Held in January of each year, the Good Food Awards seeks out the best small companies across the United States that are devoted to both craftsmanship and sustainability. Unlike other food awards, the Good Food Awards honor both flavor and responsible business practices. The commitment to social and environmental responsibility has long been a focus for Oregonian purveyors and it is no wonder that winners from the Beaver State were found in 13 of the 15 categories. The 199 winners were selected from 2,000 entrants that are devoted to created vibrant local food economies. The best from Oregon include:
Beer
Falling Sky Brewing, Dreadnut Tropical Stout, Oregon
Full Sail Brewing Company, Amber Ale, Oregon
Ninkasi Brewing Company, Pacific Rain Pale Ale, Oregon
Falling Sky Brewing is a community effort that officially began in 2012 and has since grown and blossomed to include several different features in Eugene. From students to faculty, Falling Sky Brewing encompasses a full range of Eugene traditions.
Full Sail has grown full scale since starting off as a small operation on the Hood River. The independent brewery now has a larger output than ever but remains devoted to acting as stewards of the environment. The Amber Ale has won numerous beer championship awards both locally, nationally and internationally.
Ninkasi was born out of a friendship centered around a love of beer and that same love has stayed since 2006. Ninkasi continues to foster a spirit of community even as it remains independent and continues to grow and evolve.
Charcuterie
Olympia Provisions, Chorizo El Rey, Oregon
Toro Bravo, Sobrasada Mallorca & Fuet, Oregon
Olympia Provisions has grown a national reputation for its locally made charcuterie. This year’s winning El Rey is the king of spice featuring Spanish-style chorizo with smoked paprika, clove, allspice, cayenne and chili flakes.
Toro Bravo is the Spanish style celebration from one of Portland’s best and most prolific restauranteur families. The Sobrasada Mallorca & Fuet is just a small taste of what can be found on the house made charcuterie board in the restaurant.
Cheese
Briar Rose Creamery, Goat Milk Feta & Lorelei, Oregon
Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese, Cascadian Frechette, Oregon
The Briar Rose Creamery is the dream of cheese lover and cheese expert turned cheesemaker, Sarah Marcus, who has studied cheese making in countries all over the world. Her love of her craft has created some of the most delicious cheeses in Oregon, including Lorelei. Named for a siren and songs, Lorelei is rinsed in Oregon brewed beer and crafted with care.
Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese is the result of a French native bringing the Old World craft to the New World to create artisanal cheese on a small scale. The winning Cascadian Fréchette is a semi soft goat cheese with a classic goat cheese aroma.
Other winners and categories of note that are worth checking out include:
Chocolate
Creo Chocolate, Brown Butter Bar, Oregon
Cider
WildCraft Cider Works, Sage, Oregon
Coffee
Noble Coffee Roasting, Ethiopian ‘Bishan Fugu’, Oregon
Confections
Alma Chocolate, Matcha Mint Bar, Oregon (closed)
Batch PDX, Earl Grey & Almond Crisp, Oregon
Elixirs
Improper Goods, The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters, Oregon
Fish
Bon Appetit Management Co. (Mt. Angel Abbey & Seminary), Hardwood Hot Smoked Columbia River Chinook Salmon, Oregon
Honey
Jacobsen Salt Co. + Bee Local, Pioneer Square & Sauvie Island, Oregon
Pantry
Bunches & Bunches, Green: Fire Roasted Green Chile Sauce, Oregon
Preserves
Mt. Hope Farms, Aronia Haskap Fruit Spread & Columbia Star-Aronia-Lavender Fruit Spread, Oregon
Spirits
Elixir, Calisaya & Fernet dei Fratelli Loreto, Oregon
Vivacity Spirits, Treos Brandy, Oregon
Image: The Local Dish Staff
