The Little Microbrewery That Could

Once upon a time, a start-up microbrewery in Agoura Hills entered an international beer competition--and won.

In its  first year of operation, Ladyface Ale Companie, the Conejo Valley's only microbrewery and gastropub, snatched the gold and bronze medals in blind tastings at the 2010 Los Angeles International Beer Competition in May.

Owner and manager Cyrena Nouzille could not be more pleased.  "We've been in business for less than a year and this is our first competition," said Nouzille, "so we're honored and thrilled to be recognized."

Established in late 2009, Ladyface produces approximately 800 barrels of beer per year. Among them is the Belgian-style amber Blind Ambition, which won gold, and the full-bodied and hoppy Chesebro IPA, which took bronze in the lager category. 

The Los Angeles International Beer Competition is run by the Los Angeles County Fair.  Conducted as a blind tasting, the competition is registered with the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and the Brewers Association.  In past years, the public has been able to sample the winning beers at the L.A. County Fair in the fall.

"We're now brewing a number of new ales," said David Griffiths, Ladyface's 31-year-old brewmaster, "and can't wait to take them to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado, this September."