Russell Schehrer was a founding partner and the original head brewer at Denver’s Wynkoop Brewing Co. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 38, but his legacy lives on through the Brewers Association’s Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing.
This year’s receipient of the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing was Will Meyers of Cambridge Brewing Co.
You could feel the love in the room for Will when his name was announced because no doubt many of the people in that room have talked beer and business with Will.
Will homebrewed his first beer in 1990 and has subsequently enjoyed a brewing career at Cambridge since 1993. In addition to his authentic interpretations of traditional beers, he crafts unique, adventuresome beers – some of which reference ancient brews of the world and others which break new ground in the art of brewing. His focus on experimentation in the craft – including the development of Cambridge’s infamous Barrel Cellar and innovations in wild fermentations, barrel aging, and sour beer production – have placed him at the forefront of America’s artisanal brewers. Away from the brewery he is an accomplished home cook, avid reader and world traveler, sake brewer and winemaker, and sick snowboarder.
And he goes out of his way to help a fellow brewer who is interested in soaking in his wisdom. Cheers to Will.
Here’s the complete list of Russell Schehrer award winners since the beginning.
2017 – Will Meyers, Cambridge Brewing Co.
2016 – Jason Perkins, Allagash Brewing Co.
2015 – Steve Dresler, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
2014 – Mitch Steele, Stone Brewering Company
2013 – Peter Bouckaert, New Belgium Brewing Co.
2012 – James Ottolini, St. Louis Brewery, Inc.
2011 – Jennifer Talley, Squatters Pub Brewery/Salt Lake Brewing Co.
2010 – Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
2009 – Steve Parkes, American Brewers Guild
2008 – Vinnie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Company
2007 – Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker Brewing Company
2006 – Dan Carey, New Glarus Brewing Company
2005 – Greg Noonan, Vermont Pub and Brewery
2004 – Dick Cantwell, Elysian Brewing Company
2003 – Phil Markowski, Southampton Publick House
2002 – John Mallett, Kalamazoo Brewing Co.
2001 – John Harris, Full Sail Brewing Co.
2000 – Mark Carpenter, Anchor Brewing Co.
1999 – Fal Allen, Pike Brewing; Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
1998 – Garrett Oliver, The Brooklyn Brewery
1997 – John Maier, Oregon Brewing Co./Rogue Ales
