Counter Weight Brewing Co. in Hamden and East Rock Brewing Company in New Haven took home gold and silver medals, respectively, at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival competition on Oct. 16-17.

Two state craft breweries were recognized for excellence during the annual Great American Beer Festival, which streamed virtually on Oct. 16-17. The Brewers Association awarded 272 medals during the virtual festival and competition, which featured beer from more than 1,100 craft breweries across the country. Hamden’s Counter Weight Brewing Co. won a gold medal in the Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest category for their Fest Bier and East Rock Brewing Company of New Haven won a silver medal for its Vienna Lager in the Vienna-Style Lager category. In its 39th year, the festival usually takes place at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver but was made virtual for festivalgoers this year due to COVID-19 concerns. A complete list of winners can be viewed here.