Dow Scoggins

San Diego Brewing Unveils Montezuma’s Haze IPA: A Juicy New Addition to Its Hop-Forward Lineup

January 6, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

San Diego, CA – January 6, 2026 – San Diego Brewing Company, one of San Diego’s original craft breweries and a beloved fixture since 1993, is thrilled to announce the release of Montezuma’s Haze IPA, a bold and juicy New England-style hazy IPA that pays homage to the rich history and vibrant spirit of the region.

Brewed with a generous blend of tropical hops including Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado, Montezuma’s Haze IPA delivers explosive notes of pineapple, mango, and citrus, wrapped in a soft, pillowy mouthfeel with a signature hazy glow. At 6.8% ABV, this unfiltered brew offers low bitterness and maximum drinkability—perfect for San Diego’s year-round sunshine and craft beer enthusiasts seeking the next big haze.

“Inspired by the legendary Aztec emperor and the adventurous soul of San Diego, Montezuma’s Haze is our take on the hazy IPA craze that’s sweeping the nation,” said Head Brewer at San Diego Brewing Company. “We focused on creating a beer that’s bursting with fruit-forward flavors while staying true to our roots in crafting delicious, hoppy brews.”

Montezuma’s Haze IPA is now available on draft at the San Diego Brewing Company brewpub located at 10450 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. Join us at the brewpub, featuring special pours, food pairings, and live music. Follow @SanDiegoBrewing on social media for updates and events.

About San Diego Brewing Company
Established in 1993, San Diego Brewing Company stands as one of San Diego’s original craft breweries and a beloved brewpub in the heart of Mission Valley. Renowned for its award-winning house-brewed beers—with a strong emphasis on bold, hop-forward IPAs—crafted in small batches using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients without preservatives or adjuncts, the brewery pairs its exceptional taps with a full restaurant menu featuring elevated pub fare, vegetarian options, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Under recent passionate new ownership committed to preserving its legacy while innovating for the future, San Diego Brewing Company continues to be a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic San Diego craft beer experiences.

Top 10 Barrel Aged Imperial Stouts (12.5%+ ABV) – 2026

January 3, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Top 10 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts (Over 12.5% ABV)

In the world of craft beer, few styles command as much reverence and anticipation as barrel-aged imperial stouts exceeding 12.5% ABV. These massive, inky-black powerhouses combine the deep roast, dark chocolate, espresso, and caramelized malt of a classic Russian imperial stout with the transformative magic of extended aging in bourbon, rye, rum, or other spirit barrels. The result is a velvety, boozy symphony of vanilla, oak, toasted coconut, dried fruit, and warm whiskey notes that often hides its formidable strength behind remarkable balance and complexity. From iconic annual releases like Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout (17.4% ABV) and Firestone Walker Parabola (14.1% ABV) to ultra-limited gems from breweries such as Toppling Goliath, Side Project, Bottle Logic, and Revolution, these beers represent the pinnacle of the style. As winter settles in, they offer profound warmth and depth, rewarding patient sippers with layers of flavor that evolve in the glass—and often in the cellar—for years to come.

1) Monochrome Brewing’s Eigengrau – Illinois
Monochrome Brewing’s Eigengrau (around 14.5% ABV) has quickly risen to acclaim from this young Illinois brewery, earning a gold medal at FoBAB for its sophisticated blend aged in premium barrels like Four Roses, Willett, and vanilla bourbon. It delivers rich roast, complex barrel tannins, and deep chocolate-oak integration in a clean, non-adjunct style that’s elegant and highly regarded.
Address: 2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.monochromebrewing.com

2) Toppling Goliath’s Assassin barrel-aged variants – Iowa
Toppling Goliath’s Assassin barrel-aged variants stand out as some of the most coveted and highest-rated barrel-aged imperial stouts, often earning scores in the upper 4.0s on platforms like Untappd and BeerAdvocate. The 2025 vintage and variants like Double Barrel Assassin (around 14.9% ABV) deliver an intensely rich fudge-like chocolate base layered with bold bourbon warmth, oak, and sometimes apple brandy or rye influences for added complexity. Aged for over a year—sometimes nearing two—in premium barrels, these ultra-limited releases are true “whales” known for their smooth yet deadly depth and balance.
Address: 1600 Prosperity Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Website: https://www.tgbrews.com

3) Revolution Brewing’s Deth’s Tar – Illinois
Revolution Brewing’s Deth’s Tar (Barrel-Aged) is a Chicago classic at 14.8% ABV, where oatmeal contributes a silky, tar-like thickness to a base of deep roast, dark chocolate, and caramel. Aged in bourbon barrels for a full year, it integrates notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and subtle warmth, making it viscous, roasty, and deceptively drinkable despite its strength—consistently scoring in the mid-4.0s and a staple for stout enthusiasts.
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: https://revbrew.com

4) Oskar Blues’ Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY – Colorado
Oskar Blues’ Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY offers accessible excellence around 12.5-12.9% ABV, transforming the base stout with bourbon barrel aging that brings espresso, burnt sugar, rich chocolate, and smooth oak-vanilla notes. Widely available in cans, it’s balanced, warming, and highly rated (often 4.4+), serving as a gateway to bigger barrel-aged experiences with its robust yet approachable profile.
Address: 1640 S Sunset St, Longmont, CO 80501
Website: https://oskarblues.com

5) Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout – Illinois
Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout pushes the boundaries with its extraordinary 17.4% ABV, achieved through double aging in freshly emptied Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond bourbon barrels. This results in a masterclass of toasted marshmallow, warm vanilla, pronounced oak, and intense bourbon character that’s boozy yet remarkably balanced and layered, earning high praise with ratings around 4.5 on Untappd and 97 on BeerAdvocate. It’s a standout in the iconic lineup, celebrating pure barrel complexity.
Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Website: https://www.gooseisland.com

6) Riverlands Brewing’s Tranquil – Illinois
Riverlands Brewing’s Tranquil 2025 continues their award-winning barrel-aged program with a clean, bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout (typically 13-14.5%+ ABV range based on prior releases). It emphasizes elegant dark chocolate, oak, and subtle warmth without adjuncts, resulting in a refined, balanced pour that’s a standout from this St. Charles gem.
Address: 1860 Dean St, Unit A, St. Charles, IL 60174
Website: https://www.riverlandsbrewing.com

7) Mikerphone Brewing’s Sir Blends A-Lot #5 – Illinois
Mikerphone Brewing’s Sir Blends A-Lot #5 clocks in at a hefty 15.75% ABV as a masterful blend of ultra-long-aged stouts (32-40 months) in top-tier barrels like Weller, Willett, and Buffalo Trace. The result is profound depth with woody tannins, vanilla, espresso, dark fruit, and chocolate, hiding its strength behind silky smoothness and earning strong ratings for its blending artistry.
Address: 121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Website: https://www.mikerphonebrewing.com

8) Firestone Walker’s Parabola – California
Firestone Walker’s Parabola is a legendary bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout that has been captivating beer enthusiasts since its debut in 2010, consistently ranking among the world’s elite barrel-aged offerings with its impenetrable black pour and soaring strength around 14.1% ABV in recent vintages. Each annual release spends a full year maturing in premium bourbon barrels—such as the exquisite 12-year Elijah Craig and 11-year Henry McKenna selections for the 2025 edition—imparting profound layers of black cherry, dark chocolate fudge, roasted coffee, vanilla, charred oak, and subtle bourbon warmth, all balanced in a velvety, full-bodied texture that hides its potency behind elegant complexity and a silky finish.
Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: https://www.firestonewalker.com

9) Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project – Colorado
Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project’s Others in Darkness series is a celebrated barrel-aged imperial stout that showcases the brewery’s mastery of dark, high-ABV beers, often pushing 13-15% ABV with variants like the massive 14.5% anniversary release. The base version spends a full year (or more in special blends) in premium barrels—typically Colorado small-batch bourbon, with creative twists including rye whiskey, rum, cognac, or multi-barrel finishes—yielding rich layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, licorice, dark fruits, and subtle warmth that hide its strength behind a velvety, viscous body.
Address: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
Website: https://verbotenbrewing.com

10) River North Brewing’s Double Barrel Aged Shadowman – Colorado
River North Brewing’s Double Barrel Aged Shadowman reaches extreme heights at up to 20.4% ABV in recent releases, sequentially aged in whiskey and single malt barrels for massive layers of chocolate, roast, caramel, and oak. It’s one of the strongest and most complex out there, demanding slow sipping for its warming, viscous intensity.
Address: 6021 Washington St, Unit A, Denver, CO 80216
Website: https://www.rivernorthbrewery.com

10) Rhinegeist’s Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale – Ohio
Rhinegeist’s Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale brings aggressive spice and char from rye whiskey barrels to a massive base around 15.7% ABV, balancing herbal rye notes with cocoa, vanilla, roast, and oak. It’s a bold, balanced beast from Cincinnati that stands out for its intensity and integration.
Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://rhinegeist.com

Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged

The History of the UC Davis’s Brewing Program form the 1956-1980’s

December 30, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

In the late 1950’s, the beginning:
The UC Davis brewing program began in the late 1950s, driven by industry needs. In 1956, the Lucky Lager Brewing Company urged the university to train technical personnel, leading to equipment and funding donations from the company and the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. The first brewing technology courses in the U.S. started in 1958, taught initially by Dr. Herman Phaff (a yeast expert) and then Dr. Tommy Nakayama. These were held in Cruess Hall using a new pilot brewery dedicated on December 8, 1958. The focus was on complementing UC Davis’s strong wine fermentation program with scientific brewing education for industrial-scale production.

1960s: Expansion Under Michael Lewis
The program grew significantly after Professor Michael J. Lewis, a biochemist specializing in yeast and fermentation, joined the Food Science and Technology faculty in 1962 (some sources note formal appointment in 1964). Lewis designed core courses like Malting and Brewing Science (lecture) and Practical Malting and Brewing (lab), emphasizing yeast physiology, biochemistry, cereal grains, enzymes, and beer flavor sensory analysis. These prepared students for roles at major breweries in an era of consolidated industrial lager production. In the late 1960s, Lewis collaborated with University Extension to offer professional short courses for industry professionals.

1970s: Milestones and Ties to Emerging Craft Brewing
Key developments included the introduction of the nation’s first four-year undergraduate degree in fermentation science with a brewing concentration for the 1971-1972 academic year. The program continued focusing on rigorous science for large-scale brewing, but it inadvertently influenced the craft beer movement. In the mid-1970s, classes included field trips to New Albion Brewing Co. (founded 1976 by Jack McAuliffe, the first U.S. microbrewery post-Prohibition). Homebrewing classes began in 1976, teaching sanitation, all-grain methods, and yeast selection amid rising amateur interest. Professional extension programs expanded.

Early 1980s: Continuation and Growing Influence
Under Lewis’s leadership (until his retirement in 1994-1995), the program maintained its emphasis on undergraduate and professional training in brewing science. The craft brewing scene began accelerating in the U.S. during this period, with UC Davis alumni and resources supporting early pioneers. Homebrewing and extension courses for amateurs and professionals continued, laying further groundwork for the craft revolution that boomed later in the decade and beyond. Graduates typically entered major breweries, but the scientific foundation influenced smaller operations.

Overall, from the 1950s to early 1980s, UC Davis transitioned from basic industry-supported courses to a comprehensive, science-driven program that trained brewers for industrial giants while unintentionally seeding the American craft beer renaissance through education, alumni, and connections to early microbreweries.

University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
Website: https://brewing.ucdavis.edu/

2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival: Anchorage’s Premier Winter Beer Celebration

December 30, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The 2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival is set to return as one of Anchorage’s most anticipated winter events, bringing together craft beverage enthusiasts for a weekend of tastings, live music, and community vibes. Organized by the Brewers Guild of Alaska in partnership with Peak 2 Peak Events, this festival highlights the thriving craft scene in the Last Frontier.

Event Details: Dates, Location, and Sessions
Mark your calendars for January 30–31, 2026. The festival will take place at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage, a spacious venue perfect for hosting multiple tasting sessions.
Expect three distinct sessions across the two days, allowing attendees flexibility:
Friday evening session
Saturday afternoon session
Saturday evening session

Each session features unlimited samples from a wide array of beverages, paired with food vendors and live performances by local bands.

What to Expect: Over 250 Beverages and More
This expanded event showcases over 250 regional beverages, going far beyond traditional beer. Highlights include:
Award-winning craft beers from Alaskan and Pacific Northwest breweries
Rich, high-alcohol barley wines – a specialty that’s rare to find in such concentration
Ciders, meads, seltzers, wines, and an increasing selection of non-alcoholic options like creative kombuchas and botanical drinks

The festival is known for its barley wine competition, one of only a handful in the U.S., where brewers vie for gold pan trophies in categories like Barley Wine and Winter Warmer. Past winners have included standout entries from breweries like Midnight Sun Brewing and Reuben’s Brews.
Food pairings from local vendors complement the drinks, with options ranging from hearty appetizers to sweet treats. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect mid-winter gathering.

Why Attend the Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival?
Alaska’s craft beverage industry has exploded in recent years, with over 50 breweries statewide producing world-class drinks inspired by the rugged landscape and pure ingredients. This festival is the ultimate showcase:

Discover new favorites: Try limited-edition pours unavailable elsewhere.
Support local: Proceeds benefit the Brewers Guild of Alaska.
Inclusive fun: Designated driver tickets are affordable, and non-alcoholic options ensure everyone can join.
Winter escape: Combat the January blues with warmth, flavors, and camaraderie.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur chasing bold barley wines or a casual visitor exploring ciders and meads, there’s something for every palate.

Tickets and Practical Information
Tickets are available exclusively through the official platform, MyAlaskaTix, via the event website: www.alaskacraftbrewandbarleywine.com. Beware of resale scams – only purchase from authorized sources.
Sessions typically sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. The event is 21+ for alcohol sampling, with ID required.

For the latest updates on participating breweries, competition details, and session times, check the official site or follow on social media.

Join thousands of attendees in celebrating Alaska’s craft heritage at the 2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival – a true highlight of Anchorage’s winter calendar!

Here are the 2025 Alaska Craft Brew and Barley Wine Festival – Medal Winners
Barley Wine Winners
Gold – Three Ryes Men Barleywine – Reuben’s Brews – Washington
Silver – Arctic Devil – Midnight Sun Brewing – Alaska
Bronze – Apocalyptic Sky Trumpet – 49th State Brewing – Alaska
Honorable Mention – 2025 Barley Wine – Hoodoo Brewing – Alaska

Winter Warmer Winners
Gold – 2024 Jim Beam Double Barrel Aged Eisboch – Glacier Brewhouse – Alaska
Silver – Barrel Aged Black Pearl Imperial Coconut – Maui Brewing – Hawaii
Bronze – Reuben’s Brew Barrel Aged Stout – Reuben’s Brews – Washington

Brewers Guild of Alaska
The Brewers Guild of Alaska (BGA), founded in 2000 as a scrappy non-profit by a band of visionary craft brewers, is the beating heart of the Last Frontier’s booming beer scene—championing over 50 independent breweries, cideries, and meaderies through fierce legislative advocacy, hands-on education, and epic community events that keep Alaska’s taps flowing with bold, boundary-pushing pours like hazy IPAs brewed with midnight sun barley and barrel-aged stouts infused with wild Alaskan berries. From hosting the legendary 29th Annual Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival in January 2025 at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Center—where 65+ breweries slinged 250+ samples amid live music and food trucks—to powering the Boots & Brews Beer Fest in Fairbanks and the massive Alaska Crafted Festival in Eagle River, the BGA turns winter nights into hoppy havens and equips brewers with everything from financial workshops to biotransformation seminars at their November 2025 Alaska Crafted Conference. Whether you’re a local chasing that perfect Arctic Devil barleywine or a visitor plotting a northern beer road trip, the BGA’s all about raising a glass to sustainable sips, small-batch innovation, and the rugged spirit that makes Alaskan craft beer as untamed as its wilderness—sláinte to the guild keeping the north’s brew game strong!

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Atlanta’s Oldest Bars and their stories

December 28, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Dive into Atlanta’s oldest bars, where history pours as freely as the drinks at the city’s oldest and most iconic watering holes! From Atkins Park, the undisputed granddaddy of them all (established in 1922 and still slinging Southern comfort food in its cozy, phoenix-emblazoned digs), to legendary dives like Moe’s and Joe’s, Manuel’s Tavern, Northside Tavern, and the gloriously quirky Clermont Lounge, these spots have survived Prohibition, politics, blues riffs, and wild nights to become beloved ATL institutions. Whether you’re chasing cold beers, live music, political chatter, or unapologetic fun, Atlanta’s oldest bars offer a perfect mix of nostalgia, character, and good vibes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar (1922)
Step into Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland, and you’re walking into Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating tavern—a true survivor that started as a humble delicatessen back in 1922, cleverly navigating Prohibition before snagging its beer and wine license right after repeal (full liquor came in 1980). This cozy spot, with its classic tin ceilings, dark wood vibes, and phoenix motifs symbolizing Atlanta’s rebirth, became a neighborhood legend under visionary restaurateur Warren Bruno, who bought it in 1983 and turned it into a beloved hangout. Today, it’s lovingly run by his widow, Sandra Spoon, who keeps the farm-to-table Southern comfort food flowing—think duck fat-fried wings that are downright addictive—along with family-friendly brunches and late-night drinks. What makes it unique? It’s the perfect blend of history and heart, where generations of locals gather in a timeless space that feels like home, proving that some Atlanta classics never go out of style.
Address: 794 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.atkinspark.com/

Moe’s and Joe’s Tavern (1947)
Picture this: Two brothers fresh from WWII open a no-frills tavern in Virginia-Highland in 1947, and it becomes an instant classic—Moe’s and Joe’s is that unpretentious dive where time stands still, complete with worn wooden booths, a vintage cash register, and walls that whisper stories of generations past. Founded by Moe and Joe Krinsky (who famously traded 1,700 pitchers of PBR for a 1947 Rolls-Royce—talk about a deal!), it was once a Pabst Blue Ribbon “tied house” and remains the nation’s top seller of the stuff. Legendary bartender Horace McKennie poured pitchers for over 50 years, becoming the soul of the place. Though ownership has changed hands, the current team keeps the spirit alive with expansions like a full bar and patio while preserving the divey charm. What sets it apart? Those killer wings, ice-cold PBR pitchers for pocket change, and a loyal crowd of locals who treat it like their living room—it’s Atlanta’s ultimate neighborhood haunt where everyone knows your name (or at least your drink order).
Address: 1033 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.moesandjoesatl.com/

Manuel’s Tavern (1956)
Manuel’s Tavern in Poncey-Highland is more than a bar—it’s Atlanta’s unofficial political headquarters and community living room, opened in 1956 by the charismatic Manuel Maloof, a Lebanese immigrant’s son who turned a deli into a welcoming pub inspired by European taverns he loved during WWII. Manuel, who later became a bigwig in local politics (DeKalb County CEO and “Godfather” of Georgia Democrats), filled it with salvaged treasures and banned jukeboxes to spark real conversations—Jimmy Carter even announced his gubernatorial campaign here! The walls are a wild museum of memorabilia, from political bumper stickers to sports pennants. Still family-owned and operated by Manuel’s son Brian Maloof, it draws everyone from presidents to plumbers with hearty pub grub and a massive beer selection. Its magic? That rare cross-section vibe where blue-collar folks rub elbows with journalists and power players—it’s on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason, embodying Atlanta’s soulful, talkative spirit.
Address: 602 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Website: https://manuelstavern.com/

Northside Tavern (c. 1950s–1960s, roots earlier)
Tucked in West Midtown amid gleaming skyscrapers, Northside Tavern is Atlanta’s gritty blues sanctuary—a cinderblock dive that started as a 1940s grocery store/gas station before evolving into a blue-collar watering hole in the ’60s and finding its true calling as a live music spot in the ’70s. Under continuous family ownership since 1975 (originally by Butler Webb, then his daughter Ellyn Webb until recently, with family still at the helm), it exploded into legend in the ’90s when musician Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck convinced Ellyn to make it a blues haven. Live blues thumps seven nights a week in this smoky, no-frills joint with barred windows and stiff pours. What makes it unforgettable? It’s the authentic juke joint feel—pool tables, cheap drinks, and raw performances from legends like Beverly “Guitar” Watkins—that’s kept it thriving against gentrification, earning spots on “best dive bars in America” lists and even its own documentary.
Address: 1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Website: https://northsidetavern.com/

Clermont Lounge (1965)
The Clermont Lounge may not be the Atlanta’s oldest bar, but it is Atlanta’s oldest strip club. Down in the basement of the historic Clermont Hotel (now a boutique hotspot), the Clermont Lounge is Atlanta’s wildest, most iconic strip club—a gloriously unpolished gem that’s been shaking things up since 1965 as the city’s first and longest-running adult venue. Born from a former supper club space with a colorful past (including a short-lived fake “Playboy Club” that got sued), it’s proudly female-owned and defies every stereotype with dancers of all ages and vibes—legendary Blondie has been crushing beer cans with her assets since 1979! Celebs from Anthony Bourdain to Lady Gaga flock here for the quirky, cash-only chaos. Current owners keep the retro dive energy alive amid the hotel’s upscale revival. Its charm? Pure, unapologetic weirdness—karaoke nights, burlesque flair, and a “be yourself” ethos that makes it a beloved landmark where tourists, locals, and oddballs unite for unforgettable, laugh-out-loud nights.
Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.clermontlounge.net/

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Top 10 American Herb and Spiced Beers of 2025

December 26, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

This Top 10 Herb and Spiced beer list showcases the creative use of herbs, spices, and botanicals (such as coriander, orange peel, juniper, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, chili peppers, or unique gruit blends), drawn from medal winners and highly regarded examples in major competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, U.S. Open Beer Championship, and other notable sources.

These beers incorporate herbs and spices—distinct from or in addition to hops and roasted malts—to deliver pronounced, balanced characters ranging from refreshing citrusy notes to warming holiday spices or earthy herbal depth. Moderate hopping allows the botanicals to shine without excessive bitterness, creating harmonious and complex profiles.

Top 10 American Herb and Spiced Beers of 2025

1) Allagash White from Allagash Brewing Company is a quintessential American interpretation of the classic Belgian witbier, expertly spiced with coriander and Curaçao orange peel for bright, refreshing citrus notes and a subtle floral spice that complements its hazy, wheat-driven body. This multi-award-winning beer, including numerous Great American Beer Festival medals, offers a crisp, effervescent finish perfect for warm days or pairing with light seafood dishes.
Address: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Website: https://www.allagash.com/

2) Red Nose Holiday Wassail from Great Basin Brewing Company is a richly spiced holiday ale that captures the essence of traditional wassail with warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other festive botanicals blended into a malty backbone. This gold medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival delivers comforting, seasonal flavors ideal for winter gatherings.
Address: 846 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
Website: https://www.greatbasinbrewingco.com/

3) Chai Eye Captain from Third Eye Brewing Company is an innovative chai-spiced ale that infuses traditional Indian masala spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove into a smooth, balanced base, creating layers of warming aroma and flavor. A gold medalist in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, this beer stands out for its bold yet harmonious spice profile.
Address: 11276 Chester Rd, Sharonville, OH 45246
Website: https://thirdeyebrewingco.com/

4) Hecho En Szechuan from Pinthouse Brewing is a unique rice lager infused with Szechuan peppercorns, lime leaf, and zest, delivering a tingling, numbing spice alongside bright citrus and subtle floral notes for an intriguing, refreshing twist on the style. This silver medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival showcases creative botanical experimentation.
Address: 2201 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
Website: https://pinthouse.com/

5) Two Wheeler from Far Field Beer Co. is a tart, effervescent Berliner Weisse delicately spiced with lavender, offering floral, herbal elegance that balances its light sourness and crisp finish. This gold medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival highlights subtle botanical sophistication in a sessionable package.
Address: 4471 W Rosecrans Ave, Lawndale, CA 90250
Website: https://farfieldbeer.com/

6) Station 3 Habanero IPA from Lock 15 Brewing Co. is a bold West Coast IPA infused with fire-roasted habanero peppers, blending citrusy hop bitterness with a building heat and smoky spice for an adventurous, fiery drinking experience. A gold medalist in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship, it’s perfect for spice enthusiasts.
Address: 21 W North St, Akron, OH 44304
Website: https://www.lock15brewing.com/

7) The Great Pumpkin from Elysian Brewing Co. is an iconic imperial pumpkin ale brewed with real pumpkin and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, delivering rich, pie-like flavors with malty depth and a smooth finish. This legendary seasonal has earned multiple Great American Beer Festival medals in spiced categories and remains a fall favorite.
Address: 6010 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 (production facility)
Website: https://www.elysianbrewing.com/

8) Nutty Ale-Thundai from Omnium Brewing Company is a creative pale ale spiced with a thandai-inspired masala blend including fennel, almonds, pistachios, cardamom, and rose petals, plus lactose for subtle sweetness and nutty complexity. This gold medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship offers exotic, aromatic depth.
Address: 460 High St, Somersworth, NH 03878
Website: https://omniumbrewing.com/

9) Sah’tea from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is a modern recreation of ancient Finnish sahti, spiced with juniper berries and black chai tea for earthy, piney notes alongside warming masala spices in a strong, malty ale. This innovative herb-forward beer embodies off-centered brewing tradition with its unique botanical fusion.
Address: 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968
Website: https://www.dogfish.com/

10) Celis White from Celis Brewery is a revived classic Belgian-style witbier spiced with coriander and orange peel, yielding a hazy, refreshing pour with bright citrus, subtle spice, and a smooth wheat character. Founded by the legendary Pierre Celis and reborn in Austin, this authentic witbier carries a rich heritage of botanical elegance.
Address: 10001 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
Website: https://www.celisbeers.com/

History of Herb and Spiced Beers
Ancient Origins
Beer is one of the oldest fermented beverages, dating back over 8,000 years. In ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), Sumerians brewed thick, porridge-like beer from barley, often flavored with dates, honey, and herbs for taste and preservation. The Hymn to Ninkasi (c. 1800 BCE), a poem honoring the goddess of brewing, is the world’s oldest surviving beer recipe.

In ancient Egypt, beer (called henqet) was a daily staple, lighter and smoother than Mesopotamian versions. Brewers used emmer wheat or barley, adding herbs, fruits, spices like mandrake, or dates for flavor. It served as food, medicine, religious offering, and worker ration (e.g., for pyramid builders).
These early beers relied on local botanicals rather than hops, which were unknown in brewing at the time.

Medieval Europe: The Era of Gruit
Before hops dominated, European beers used gruit (or gruyt)—a variable mixture of herbs and spices for bittering, flavoring, and preservation. Common ingredients included:
Bog myrtle (sweet gale)
Yarrow
Wild rosemary (marsh rosemary)
Mugwort
Heather
Juniper berries
Ginger
Caraway
Anise
Nutmeg
Cinnamon

Gruit originated in regions like the Low Countries, Germany, and Flanders around the 10th century. The Catholic Church and local lords often monopolized gruit production, taxing it heavily for revenue. These beers were unhopped ales, sometimes with psychoactive or aphrodisiac effects from the herbs.
Traditional survivors include Finnish sahti, flavored primarily with juniper branches and berries, brewed rustic-style without boiling the wort.

Transition to Hops (11th–16th Centuries)
Hops emerged in brewing around the 9th–11th centuries in Central Europe, prized for superior preservation, consistent bitterness, and lower cost compared to taxed gruit. The shift was gradual:

Hops spread from Bavaria and Bohemia northward
Better stability allowed longer storage and trade

Key factors included the Protestant Reformation undermining Church gruit monopolies and the 1516 Reinheitsgebot (German purity law) mandating only water, barley, and hops (yeast added later). By the late 16th century, hopped beer dominated most of Europe, though gruit lingered in places like Westphalia into the 17th century.

Spiced Beers in the Hop Era
Even with hops standard, spices persisted in certain styles:

Belgian witbier → Uses coriander and orange peel
Christmas/winter warmers → Often feature cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, or spruce, evoking holiday pies and mulled drinks

In colonial America, scarce barley led to beers fermented with pumpkin or other local produce, sometimes spiced. Modern pumpkin ales (popularized in the 1980s by breweries like Buffalo Bill’s) add pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove) for fall seasonal appeal, though actual pumpkin is often minimal.

Modern Revival
The 1990s craft beer boom revived herb and spiced beers. Brewers experiment with gruit-inspired unhopped ales, botanical additions, or hybrids (herbs + hops). Styles like “Herb and Spice Beer” encompass everything from juniper-lavender gruits to chili-chocolate stouts.

International Gruit Day (February 1) celebrates this heritage, and breweries worldwide release limited editions using ancient-inspired blends. Today, these beers offer diverse, complex flavors beyond hop bitterness—earthy, floral, spicy, or medicinal—connecting modern drinkers to millennia-old traditions.1.7s68 sources.

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Ghostfish Brewing Company Expands Production with Acquisition of Former Pike Brewing Facility in Seattle

December 25, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Seattle, Washington – Ghostfish Brewing Company, a leading pioneer in dedicated gluten-free craft beer, has acquired key brewing assets from Green Lake Brewing Company, LLC (doing business as Fremont Brewing Company). This move secures a state-of-the-art production facility originally developed by Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewing in 2023.

The new 26,000-square-foot production brewery is located in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, just 2.5 miles south of Ghostfish’s popular taproom and restaurant. This expansion is expected to increase the company’s annual production capacity by six to seven times, enabling it to meet the surging demand for its award-winning gluten-free beers.

Brian Thiel, co-founder and co-owner of Ghostfish Brewing, shared his excitement: “We’ve been planning this kind of growth for years. Starting in early 2024, we explored building a new brewery from scratch, but when our friends at Fremont Brewing tipped us off about the former Pike facility late last year, it was the perfect fit. The timing couldn’t be better as fans across North America continue to seek out our beers.”

For the past several years, Ghostfish has operated at full capacity, often turning away potential sales opportunities. The new site, with its modern brewing and packaging equipment and convenient access to major transportation routes, will enable greater output, wider distribution, and more consistent availability.

“Our core mission has always been to craft top-quality, 100% gluten-free beers that rival any traditional craft brew while delivering outstanding customer experiences,” Thiel added. “This facility lets us catch up on lost sales and, more importantly, reach even more gluten-free beer lovers who’ve been asking for Ghostfish for years.”

Founded in 2015, Ghostfish Brewing Company has redefined gluten-free beer by innovating with malted grains like millet and buckwheat, collaborating with specialized maltsters, and earning numerous awards. As North America’s largest producer of dedicated gluten-free beer, Ghostfish currently distributes to 21 states.

To learn more about GBC’s brewery expansion, distribution channels, taproom and restaurant options, or upcoming events, check out at the link below or follow them on Instagram (@ghostfishbrewco) .

About Ghostfish Brewing Company
Founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington, Ghostfish Brewing Company emerged from a personal mission to revolutionize gluten-free craft beer. Co-founders Brian Thiel and Randy Thiel, inspired by a family member’s celiac disease diagnosis, partnered with talented brewers to create a dedicated 100% gluten-free brewery using innovative grains like millet, buckwheat, and brown rice. From humble beginnings—delivering beers from the trunk of a car—the company quickly gained acclaim, earning multiple Great American Beer Festival medals and establishing itself as North America’s largest dedicated gluten-free brewery. Today, Ghostfish distributes award-winning beers across 21 U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and beyond, while recently expanding production capacity through the acquisition of a former Pike Brewery facility to meet growing demand.

In addition to its acclaimed alcoholic lineup, Ghostfish Brewing Company offers inclusive non-alcoholic options that align with its commitment to gluten-free innovation and accessibility. The brewery’s Ghostfizz Hop Infused Sparkling Water stands out as a refreshing zero-alcohol alternative, featuring bold hop flavors without calories, carbs, sugar, sweeteners, caffeine, or gluten. Available alongside gluten-free ciders and seltzers in the Seattle taproom, these NA beverages cater to health-conscious consumers, designated drivers, and those seeking flavorful, sessionable drinks. This expansion into non-alcoholic offerings underscores Ghostfish’s dedication to pushing boundaries and ensuring everyone can enjoy craft-inspired experiences without compromise.

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Top 12 Christmas Beers Brewed in America

December 21, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like cracking open a frosty American craft beer brewed just for the holidays! From coast to coast, U.S. brewers unleash seasonal magic with spiced winter warmers bursting with cinnamon, ginger, and honey—like the legendary Great Lakes Christmas Ale from Ohio—or hoppy rebels such as Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA, delivering piney freshness without a single nutmeg in sight. Whether you’re toasting with Tröegs Mad Elf’s cherry-honey buzz in Pennsylvania, sipping Deschutes Jubelale’s malty coziness in Oregon, or diving into bold barrel-aged gems, these festive brews turn any holiday gathering into a jolly celebration. Grab ’em fresh while they last—cheers to the most wonderful (and boozy) time of the year! Top 12 Christmas Beers of 2025.

The 12 Beers of Christmas
1. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Christmas Ale (Cleveland, OH)
From the pioneering craft brewery Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Cleveland, Ohio—Ohio’s first brewpub established in 1988—this iconic winter warmer is a full-bodied ale at 7.5% ABV, bursting with fresh honey, cinnamon, and ginger for a festive, spiced profile that’s become the gold standard for American Christmas beers, perfect for wassailing through the holidays.
Address: 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Website: https://www.greatlakesbrewing.com

2. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Chico, CA)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., founded in Chico, California, in 1980 and a cornerstone of the American craft beer revolution, crafts this fresh-hop IPA at 6.8% ABV using freshly picked hops rushed from the fields, delivering bold citrus, pine, and grapefruit notes balanced by rich caramel malt—a crisp, hop-forward holiday classic that defies spiced traditions.
Address: 1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928
Website: https://sierranevada.com

3. Tröegs Mad Elf (Hershey, PA)
Tröegs Independent Brewing, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and known for innovative craft beers since 1997, brews this legendary Belgian-style strong ale at 11% ABV with a ruby glow from five varieties of tree-ripened cherries, Pennsylvania honey, chocolate malt, and spicy yeast notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice—a mischievous, dangerously drinkable holiday treat.
Address: 200 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
Website: https://troegs.com

4. Deschutes Jubelale (Bend, OR)
Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, a Pacific Northwest powerhouse since 1988, releases this festive English-style winter warmer at 6.7% ABV with a deep garnet hue, robust malt character, hints of toffee, dusted cocoa, and subtle spices, featuring annual artist-designed labels that make each year’s Jubelale a collectible cozy companion for the season.
Address: 901 SW Simpson Ave, Bend, OR 97702
Website: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com

5. Bell’s Christmas Ale (Comstock, MI)
Bell’s Brewery, an independent Michigan favorite from Comstock (with roots in Kalamazoo), specializes in malt-forward beers and offers this traditional Scotch Ale at 7.5% ABV, rich with caramel and toffee notes, a warm finish, and no added spices—focusing purely on hearty malt for a smooth, approachable holiday sipper ideal for gatherings.
Address: 8938 Krum Ave, Comstock, MI 49053
Website: https://www.bellsbeer.com

6. Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig (Boston, MA)
From the Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams in Boston, Massachusetts, this spiced winter warmer at around 5.9% ABV draws inspiration from the jolly Dickens character, blending cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel with caramel and toffee malts for a bold, nostalgic “Christmas cookie” of a beer that’s festive and full-bodied.
Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130
Website: https://www.samueladams.com

7. Revolution Fistmas (Chicago, IL)
Revolution Brewing, Chicago’s largest independent craft brewery, steeps this holiday red ale at 6.5% ABV with ginger root and orange peel, using specialty malts for a deep red hue and aromas of fresh-baked bread, caramel, and stone fruits—a fun, approachable Midwest favorite brimming with seasonal cheer.
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: https://revbrew.com

Fat Head’s Holly Jolly (Middleburg Heights, OH)
Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon, a bold Ohio craft staple headquartered in Middleburg Heights, brews this spiced amber ale at 7.5% ABV with sweet malt, local honey, ginger, and cinnamon for a smooth, medium-bodied taste of the season—inspired by a jolly tale, it’s perfect for fireside sipping and holiday inspiration.
Address: 17450 Engle Lake Dr, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Website: https://fatheads.com

8. 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale – Thirsty Dog Brewing (Akron, OH)
Thirsty Dog Brewing Company in Akron, Ohio, crafts this beloved holiday ale at 8.3% ABV, spiced with honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of Santa’s secret recipe for a malty, warmly festive profile that’s become an Ohio tradition for celebrating the 12 days with canine-inspired cheer.
Address: 529 Grant St, Akron, OH 44311
Website: https://thirstydog.com

9. Victory Merry Monkey Ale (Downingtown, PA)
Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, twists their Golden Monkey tripel into this Belgian-style holiday ale at 10% ABV, infused with cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes gingerbread notes for a spicy, fruity, high-ABV sipper that’s merry, smooth, and perfect for gathering ’round the fire.
Address: 3127 Lower Valley Rd, Parkesburg, PA 19365 (main production/taproom; original Downingtown location also active)
Website: https://www.victorybeer.com

10. Anderson Valley Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale (Boonville, CA)
Anderson Valley Brewing Company, nestled in Boonville, California, and famous for unique boontling-inspired beers, brews this classic winter warmer at 6.9% ABV with a deep amber hue, creamy mouthfeel, caramel sweetness, hints of toffee, spice, and a silky finish—lifting spirits like a cozy solstice celebration.
Address: 17700 CA-253, Boonville, CA 95415
Website: https://avbc.com

11. Shiner Holiday Cheer (Shiner, TX)
Spoetzl Brewery, the historic “Little Brewery” in Shiner, Texas—founded in 1909 as the Shiner Brewing Association and Texas’s oldest independent brewery—crafts this unique Old World Dunkelweizen at 5.4% ABV, infused with ripe Texas peaches and roasted pecans atop a base of malted barley and wheat, delivering sweet peach-forward notes balanced by caramel malts, subtle nuttiness, and a smooth kräusened finish for a distinctly Southern holiday twist.
Address: 603 E Brewery St, Shiner, TX 77984
Website: https://shiner.com

12. Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Breckenridge, CO)
Breckenridge Brewery, founded in the Colorado mountain town of Breckenridge in 1990 and now part of the Tilray family while keeping its craft spirit alive, brews this classic American winter warmer at 7.4% ABV with a rich amber-copper pour, layers of caramel and chocolate malts, subtle roasted notes, and a balanced hop finish—delivering straightforward holiday coziness without heavy spices, ideal for snowy nights by the fire.
Address: 600 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Website: https://www.breckbrew.com

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Happy National Peanut Day! Top 10 Peanut Butter Beers in America

December 13, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Peanut butter beers continue to be a craft sensation in 2025, turning childhood nostalgia into velvety, nutty masterpieces that pair roasted malts with that unmistakable creamy PB punch. Drawing from recent wins at the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival buzz, and fresh reviews from BeerAdvocate, Untappd, and craft communities, here’s our updated top 10—ranked by acclaim, innovation, and sheer craveability. These are all-American brews, with wide availability in cans, drafts, or select markets.

The top 10 Peanut Butter Beers are any beers using peanut, peanut butter or peanut butter extract as an adjunct in either the mash, kettle, primary or secondary fermentation, providing obvious, yet harmonious, qualities.

1. Sweet Baby Jesus! Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter – DuClaw Brewing Company Maryland
This timeless 5.2% ABV porter pours a deep mahogany and unleashes waves of silky peanut butter swirled with dark chocolate and subtle roasted malt, like a grown-up Reese’s that’s balanced enough for multiple pints without tipping into dessert overload—its lighter body lets the nutty magic shine through every sip.

2. TraXXX Night Fury – Witch’s Hat Brewing – South Lyon, Michigan
Bourbon barrel aged Night Fury Imperial stout aged on Vanilla beans, Mindo cocoa nibs, coconut and peanut butter. ABV: 13.5%

3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter – Waconia Brewing – Waconia, Minnesota
Pours an almost opaque dark brown with a thin head. Smells nutty, slightly malty, sweet and chocolatey. Taste is peanuts up front, chocolate and slight hop bitterness with a strong malt presence. Mouthfeel is medium light and low carbonation with a smooth finish.

4. Peanut Butter Porter – Back Forty Beer Company – Gadsden, Alabama
It’s creamy, it’s big, it’s just what it sounds like. Brewed with crushed peanuts and a malt bill thick enough to slather on some bread, Peanut Butter Porter belongs on your grocery list right next to the jelly, bananas & bacon. Comfort food in a can!

5. Peanut Butter Jelly Time – Catawba Brewing – Asheville, North Carolina
This beer begins life as a light brown ale that provides the bready qualities of the base beer. After fermentation, it is rested on whole roasted peanuts and all-natural raspberry puree, which truly transforms this into a PB&J sandwich in a glass.

6. Peanut Butter Porter – Liquid Mechanics – Lafayette, Colorado
Peanut Butter Porter from Liquid Mechanics combines the sweetness of the peanut butter with the slight smokiness of the porter. Opaque dark appearance, strong smell of peanut butter and chocolate, rich in sweet flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, tastes very similar to Reese’s Puffs Cereal lol, creamy and thick mouth feel with a smooth finish.

7. Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter – Wild Ride Brewing – Redmond, Oregon
The brewers at Wild Ride Brewing love beer. and love peanut butter. Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter is here to bring the best of these two worlds together! With notes of chocolate and caramel, this porter is complemented by the addition of creamy peanut butter flavor. It’s a true liquid peanut butter cup, and it’s here for you to enjoy.

8. Mexican Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout – Belching Beaver Brewery – San Diego, California
Belching Beaver’s classic Peanut Butter Milk Stout with Mexican Chocolate (Abuelita) added in. Rolled oats and lactose add to the creamy body of this beer while heavenly aromas of roasted buttery peanuts and chocolate greet you with every sip.

9. Rapp Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout – Rapp Brewing – Seminole, Florida
Beautiful dark brown beer with two finger head served at the brewery on draft in a snifter. Mostly peanut butter aroma with some chocolate, coffee, and roast in thebackground. The taste is chocolate and peanut butter with a toasty backbone to balance the sweetness.

10. Willoughby Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter – Willoughby Brewing – Willoughby, Ohio
Winner of the Gold Award for Specialty Beer at the 2014 World Beer Cup, this truly unique taste experience is brought to you only by Willoughby Brewing Company. The brewers at Willoughby start by brewing a robust porter and infusing it with locally roasted coffee and then infusing peanut butter and chocolate. The result is a beer like no other you’ve had before. Some people say they taste more coffee than peanuts and some say the reverse.

NATIONAL PEANUT DAY
On September 13, National Peanut Day pays homage to mighty and tasty peanut.

Likely originating in South America around 3,500 years ago, this legume is not a nut. They grow underground like potatoes. Since they are an edible seed that forms in a pod, they belong to the family Leguminosae with peas and beans. When it comes to plants packing protein power, peanuts provide a whopping 8 grams per ounce, more than any other nut according to The Peanut Institute. And remember, it’s not a nut! Nuts grow on trees.

The peanut is also high in antioxidants. Not only are peanuts high in necessary nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, B6, iron, selenium, zinc and many others, but when paired with other nutrient-rich foods, studies have shown this amazing legume helps us absorb nutrients better.

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2025 Georgia Strong Beer Festival – Cherry Street Brewing’s Imperial Breakfast Stout Takes Top Honors

December 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

ATLANTA – On a crisp Saturday evening at the Wrecking Bar Brewpub, craft-beer fans braved the December chill to celebrate Georgia’s boldest brews at the 2025 Georgia Strong Beer Festival. Dedicated exclusively to beers 8% ABV and higher, the annual event once again proved that when it comes to big, barrel-aged, and boundary-pushing beers, Georgia’s brewing scene is firing on all cylinders.

After a full day of blind judging on Friday by BJCP-certified judges, the medal winners were unveiled during the festival. Cherry Street Brewing walked away with the night’s biggest prize: Best of Show for their Halcyon Barrel-Aged Imperial Breakfast Stout. The coffee-forward, maple-kissed behemoth also claimed gold in the fiercely competitive Barrel-Aged Stout & Porter category, cementing Cherry Street as the undisputed heavyweight champion of 2025.

2025 Medal Winners – Georgia Strong Beer Festival
Best of Show
Cherry Street Brewing (Cumming) – Halcyon Barrel-Aged Imperial Breakfast Stout

Category 1 – Barrel-Aged Stout & Porter
Gold: Cherry Street Brewing – Halcyon Barrel-Aged Imperial Breakfast Stout
Silver: Variant Brewing (Roswell) – Barrel-Aged Mexican Chocolate Stout
Bronze: Scofflaw Brewing (Atlanta) – Basement BA Imperial Stout (Coconut)

Category 2 – Imperial IPA / Double IPA
Gold: New Realm Brewing (Atlanta) – Hopocalypse
Silver: Monday Night Brewing (Atlanta) – Fistful of Hops: Citra & Mosaic
Bronze: Gate City Brewing (Roswell) – Big Stan DIPA

Category 3 – Belgian Strong Ale & Quadrupel
Gold: Orpheus Brewing (Atlanta) – Life.Death.Life. (2025 Barrel-Aged Blend)
Silver: Halfway Crooks Beer / The Lost Abbey (Atlanta/San Marcos, CA) – Crooked Abbey Quad
Bronze: Wild Leap Brew Co. (LaGrange) – Belgian Dark Strong Ale

Category 4 – Barleywine (English & American)
Gold: Creature Comforts Brewing (Athens) – Old Stock English Barleywine (2024 vintage)
Silver: Arches Brewing (Hapeville) – 2024 English Barleywine
Bronze: Reformation Brewery (Woodstock) – Jude Barrel-Aged Barleywine (2025)

Georgia breweries swept every gold medal, with only one out-of-state collaboration (San Diego’s The Lost Abbey teaming up with Atlanta’s Halfway Crooks) cracking the podium. In total, 11 different Georgia breweries medaled, showcasing depth from metro Atlanta powerhouses to rising stars in Athens, LaGrange, and beyond.

Festival attendees were treated to more than 150 strong beers from over 50 breweries, including rare tappings of barrel-aged rarities, vintage barleywines, and hazy triple IPAs that pushed 12–14% ABV while somehow remaining dangerously drinkable. Live music, local food trucks, and a heated VIP tent kept the vibes high despite temperatures dipping into the 40s.

Now in its seventh year, the Georgia Strong Beer Festival—organized by the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild—continues to grow in prestige. With national-caliber winners like Cherry Street’s Halcyon stout now in the conversation for year-end “best of” lists, Georgia’s reputation for world-class big beers has never been stronger.

Raise a (responsibly small) glass: the Peach State is brewing some of the boldest beers in America.
See you next December.

More about the Georgia Craft Brewer’s Guild
The Georgia Craft Brewers Guild (GCBG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Georgia’s independent craft breweries. Founded in 2010, the Guild advocates for favorable legislation to modernize beer laws, supports member breweries through education, awareness initiatives, and professional development, and fosters community engagement by organizing signature events such as the Georgia Craft Brewers Festival, Georgia Beer Day, and collaborations that highlight the state’s vibrant craft beer scene. By championing local brewers and driving economic growth in the industry, the GCBG plays a vital role in ensuring Georgia’s craft beer community continues to thrive and innovate.

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