CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 12, 2024) – The Charlotte Beer Collective, a community of craft beer enthusiasts united by a shared passion for supporting local non-profit organizations and causes, is proud to announce the renaming of the Queen City Brewers Festival’s “Best of Show” award to the “Dan Wade Best of Show” award.
This tribute, honoring the late Dan Wade, was unveiled in the days leading up to Wooden Robot Brewery’s 9th-anniversary celebration later in the month, commemorating nearly a decade of brewing excellence and community engagement. The first “Dan Wade Best of Show” award will be presented at the annual Queen City Brewers Festival in February of 2025.
Dan Wade, the co-founder and co-owner of Wooden Robot Brewery, was a skilled brewer and remarkable friend, husband and father who made a lasting impact on the Charlotte community. With
Dan’s help, Wooden Robot was the first recipient of the QCBF “Best of Show” award in 2016, and his spirit and dedication to the craft left an indelible mark, inspiring Queen City brewers and beer enthusiasts alike. Dan’s warm personality and significant legacy will endure through this award – serving as a symbol of his profound influence on the craft beer community in Charlotte.
The beer community rallied around Wooden Robot during a time of need, showing the power that comes from banding together in support of one another. Many brewed special beers to raise money for the Wade Family Fundraiser. The inspirational comradery is a testament to the importance of fellowship and friendship, even among competitors in the industry. “Dan Wade's influence on the craft beer community in Charlotte is both profound and immeasurable.
He was one of the very first people to reach out when Resident Culture was just opening, offering help and insights with an openness, kindness and enthusiasm that set the tone for our understanding of the entire industry,” said Amanda McLamb, CEO & co-founder of Resident Culture Brewing. “Dan lived and breathed the concept of paying it forward, and the acts of kindness he inspired within Charlotte's brewing community and beyond are truly beyond measure.”
“Dan was always excited and willing to discuss his passion for artisanal craft beers, his knowledge of quality ingredients and his vision for what would become a very successful brewery,” said Todd Ford, VP and co-founder of NoDa Brewing Company. “We were invigorated by his energy and willingness to dive into his own brewing adventure. That is what has made craft brewing the great industry that it is.”
Wooden Robot’s 9th anniversary is not only a celebration of the brewery’s success but also a tribute to the man who made it all possible. This milestone highlights nearly a decade of exceptional brewing, community involvement and the shared passion that Dan instilled in everyone he met. The anniversary festivities will take place on Saturday, July 20, at the brewery’s second location, The Chamber in NoDa, and will include community events open to the public, featuring live music, an open-air market and exclusive new beer releases. For more information on the anniversary event, please visit this website.
