Area breweries take home top awards at national competition

CLEARWATER — Big Storm Brewing Co.’s Maple Rum Huracan Imperial Stout was awarded the gold medal at the 2020 U.S. Beer Open Championship, an event founded in 2009 that drew more than 6,000 entries across 140 categories this year. 

Maple Rum Huracan Imperial Stout, according to a press release, was the top beer in the Rum Barrel-Aged Beer category. Big Storm’s sister brewery, Punta Gorda-based Fat Point, was also victorious: Its Big Boca Ale won a silver medal in the English Summer Ale category. 

“This honor is a reflection of the team we have built at Big Storm,” Big Storm co-owner L.J. Govoni states in the release. “Our team is passionate about creating beers that are not only mixed with unique flavors, but are also really drinkable, crowd favorites. While we’re just doing what we love, it feels great to be recognized as one of the best in the nation year after year.” 

Big Storm was founded in 2012 and has locations in Clearwater, Odessa and Cape Coral. Fat Point, also founded in 2012, is located at 611 Charlotte St. in Punta Gorda. 

“Medaling for the second straight year and to be recognized by our peers as one of the best only validates what we are doing in Punta Gorda,” Fat Point Head Brewer Jessy Abbate states in the release. “We focus on creating a meaningful experience, with excellence and attention to detail and again winning a national honor is an added bonus.”