Favorite Beer of 2026! Cincinnati just crowned its Favorite Beer of 2026, and the winner is Vlad Pilsner from Fretboard Brewing Co.! That’s right, folks—the crisp, crushable Czech-style pilsner has taken the crown in The Cincinnati Enquirer’s epic beer bracket madness, proving once again that sometimes the classics win the day (and the votes).
In a tournament that felt like March Madness but with way better hydration options, 32 local brews battled it out over five nail-biting rounds. Voters hit refresh like it was their job, casting ballots hourly and turning the bracket into a full-on Cincinnati suds showdown. Vlad didn’t just sneak by—it dominated. In the final round, it racked up a whopping 467 votes to defeat Hofbrauhaus’s Dunkel, leaving no doubt who the people wanted on their taps.
What makes Vlad so special? This isn’t some flashy triple IPA trying to blind you with hops. Vlad is the original brew from Fretboard—the very first batch they ever made back when the Blue Ash spot (the one with the killer music theme, because who doesn’t love guitars and good beer?) fired up their system. It’s a true-to-style International Pilsner at a sessionable 5.3% ABV and a gentle 17 IBUs, brewed with imported Czech malt and hops for that clean, bready backbone and subtle herbal pop. Golden, crisp, ruthlessly drinkable—it’s the beer you reach for on a sunny patio, at a Reds game, or when you’re just chilling in the Queen City.
And let’s talk accolades: Vlad’s already a medal magnet, snagging gold and silver at the World Beer Cup, Ohio Craft Brewers Cup, and U.S. Open Beer Championship. Now you can add “Cincinnati’s Favorite Beer 2026” to the trophy case. Fretboard’s rocking the local scene hard—#drinklocal, #rocklocal, #cincybrau—and this win feels like a high-five to everyone who loves a perfectly executed lager over the latest hazy experiment.
So next time you’re in Cincinnati, swing by Fretboard Brewing Co. (or grab a six-pack wherever they distribute), raise a glass of Vlad, and toast to the people’s champ. Because in a city with more breweries than you can shake a pretzel at, the crowd has spoken: Vlad reigns supreme.
Cheers to Vlad Pilsner—Cincinnati’s undisputed beer king of 2026
Previous Winners of The Cincinnati Enquirer’s epic beer bracket madness
2026: Vlad Pilsner from Fretboard Brewing Co.
2025: Crazy Norse from Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
2024: Crazy Norse from Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
2023: Helles Real from Grainworks Brewing Co.
2022: Bohemian Special Brew from Wiedemann
2021: Bohemian Special Brew from Wiedemann
2020: Backbeat Coffee Blonde Ale from Big Ash Brewing
More about Fretboard Brewing
Fretboard Brewing Company burst onto the Cincinnati scene in late 2017, when three lifelong friends and LaSalle High School alumni decided to turn their shared passions for rock ‘n’ roll and craft beer into something extraordinary. Launching their flagship brewery and taproom in Blue Ash, Ohio—just a short drive north of downtown Cincy—the trio created a one-of-a-kind destination where live music, smoked BBQ from an in-house kitchen, and seriously impressive brews come together in perfect harmony. From day one, Fretboard has been all about striking the right chord: welcoming beer lovers, music fans, and good-time seekers to a vibrant space that feels like a backyard concert meets your favorite local brewery. With additional locations now rocking in Norwood, Harrison, and a Public House in Hamilton, Fretboard continues to expand its rhythm while staying true to its roots of adventure, creativity, and community.
At the heart of every great night at Fretboard are the beers—crisp, balanced, and built to please a crowd. The star of the show is Vlad Pilsner, a ruthlessly drinkable Czech-style pilsner that’s racked up Gold and Silver medals at the World Beer Cup and U.S. Open Beer Championship, proving it’s not just fun—it’s world-class. Other crowd-pleasers include the hop-forward flagship Improv West Coast IPA, the easy-sipping Fretboard Light Lager perfect for long sessions, and seasonal favorites like juicy hazies, barrel-aged stouts, and festive lagers. Whether you’re raising a pint to a live band, digging into some smoky BBQ, or simply toasting another great day, Fretboard Brewing delivers that unbeatable combo of killer brews, electric vibes, and pure fun. Come for the beer, stay for the show—Fretboard is where Cincinnati’s craft scene hits all the high notes!
Address: Multiple locations including Blue Ash (flagship), Norwood, Harrison, and Hamilton Public House, Ohio
Website: https://www.fretboardbrewing.com
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