Congratulations to Squatters brewmaster Jenny Talley, who was presented with the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing at the 2011 Brewers Association's Craft Brewers Conference in San Francisco this week. --- The award is given each year to a brewer for "demonstrating creativity, excellence in brewing, and substantial contributions to the craft brewing community." Talley is the first woman to ever win the award.%uFFFD

The Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing was first given in 1997 to honor Russell Schehrer, who died in 1996 at 38 years old, for his contributions to the brewing industry. Schehrer was a founding partner and original head brewer at Colorado's first brewpub, Wynkoop Brewing Co. He was also one of the first brewers to produce mead, doppel alt, cream stout and chili beer.

Talley is responsible for the creation of numerous award-winning Squatters beers, including my personal favorite: Full Suspension Pale Ale. %uFFFD