Happy Dean Jones Day! Genny Brew House brewmaster honored
Happy Dean Jones Day! Genny Brew House brewmaster honored
Jones was recognized after his Helles lager was named the best beer in the state at the recent New York State Craft Beer Competition
How does “Dean Jones Day” sound? If you live in the city of Rochester and Monroe County, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, is officially “Dean Jones Day.”
Rochester Deputy Mayor Patrick Cunningham and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello made the official declaration Wednesday at the Genesee Brew House in honor of Jones, the longtime brewmaster at the Genny Brew House, after he earned the Governor’s Cup for the best beer in the state at last month’s New York Craft Brew Competition.
Jones and assistant brewer Matt Slattery were highlighted for the Brew House Helles lager, an incredibly true-to-style German lager made with New York state ingredients. The beer was awarded a gold medal in the traditional light lager category and recognition as the top New York state beer (uses at least 60 percent NYS ingredients).
Photo: Rochester Deputy Mayor Patrick Cunningham, right, presents Genesee Brew House brewmaster Dean Jones with a proclamation Wednesday.
Jones even received a special congressional commendation from U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle. (Morelle enjoyed a few sips of the award-winning Helles with FIFCO USA CEO Piotr Jurjewicz. FIFCO USA is Genny’s parent company.)
Jurjewicz said the Brew House win showed the “pride and appreciation” Genny employees and fans have for the state’s oldest brewery.
And like he was at the awards ceremony in Albany, Jones was left speechless, showing how much the honor means in his storied 31-year career, the last 13 of which he has spent at the Cataract Street brewery.
“I am fucking speechless,” Jones offered. “… This is 31 years for me brewing and two years in an apprentice, it’s a long time coming. I am speechless. World Beer Cup medals, GABF medals meant nothing compared to this.”
Jones recalled drinking a Utica Club Pilsner out of the cup after receiving the honor. Fred Matt, F.X. Matt Brewing president (parent company of Utica Club and Saranac), poured that beer into the trophy.
It was evident from the reception Jones received at the awards ceremony how much love and respect his industry peers have for him. He received a standing ovation.
In their proclamations, both Cunningham and Bello noted that Jones has served as a willing mentor and proud ambassador for the brewing industry in Rochester. If you haven’t tried the crisp, easy-drinking lager yet, get to the Brew House as quickly as you can. It’s still on draft there and available to take home in 32-ounce crowlers.
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