The Filling Station Microbrewery's Switchback double IPA was crowned "Best IPA" at the fourth annual Traverse City IPA Challenge Thursday at The Little Fleet.

The competition - hosted by TC Ale Trail and Create TC in partnership with MI Local Hops - pitted 10 local breweries against each other in a blind taste test for best India Pale Ale. A popular vote of attendees determined the winner.

This was the second time Filling Station has won the top prize in the competition; the brewery also won the second year of the event in 2015. Previous winners have included Brewery Terra Firma (2014) and Right Brain Brewery (2016). At this year's event, Rare Bird Brewpub took second place, while Right Brain Brewery took third place. Other competing breweries included Earthen Ales, Monkey Fist Brewing Company, Workshop Brewing Company, Brewery Terra Firma, North Peak Brewing Company, Old Mission Brewing Company, and Brewery Ferment.

First place annually takes home a customized trophy and "bragging rights" of best local IPA. The Filling Station has Switchback available at its taproom now for guests to try this year's winning IPA.

Pictured: General Manager Todd Klepper and Head Brewer Andy Largent of The Filling Station Microbrewery.