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Allagash's Rob Tod wins 2019 James Beard Award

Tod on Monday won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer.

PORTLAND, Maine — The founder of Allagash Brewing Company has won a 2019 James Beard Award.

Rob Tod was one of just five producers nationwide nominated for this year's James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer, and the only Mainer to advance to the final round.

Winners were announced Monday during a gala in Chicago and simultaneously shared via Twitter.

According to the award's description, the winner "demonstrates consistency and exceptional skill in his or her craft."

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Tod was nominated in 2017, as well, but didn't win.

Allagash shared its praise for the boss in a tweet, calling Tod "super cool."

"From literally welding together our brewery in 1995, to creating Allagash White, to inspiring us every day, we agree that he's earned this [James Beard Foundation] award," it tweeted. "Congrats, Rob!"

Up against Tod for the award were Corison Winery's Cathy Corison of St. Helena, Calif.; High Wire Distilling Co.'s Ann Marshall and Scott Blackwell of Charleston, S.C.; Matthiasson Wines' Steve Matthiasson of Napa, Calif.; and St. George Spirits' Lance Winters of Alameda, Calif.

RELATED: For the first time, Allagash White to be sold in cans

Tod founded Allagash in 1995. The Portland-based brewery is now an iconic staple and institution for the state's trendy beer scene. Allagash is not only acclaimed for its wide popularity, which stretches far beyond the region, but its ability to somewhat incubate fellow breweries nearby on Industrial Way.

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