wickens
Marketing Communications Specialist

Buffalo Water Beer Company
309 N Water Street, Suite 315
Milwaukee, WI 53202

414.978.8013 (office)
414.801.8970 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager Takes
2^nd Place at Kohler Festival of Beer

Buffalo Water Beer Company's Bison Blonde All-Malt Lager Beer took the Silver Medal at the Inaugural 2009 Kohler Festival of Beer "Cheers to Beers Grand Tasting Event," held Memorial Day weekend, May 22-23, 2009 at the Kohler Design Center, Kohler, WI.

"Beer is the drink of the people, and this People's Choice recognition shows that Bison Blonde is a beer people like," said Buffalo Water Founder and President Craig Peterson. "I am proud this distinction was bestowed by the judges we value most - the everyday folks who sit on the bench of public opinion."

"I am especially honored this award was earned at the first-ever Kohler beer festival, where over 20 breweries presented over 93 different beers. It is great to be associated with such a prestigious event and venue," Peterson added.

HISTORY OF BUFFALO WATER

The Milwaukee-based beer company was organized late in 2007 to create a classic brew to complement Buffalo Wings, America's most popular leisure food. Founder Craig Peterson decided a craft-brewed all-malt lager beer would be the most satisfying match for the spicy finger food. The first batch of Bison Blonde was produced early in 2008 and released to the public that February at the 10^th Annual Milwaukee Public Museum Food and Froth Fest, where it won immediate acceptance.

Following the successful debut, Peterson embarked on his trademark sampling events, where potential customers can try Bison Blonde before they buy at off-premise and on-premise accounts.

"People like to know the people who make their beer," Peterson said. "And at Buffalo Water we like to know the people who drink our beer. That's why this honor is so important to us. It comes straight from the people."

A 150-YEAR OLD BUSINESS PLAN

Peterson likes to joke that he operates from a 150-year old business plan.

It happens to be funny - but true.

"I wanted to create a craft-brewed beer that was true to the inspiration of Milwaukee's early brewing giants like Fred, Joseph, Philip and Val. People told me they wanted to try a craft beer they could enjoy time and time again.

"We've seen so much growth and innovation in the craft beer segment that the public is sometimes confused about the basics. I thought, ‘let's make a beer that tastes like a beer,' and that's how our All-Malt Lager came to be," Peterson said.

According to Laurie Turner, Special Events Coordinator at Woodlake Market, Kohler, the official winning beers based on attendee voting were as follows:

First place - Blucreek Brewing / Wild Blueberry Ale
Second place - Buffalo Water Beer Company / Bison Blonde Lager
Third place - Unibroue / Don de Dieu

"I think the public's choice for the top three finishers at the Kohler Festival of Beer reveals that discerning beer drinkers like to balance a respect for tradition with a quest for innovation. That's the American way, and I'm proud to be part of it," Peterson said.

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