• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Beer Info

Beer News, Beer Releases and New Breweries

  • Home
  • Top 10 Beers
    • Ales
    • Lagers
    • Barrel Aged
    • Hybrid
    • Specialty
  • GABF
    • 2024 GABF
    • 2023 GABF
    • 2021 GABF
    • 2022 GABF
    • 2020 GABF
    • 2019 GABF
    • 2018 GABF
    • 2017 GABF
    • 2015 GABF
    • 2014 GABF
    • 2013 GABF
    • 2012 GABF
    • 2011 GABF
    • 2010 GABF
    • 1987 GABF
  • World Beer Cup
    • 2025 World Beer Cup
    • 2022 World Beer Cup
    • 2018 World Beer Cup
    • 2016 World Beer Cup
    • 2014 World Beer Cup
    • 2012 World Beer Cup
    • 2010 World Beer Cup
    • 2008 World Beer Cup
    • 2006 World Beer Cup
    • 2004 World Beer Cup
    • 2002 World Beer Cup
    • 2000 World Beer Cup
    • 1998 World Beer Cup
    • 1996 World Beer cup
  • U.S. Open
    • 2022 U.S. Open
    • 2021 U.S. Open
    • 2020 U.S. Open
    • 2019 U.S. Open
    • 2018 U.S. Open
    • 2017 U.S. Open
    • 2016 U.S. Open
    • 2015 U.S. Open
    • 2014 U.S. Open
    • 2013 U.S. Open
    • 2012 U.S. Open
    • 2011 U.S. Open
    • 2010 U.S. Open
    • 2009 U.S. Open
  • U.S. Open Cider
    • 2021 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2020 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2019 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2018 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2017 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2016 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2015 U.S. Open Cider
  • More
    • Schools
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Europe
    • Writers
      • Edwin Arnaudin
        • Zebulon Artisan Ales
        • Highland Brewing
      • Morgan Forsyth
      • Paul Leone
      • Austin Foster
      • Anne-Fitten Glenn
    • Books
      • Starting a Brewery
      • Homebrew
      • History
      • Fun & Games
    • Fun Facts

Dow Scoggins

2019 Indiana Brewers’ Cup Celebrates 21 Years of Brewing Excellence

July 17, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

2019 Indiana Brewers’ Cup Celebrates 21 Years of Brewing ExcellenceThe 2019 Indiana Brewers’ Cup marked the 21st edition of the Hoosier State’s premier craft beer showdown, held in July at the Indiana State Fairgrounds’ Farmer’s Coliseum in Indianapolis and drawing a massive lineup of over 1,000 entries from pro and homebrewers across 33 categories like crisp Czech Pilsners, juicy American IPAs, roasty porters, and experimental sours—all blind-judged by BJCP pros for that unbiased hoppy justice. Standouts that year included Sun King Brewery’s Sunlight Cream Ale snagging Best of Show Gold in the Light Lager division, with Guggman Haus Brewing’s Winner’s Milk Jug Milk Stout taking top honors in the Stout category and Daredevil Brewing’s Beautiful Dreams claiming gold in English Brown Ale—medals that sent these Indiana gems flying off taps and into Untappd wishlists. It all wrapped with the electric Indiana Microbrewers Festival at Military Park, where unlimited pours from 100+ breweries, live tunes, and food trucks turned downtown Indy into a beer lover’s utopia for thousands of thirsty fans. If you’re plotting a Midwest beer road trip, dig into 2019’s winners for timeless Hoosier pours like those creamy stouts and balanced ales—cheers to a vintage year that proved Indiana brews punch way above their weight!

After a weekend full of tasting and judging, in the professional division, Flix Brewhouse in Carmel, Indiana was named both Grand Champion Brewery and Indiana Brewery of the year. Earlier in the week,  Flix Brewhouse won a Gold and two Bronze Medals at the 2019 U.S. Open Beer Championship.


Best of Show

Gold – Czech 2 – Gravely Brewing – Kentucky
Silver – Sunlight Cream Ale – Sun King Brewery – Indiana
Bronze – Corporate Cake – Third Rock Bottom Brewery – Indianapolis – Indiana

2019 Medal Winners
Light Lager
Gold – Law Grrr – Rock Bottom Brewery – Warrenville – Illinois
Silver – Butcher Holler – Gravely Brewing – Kentucky
Bronze – Itza – Centerpoint Brewing – Indiana

Pilsner
Gold – Czech 2 – Gravely Brewing – Kentucky
Silver – Square One – Off Square Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Bohemian Pilsner – Henderson Brewing – Kentucky

European Amber Lager
Gold – Das Umlaut – Flix Brewhouse – Indiana
Silver – Auburn Lager – Mad Anthony Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Back Roads Amber – Field Brewing – Indiana

Dark Lager
Gold – Witz – Backstep Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Schwarzer Elefant – Thieme & Wagner Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Dark Angel Black Lager – St. Joseph Brewery – Indiana

Bock
Gold – Marvelous Maibock – Brokerage Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Marvelous Maibock – Flix Brewhouse – Carmel – Indiana
Bronze – Daredevil Bock – Daredevil Brewing – Indiana

Light Hybrid Beer
Gold – Daredevil Vacation – Daredevil Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Beer A Whole New Wheat – Flix Brewhouse – Albuquerque – New Mexico
Bronze – Maize Runner – Wooden Bear Brewing – Indiana

Amber Hybrid Beer
Gold – Alt – Hop River Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver – By Necessity – Backstep Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Jack of Hearts – Big Lug Brewing – Indiana

English Pale Ale
Gold – Grand Junction Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver – Junk Ditch Brewing Company – Indiana
Bronze – 5 Speed – Auburn Brewing – Indiana

Scottish and Irish Ale
Gold Flix – Skrull Crusher – Brewhouse – Carmel – Indiana
Silver – Irish Red – Cedar Creek Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Wee So Heavy – Summit City Brewerks – Indiana

American Ale
Gold – Six 2 Midnight – Mad Anthony Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Diamond Daisy – Mind Over Mash Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Space Station Middle Finger – 3 Floyds Brewing – Indiana

Other American Ale
Gold – Sunlight Cream Ale – Sun King Brewery – Indiana
Silver – Luscious – Teays River Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Old Crown Ale – Summit City Brewerks – Indiana

English Brown Ale
Gold – Beautiful Dreams – Daredevil Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Warring Factions – Four Day Ray Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Properly – Rock Bottom Brewery – Warrenville – Illinois

Porter
Gold – Centerpoint Black – Centerpoint Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Busted Knuckle – Quaff On Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Fat Bob’s Porter – Hop River Brewing – Indiana

Stout
Gold – Winner’s Milk Jug Milk Stout – Guggman Haus Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver – Quinn – Backstep Brewing Company – Indiana
Bronze – Summit City Brewerks – Indiana

Strong Stout
Gold – Charlie – Brokerage Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver – Tsar Bomba – Junk Ditch Brewing Company – Indiana
Bronze – Curse of Malthaven – Brokerage Brewing Company – Indiana

American IPA
Gold – Confessional IPA – St. Joseph Brewery – Indiana
Silver – Lupulus – Flix Brewhouse – Carmel – Indiana
Bronze – Hazy Is Lazy – Haymarket Brewing – Michigan

India Pale Ale (IPA)
Gold – The Riverside – Guggman Haus Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Backcountry Session IPA – Bloomington Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Hazy Hopsicle – Urban Vines Winery and Brewery – Indiana

German Wheat and Rye Beer
Gold – Guggenweizen – Guggman Haus Brewing – Indiana
Silver – El Hefe – Rock Bottom Brewery – Orland Park – Illinois
Bronze – Harrison Street Wheat – Hop River Brewing – Indiana

Belgian and French Ale
Gold – Lost Season – Backstep Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Super Power Potion – Flix Brewhouse – Carmel – Indiana
Bronze – Luna Rosa – Flix Brewhouse – Carmel – Indiana

Sour Ale
Gold – Lambic Raspberry – Upland Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Red Legacy – Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – Ohio
Bronze – Phantom Gose – Triton Brewing – Indiana

Belgian Strong Ale
Gold – Nefarious Nectar – The Tap Brewery – Indiana
Silver – Touched by an Angel – Sun King Brewery – Indiana
Bronze – Delta Quadrant – The Tap Brewery – Indiana

Strong Ale
Gold – The Strong Ale – Cedar Creek Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver – Imperial Wheat – Crown Brewing – Indiana 2
Bronze – Grampa Z’big A$$ – Evil Horse Brewing – Illinois

Fruit Beer
Gold – Popping My Collar – Rock Bottom Brewery – Indianapolis – Indiana
Silver – Prickly Pear Gose – Backstep Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Grandma’s Strawberry Pie – Fortlandia Brewing – Indiana

Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer
Gold – Corporate Cake – Rock Bottom Brewery – Indianapolis – Indiana
Silver – Herald Jr. – Tin Man Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Breakfast Stout – Cedar Creek Brewing – Indiana

Smoke-Flavored
Gold – Buchenrauch – Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – Ohio
Silver – Litany Against Fear – Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – Ohio
Bronze – Stormcrow – MashCraft Brewing – Fishers – Indiana

Wood-Aged Beer
Gold – Mezcal Exemption – Taxman Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Type Set – 18th Street Brewery – Indiana
Bronze – Deduction – Taxman Brewing Company – Indiana

American Wild Ale
Gold – Small batch Mr. J – Sun King Fishers Tap Room & Small Batch Brewery – Indiana
Silver – Oak & White – Upland Brewing – Indiana
Bronze – Cache Flow: Apricot – Taxman Brewing – Indiana

Specialty Beer
Gold – Tiki Tango Kombucha Shandy – Centerpoint Brewing – Indiana
Silver – Colonial Ale – Rock Bottom Brewery – Orland Park – Illinois
Bronze – Imperial Amish Krack – HopLore Brewing – Indiana

Traditional Mead
Gold – lil buzz – McClure’s Orchard/Winer – Indiana
Silver – Oaked Wildflower Cuvee – Hive and Barrel Meadery – Kentucky
Bronze – OB Traditional – Hive and Barrel Meadery – Kentucky

Fruit Mead
Gold – Adult Apple Juice – Hive and Barrel Meadery – Kentucky
Silver – Pyment birdeye – McClure’s Orchard/Winery – Indiana

Spice & Specialty Mead
Gold- OBB, Yeah You Know Me! (Old Bourbon Barrel) – Hive and Barrel – Kentucky
Silver – Mango Chipotle – Hive and Barrel Meadery – Kentucky
Bronze – Hibiscus – Hive and Barrel Meadery – Kentucky

Standard Cider and Perry
Gold – Spy Candy – McClure’s Orchard/Winery – Indiana
Silver – Farmhouse – McClure’s Orchard/Winery – Indiana
Bronze – Bon-Bon – McClure’s Orchard/Winery – Indiana

Specialty Cider and Perry
Gold – Cherry Monster – Urban Vines Winery and Brewery – Indiana
Silver – La Glace – Ash & Elm Cider Co. – Indiana
Bronze – Paige’s Peach McClure’s Orchard/Winery – Indiana

 

 

 

 

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

Third Eye Brewing Named Best Brewery at the U.S. Open Beer Championship

July 15, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

Third Eye Brewing Named Best Brewery at the U.S. Open Beer ChampionshipOxford, Ohio(2024) – Breweries from the coast of Kona, Hawaii to the rocky coast of Portland, Maine sent more than 9,000 beers representing over 170 different styles to the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Today, the U.S. Open Beer Championship announces the medal winners and Grand National Champion.

Third Eye Brewing of Hamilton, Ohio was awarded the 2024 Grand National Champion by winning 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Their gold medal winners included Higher Consciousness, Double Astral, Dark Aura, and Inner Sight. Third Eye Brewing is known for brewing some style-defining beers that are consistent winners throughout many competitions. Most notably, Third Eye won the Brewery of the Year at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival.

Monday Night Brewing, from Atlanta, Georgia placed second overall by winning 4 gold and 4 bronze medals. Gold medals included Spoken Wisdom, Tears of Our Enemies, Madrigal, and Simple Illusion. Monday Night Brewing not only makes great beers, this Georgia brewery has finished in the U.S. Open’s Top Ten Breweries several times.

Sun King Brewery out of Indianapolis, Indiana placed Third by winning 3 golds for their Barrel Aged Scout Badge, Banana Daquiri, and their Collaboration Beer, Up For Anything, brewed with 18th Street Brewery. They also took home a silver and 2 bronze medals. Sun King Brewery has been crowned Grand National Champion in the 2019 and 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship.

The U.S. Open Beer Championship judges more beer styles than any other competition in the world. The U.S. Open is also the only major beer competition to allow the gold medal winners of the AHA’s National Homebrew Competition to participate. This year, 3 homebrewers won medals which ties the U.S. Open record. Big congratulations go to Christopher Burgess from Castle Rock, CO for winning a gold medal for his Like Falling Off A Bike, Brutt IPA, to Lucas Orr from San Diego, CA for winning a gold medal for his Kilt Dropper, Strong Scottish Ale, and to Mark Kunzelmann from St Louis, MO for winning bronze for his Belgian Pale Ale.

The U.S. Open judging was held at the U.S. Open Event Center in Oxford, Ohio. The U.S. Open became the first beer competition to be held in its own venue which is a 6,000 square-foot Amish pole barn located on a small farm. The barn consists of a judging area, a serving area, two 450-square-foot coolers, an office, and a nano brewery. To see “The Barn”, Click here to see a YouTube video of the 15th Anniversary of the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Most importantly, we would like thank all the volunteers and judges. The majority of our volunteer staff were from 6 different countries and 11 different states.

Top 10 Breweries in 2024’s U.S. Open Beer Championships
1. Third Eye Brewing — Ohio
2. Monday Night Brewing – Georgia
3. Sun King Brewery – Indiana
4. O.H.S.O. Brewery Gilbert – Arizona
5. Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon – Georgia
6. Urban Artifact – Ohio
7. Boulevard Brewing Co. – Missouri
8. Feather Falls Brewing Co. – California
8. Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. – Iowa
9. Sonder Brewing – Ohio
10. Burgeon Beer Co. – California

2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship Medal Winners – Click Here

Pink Boots Category: Toms River Brewing takes home the Gold
The U.S. Open Beer Championship partnered with the Pink Boots Society, an organization that assists, inspires, and encourages women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage profession through education, to create the Pink Boots Blend Category. The organization has partnered with Yakima Chief Hops for several years to sell a special hops blend to benefit the Pink Boots scholarship fund, and all beers developed using this hop blend were eligible to enter the category. Hear Us Roar, brewed by Toms River Brewing in Toms River, NJ, brought home the gold medal. All entry fees for the category will be matched by the U.S. Open Beer Championship and donated back to the Pink Boots Society Scholarship Fund.

What’s in a Name?
U.S. Open beer judges always enjoy the creativity behind the names that breweries choose for their products, and judge winners subjectively (based on laughter volume) at the competition’s conclusion. This year’s Top 10 on the laughs meter included:

Top 10 Beer Names at the U.S. Open Beer Championship
1. Barrel-Aged Macadizzamia Nizzut – Unrefined Brewing – Florida
2. All Cap’n, No Crunch – Tarnished Hallow Brewing Co. – Indiana
3. Just Give Me ALL The Bacon – Akademia Brewing – Georgia
4. Fat Kids Birthday Party -Cherry Street Brewing at Vickery Village – Georgia
5. Not My Gumdrop Buttons – Model A Brewing Company – South Carolina
6. Hot Sauce Committee – Good Line Beer Co. – Texas
7. The Elves Have Gone Too Far – Bickersons Brewhouse – Washington
8. Bones Are Their Money – Site-1 Brewing Co. – Nebraska
9. Spaghetti Policy – South O Brewing – California
10. Hopswitch Engage – Afterglow Brewing – Virginia

More about Third Eye Brewing
Third Eye Brewing Company, an award-winning craft brewery based in the Greater Cincinnati area, is dedicated to opening minds and palates through innovative and experimental brewing. With locations in Sharonville and Hamilton, Ohio, Third Eye Brewing offers a diverse lineup of handcrafted beers, ranging from year-round favorites and seasonal releases to bold specialty collaborations. Known for pushing boundaries with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, the brewery has earned widespread acclaim, including Brewery of the Year honors at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival in both 2023 and 2025, as well as top recognition at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Visitors to Third Eye Brewing’s welcoming taprooms enjoy not only exceptional beers but also a full kitchen serving fresh, made-from-scratch meals, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and a vibrant community atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Committed to creativity and excellence, Third Eye Brewing continues to inspire beer enthusiasts by blending tradition with experimentation, inviting everyone to explore new possibilities one pint at a time. For more information, visit thirdeyebrewingco.com.

More about the U.S. Open Beer Championship
The U.S. Open Beer Championship stands as one of the premier competitions in the craft beer industry, evaluating over 8,000 entries from breweries across the United States and beyond in more than 170 diverse beer styles and subcategories. Held annually in Oxford, Ohio, this blind-judged event highlights excellence in brewing, from classic styles like pale ales and stouts to innovative categories such as coffee beers, rice lagers, and specialty collaborations. What sets the U.S. Open apart is its inclusivity, welcoming professional breweries alongside gold medal-winning homebrewers from the American Homebrewers Association, while judges from around the world ensure impartial and expert evaluations.

Each year, winners receive iconic beer stein-shaped medals for gold, silver, and bronze placements, with top-performing breweries honored as Breweries of the Year in production categories and the overall Grand National Champion crowned based on a points system. The competition not only celebrates brewing craftsmanship and creativity but also supports initiatives like partnerships with the Pink Boots Society to promote women and non-binary professionals in the industry. For complete results and more details, visit usopenbeer.com.

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

 

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Festival

Andy’s Frozen Custard and Lakewood Brewing Co. Build the World’s Largest Beer Float

July 15, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

Andy’s Frozen Custard and Lakewood Brewing Co. Build the World’s Largest Beer Float
DALLAS— Andy’s Frozen Custard® and Lakewood Brewing Co. will build the world’s largest beer float at Lakewood on Saturday, June 29 at 1 p.m. using 50 scoops of Andy’s World Famous Frozen Custard, the best-frozen treat in the entire world, and 50 pints – a full keg – of Lakewood’s Temptress, the number one selling craft milk stout in Texas. The previous record was set in February in Ohio using about 20 pints (9 liters) of Third Eye Brewing’s Higher Purpose Milk Stout and 36 Graeters Vanilla Ice Cream scoops.

Andy’s will be on-site at Lakewood with its treat truck from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a fresh full menu of rich, thick and decadent treats, featuring smooth and creamy vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, transformed into luscious Concretes, Jackhammers™, shakes, and sundaes. Undecided treat seekers can get creative and customize their own treats with vanilla frozen custard and topping favorites like fresh fruit, hot fudge, and Andy’s famous roasted pecans.

Those in attendance can also register to win Andy’s for a year, as well as a Lakewood Brewing Lion’s Den Annual Membership, which offers one complimentary beer per visit with no annual limit. Both Andy’s and Lakewood merch will be available to commemorate the occasion, including a free Andy’s and Lakewood glass for the first 100 guests.

“Andy’s and Lakewood are brands known for a superlative focus on product quality, using only the finest ingredients and selling what we have carefully made in-house,” added Wim Bens, founder and president of Lakewood Brewing. “Marrying the two to create one of the most iconic symbols of summer will be one for the record books.”

Whether it’s a midday outing with the kids or a much-needed mid-day office break, Andy’s offers a sweet treat anytime and for everyone, offering frozen custard that is always Made Fresh Hourly™. In addition to locations in Carrollton, Frisco, Lake Highlands, The Colony, Hillcrest Village, and Prosper, Ranchers Frozen Custard operates the Andy’s Treat Truck in Klyde Warren Park and will be opening a new location in Allen this summer.

Lakewood is most notably known for its Temptress Imperial Milk Stout and offers a portfolio that also includes Stub’s – Texas Pils, year-round IPA’s, lagers, stouts, and popular seasonal offerings like Sunburst Wheat, all of which draw beer lovers to the Brewery and Taproom at 2302 Executive Drive in Garland. Lakewood beers are available on shelves Texas-wide and can be found using Lakewood’s online Beer Finder.

About Lakewood Brewing Company
Lakewood Brewing Company is a family-owned, independent craft brewery making Seriously Fun Beer. Lakewood exploded onto the DFW brewing scene in 2012 and became famous for its Temptress Imperial Milk Stout, now the best-selling craft stout in Texas. Its diverse beer portfolio includes IPA’s, Lagers, seasonal, and limited release beers. For more information, visit Lakewood Brewing’s official website.

About Andy’s Frozen Custard
Founded in 1986 in Osage Beach, Missouri by Andy’s parents John and Carol Kuntz, Andy’s Frozen Custard has been providing the freshest frozen custard in the business for 37 years, giving ice cream the “cold shoulder” by scooping, mixing and presenting handcrafted frozen custard treats with speed and a smile. Since the beginning, the family has had one dream: to share what makes them happiest with everyone else, and to warm hearts, one scoop of frozen custard at a time. With a focus on product quality, customer service and community involvement, Andy’s has grown into the nation’s largest frozen custard-only business, with more than 2,000 employees and 136 company-owned and franchised stores across 15 states proudly serving the World’s Finest Frozen Custard. Andy’s also offers the ‘Yum Squad Loyalty Club,’ designed to say “thank you” to loyal customers by earning points to redeem towards a free treat for every dollar spent. For more information or for details about franchising opportunities, check on Andy’s Frozen Custard online.

 

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Most Haunted Breweries in America

April 22, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

Most Haunted Breweries in America
Craft beer and ghostly tales make a chilling combination, especially in historic breweries where the past lingers alongside the pints. Across the United States, several breweries housed in centuries-old buildings are renowned not only for their brews but also for their paranormal activity. From shadowy figures to unexplained noises, these haunted hotspots draw beer enthusiasts and ghost hunters alike. Below, we explore eight of the most haunted breweries in the USA and the eerie stories that make them unforgettable.

1. Bube’s Brewery – Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Bube’s Brewery, a 19th-century gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the last intact brewery from that era in the United States. Its catacombs, used for aging beer, and the original bottling room add to its historic charm—and its ghostly allure. The brewery has embraced its haunted reputation, offering regular ghost tours and paranormal investigations.

Haunted Happenings: The catacombs are said to be haunted by the apparition of a young woman, believed to be the granddaughter of a former owner who went insane in the 1920s. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices, feeling cold spots, and witnessing objects moving inexplicably. The SyFy show Ghost Hunters investigated Bube’s and confirmed paranormal activity, lending credibility to the claims. The brewery’s resident paranormal team guides guests through investigations, sharing chilling evidence of the spirits that linger.

Why Visit: Bube’s combines microbrewed beers with a unique dining experience in its historic venues. The ghost tours are a must for those curious about the brewery’s spectral residents.

2. Church Brew Works – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Housed in a deconsecrated Catholic church, Church Brew Works blends sacred architecture with craft brewing. The former St. John the Baptist Church, closed in 1993, was transformed into a brewery in 1996, but its spiritual past seems to persist. Its appearance on Ghost Hunters in the early 2020s spotlighted its paranormal activity.

Haunted Happenings: The brewery is known for sightings of a “Lady in White,” a ghostly figure gliding through the sanctuary. Workers report being followed by unseen forces in the kitchen, hearing disembodied voices, and encountering unexplained knocks and taps. Some claim to hear faint organ music echoing through the building, despite no organ being present. The Ghost Hunters team recorded a potential EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) of a voice saying “Jesus,” adding to the eerie lore. Small items, like utensils, often go missing or move when no one is around, puzzling staff.

Why Visit: Enjoy a pint under the soaring ceilings of a former church, where the atmosphere is as captivating as the beer. While ghost hunts aren’t regularly offered, a visit might still yield a paranormal encounter.

3. Wolfden Brewing Company – Bloomingdale, Illinois
Built in 1851 as a Civil War-era farmhouse, Wolfden Brewing Company carries a dark history of death and tragedy. The property’s age and past make it a hotbed for paranormal activity, with strange occurrences reported weekly.

Haunted Happenings: Staff and patrons describe batteries draining unusually fast, beer ingredients falling off shelves, and shadowy figures moving through the brewery. Footsteps and coughing sounds echo in empty rooms. A notable incident occurred during construction when co-owner Katie found a soldier’s marble on the property. After removing it, she experienced frightening events, including paint cans falling from 25 feet above her at a store. The brewery’s ghosts are considered harmless but active, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Why Visit: Wolfden’s craft beers and cozy vibe make it a great stop, especially for those intrigued by its Civil War-era hauntings. Keep an eye out for those shadowy figures while sipping your brew.

4. Wynkoop Brewing Company – Denver, Colorado
Located in a 125-year-old brick warehouse, Wynkoop Brewing Company is Denver’s first craft brewery, known for its historic charm and spectral residents. The building’s hidden tunnels and turn-of-the-century architecture add to its ghostly appeal.

Haunted Happenings: The basement is the epicenter of paranormal activity, with harmless but mischievous ghosts frequenting the restrooms. Male patrons report feeling a brush behind their legs at the urinals, while others hear strange noises or see fleeting shadows. The brewery has welcomed paranormal investigators, and public tours highlight the eerie occurrences. A lady in red is said to haunt the main floor, and some report feeling her presence in the restrooms. These spirits are described as “annoying but harmless,” adding a playful spookiness to the experience.

Why Visit: Wynkoop’s pioneering craft beers and rich history make it a must-visit. The brewery’s paranormal tours offer a chance to explore its haunted basement while enjoying a cold one.

5. The Phoenix Brewing Company – Mansfield, Ohio
Housed in a former mortuary built in 1914, The Phoenix Brewing Company in Mansfield, Ohio, is steeped in eerie history. The Charles Schroer Mortuary, vacant for 70 years before the brewery opened in 2014, was once an embalming and funeral parlor. Its grim past, coupled with discoveries during renovations, has made it a magnet for paranormal activity, drawing visitors from nearby haunted sites like the Ohio State Reformatory.

Haunted Happenings: During construction, workers found human bones beneath the concrete floor in what was once the embalming room, now the brewery’s five-barrel brewing system. These remains inspired a series of wheat beers named John Doe, Jane Doe, Barb Doe, and Juan Doe. Patrons and staff report unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and shadowy figures in the taproom. Some claim to hear whispers or feel a presence watching them, especially near the former preparation room. The brewery offers ghost hunts by appointment, and its haunted reputation attracts thrill-seekers, especially around Halloween. Carmone Macfarlane, head of creative and marketing, notes that the brewery’s spooky allure brings in curious customers eager to share their own ghostly encounters.

Why Visit: Sip a themed beer like Jane Doe (raspberry-infused wheat) in a setting that blends craft brewing with macabre history. Book a ghost hunt for a chance to explore the brewery’s spectral side.

6. Taylor House Brewing Company – Catasauqua, Pennsylvania
Located in a building from the former Milson’s Coal Yard, dating back to 1897, Taylor House Brewing Company sits across from the historic George Taylor House, home of a Declaration of Independence signer. Catasauqua’s role as a birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution adds layers of history—and ghost stories—to this microbrewery. The brewery embraces its haunted legacy with a beer named Madame Fantome, a Belgian witbier inspired by its resident spirit.

Haunted Happenings: The brewery is said to be haunted by a female spirit nicknamed “Madame Fantome,” believed to be tied to the property’s industrial past. Staff report hearing unexplained footsteps and seeing shadowy figures in the taproom, particularly after hours. Nearby, the George Taylor House hosts regular paranormal investigations, and some believe the spirits from that historic site wander to the brewery. Visitors have reported feeling cold spots and sensing a presence while sipping their beers. The brewery’s historical setting, along the Lehigh Valley canal system, fuels tales of restless spirits from the area’s industrial era.

Why Visit: Enjoy handcrafted beers in small batches, like Madame Fantome, while soaking in the brewery’s historic and haunted ambiance. Its community-focused vibe makes it a perfect stop for ghost story enthusiasts.

7. Saranac Brewery – Utica, New York
Founded in 1888 by Francis Xavier Matt as the West End Brewing Company, Saranac Brewery is steeped in history, from its speakeasy days during Prohibition to serving the first legal beer after its repeal. Housed in a historic building in Utica, the brewery’s long past includes tales of ghostly happenings, especially in its former speakeasy and portrait gallery, which visitors can explore on tours.

Haunted Happenings: The former speakeasy, tucked away in the brewery’s lower levels, is said to be haunted by spirits from its Prohibition-era past. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices and footsteps in the speakeasy, with some claiming to see shadowy figures darting through the dimly lit space. In the portrait gallery, which displays images of the Matt family across generations, staff have noted strange occurrences, such as pictures tilting on their own or faint whispers echoing nearby. Some believe the spirits of past brewery workers or speakeasy patrons linger, drawn to the site’s vibrant history. The brewery’s tours highlight these spooky tales, adding a chilling twist to the experience.

Why Visit: Sample classic beers like Utica Club or experimental brews while touring the historic brewery. The speakeasy and portrait gallery offer a glimpse into Saranac’s haunted past, perfect for history and ghost enthusiasts alike.

8. Lemp Brewery – St. Louis, Missouri
Established in 1840 by Johann “Adam” Lemp, Lemp Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri, was once the largest brewery in the city, famed for its Falstaff beer and innovative refrigeration techniques. The brewery, built over a natural cave system used for lagering, was connected to the Lemp Mansion by underground tunnels, known as the Caves of St. Louis. The Lemp family’s tragic history—marked by multiple suicides and financial ruin—has cemented the brewery’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted sites, now home to a seasonal haunted house operated by Halloween Productions Inc.

Haunted Happenings: The brewery’s caves and tunnels are the epicenter of paranormal activity, with reports of disembodied voices, footsteps, and shadowy figures lurking in the darkness. Visitors to the haunted house attraction describe an oppressive atmosphere, with some claiming to feel unseen hands or hear whispers in the pitch-black caverns. The brewery’s tragic past, including the suicides of William J. Lemp Sr. (1904), William J. Lemp Jr. (1922), and Charles Lemp (1949), is believed to have left a spectral imprint. Paranormal investigators, including the Ghost Adventures team, have documented eerie EVPs and unexplained movements in the brewery, particularly in areas once used for beer storage. Some believe the spirits of Lemp family members or workers haunt the caves, unable to move on from the dynasty’s downfall. The brewery’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot is amplified by its appearances on shows like Ghost Adventures and its status as one of the top 10 most haunted locations in the U.S.

Why Visit: While the brewery no longer produces beer, its haunted house offers a terrifying experience in the historic caves, perfect for thrill-seekers. Combine a visit with a tour of the nearby Lemp Mansion for a full dive into the family’s haunted legacy.

Why These Breweries Embrace the Spooky
Many of these breweries lean into their haunted reputations, offering ghost tours, paranormal investigations, or themed beers like Taylor House Brewing’s Madame Fantome, a Belgian witbier named after its resident spirit. The allure of dark tourism spikes around Halloween, drawing visitors eager for a brush with the supernatural. Older buildings, especially on the East Coast, are steeped in history—Civil War hospitals, speakeasies, or churches—making them ripe for ghost stories.

A Toast to the Ghosts
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these haunted breweries offer a unique blend of craft beer and chilling tales. The spectral Lady in White at Church Brew Works to the touchy-feely spirits at each location, provides a spine-tingling backdrop to your pint. If you’re brave enough, plan a visit to one of these eerie establishments, where you might just raise a glass with a ghost. Just don’t be surprised if your beer disappears before you finish it—Mickey at the Ear Inn is known for that trick.

Note: Always check with the brewery for ghost tour availability, as some events are seasonal or by appointment only. Happy haunting and cheers!

The Moon River Brewing Company was once one of the most haunted breweries in America. Unfortunately, they closed in 2024.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

World’s Largest Beer Float – New World Record at Third Eye Brewing in Hamilton, Ohio

March 4, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

Largest Beer Float - New World Record at Third Eye Brewing in Hamilton, OhioThird Eye Brewing and the U.S. Open Beer Championship partnered to set a world record for the largest beer float.

To celebrate National Stout Month, which is February, Kelly Montgomery from Third Eye Brewing and Dow Scoggins from the U.S. Open Beer Championship created the World’s Largest Beer Float using 9 liters(27 12oz cans) of Higher Purpose Milk Stout and 36 scoops of Graeter’s Vanilla Ice Cream. Kelly, a co-owner of Third Eye and the brewery’s head brewer, and Dow Scoggins, founder of the U.S. Open Beer Championships, which is based in Oxford, both always wanted to hold a world record. So, they both got to check off “Hold a world record” from their bucket list.


About the Third Eye Brewing
Third Eye Brewing is an award-winning brewery that believes in lots of experimentation and trying new things to help open your Third Eye! In 2023, the brewery won 2 gold medals and two silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival and was named Brewery of the Year 1,001-2,000 Barrels.

The brewery prides itself on always keeping its beer menu fresh with new rotating styles and their goal is to make sure everyone can always find a few favorites on tap, even those who claim
to be non-beer drinkers!

Also, in 2023, Third Eye Brewing opened its new production brewery in Hamilton, Ohio while their original brewery thrives in Sharonsville, Ohio. Both breweries are located near the Cincinnati Metro Area.

About the U.S. Open Beer Championship
The U.S. Open Beer Championship was founded in 2009 and judges more beer styles than any other competition in the world. The U.S. Open is also the only major beer competition to allow the gold medal winners of the AHA’s National Homebrew Competition to participate. The U.S. Open judging is held at the U.S. Open Event Center in Oxford, Ohio. The U.S. Open became the first beer competition to be held in its venue, a 6,000-square-foot Amish pole barn on a small farm. The barn consists of a judging area, a serving area, two 450-square-foot coolers, an office, and a nano brewery. To see “The Barn”, Click here to see a YouTube video of the 15th Anniversary of the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

About National Stout Month
National Stout Month, celebrated every February, is a tribute to one of craft beer’s most beloved and versatile styles: the stout. This month-long event invites breweries, bars, and beer enthusiasts across the United States to honor the rich, roasty, and often decadent flavors of stouts, from classic Irish dry stouts to innovative barrel-aged imperial stouts. Breweries often release special stout variants, host tap takeovers, and organize tasting events to showcase the style’s diversity, featuring flavors like coffee, chocolate, vanilla, or even experimental ingredients like chili or fruit. National Stout Month not only highlights the creativity of brewers but also brings communities together to savor these bold, comforting beers during the chilly winter season, making it a must-experience for craft beer lovers.

 

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

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

2023 Great American Beer Festival

August 14, 2023 by Dow Scoggins

2023 Great American Beer FestivalTickets for the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) are on sale now for the 2023 event. GABF, hosted by the Brewers Association, the trade organization representing small and independent craft brewers, will return to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 21-23.

With a legacy of bringing the community together, dazzling tastebuds, and celebrating those who pour their hearts into every pint, the 2023 Great American Beer Festival is an event not to be missed. Over four (4) sessions, attendees will:

  • Taste a kaleidoscope of flavors, styles, and innovative beverages from hundreds of breweries across the nation

  • Receive a commemorative, collectible, tasting glass

  • Enjoy tons of entertainment, including live music, games, silent disco, karaoke, live music, and more

  • Partake in GABF traditions, such as the bagpiper event kick-off, giveaways, and daily costume contests

  • Speak to and learn from industry experts and brewers via seminars and other educational opportunities

Every year, GABF boasts the highest concentration of American beer on the planet. This year, beer lovers will enjoy beverages poured by the likes of Allagash Brewing Company, Breakside Brewery, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Russian River Brewing Co, The Lost Abbey, WeldWerks Brewing Co., and hundreds more. While the star of GABF is beer, attendees will be excited to know that this year, select breweries will also pour the nation’s finest “beyond beer” beverages: hard seltzer, kombucha, mead, and cider. If there’s a specific brewery you’d like to see at GABF, you can nominate them here.

For foodies attending GABF and those looking for a truly special experience, the VIP Experience ticket includes access to PAIRED®, which unites independent craft breweries with acclaimed chefs from across the country, resulting in uniquely designed small bites perfectly paired with craft beer found nowhere else at the festival.

For foodies attending GABF and those looking for a truly special experience, the VIP Experience ticket includes access to PAIRED®, which unites independent craft breweries with acclaimed chefs from across the country, resulting in uniquely designed small bites perfectly paired with craft beer found nowhere else at the festival.

Don’t miss this celebration of beer! Tickets are available for anyone of legal drinking age (21+) at www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade organization founded in 2005 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, is dedicated to promoting and protecting small and independent American craft brewers, their craft beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. As an organization of brewers, for brewers, and by brewers, it provides essential resources, education, advocacy, and industry insights to support the vibrant craft brewing sector, including the iconic independent craft brewer seal that helps consumers identify authentic American craft beer. Through initiatives focused on quality, sustainability, diversity, and market transparency, the Brewers Association fosters innovation and growth in one of America’s most dynamic beverage industries.

The Brewers Association organizes some of the craft beer world’s most influential events, including the renowned Great American Beer Festival—the nation’s premier beer competition and festival—and the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, bringing together thousands of professionals and enthusiasts annually. It also publishes leading resources like The New Brewer magazine and books through Brewers Publications, while advocating for fair policies and supporting export development. Beer lovers can explore more at CraftBeer.com, and industry members are invited to learn about membership benefits at brewersassociation.org.

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

 

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Festival

2023 National Homebrew Competition Medal Winners

June 26, 2023 by Dow Scoggins

2023 National Homebrew Competition Medal Winners
Photo credit of PHOTO © BREWERS ASSOCIATION

San Diego — The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA)—the national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the hobby of homebrewing—announced the winners of the 2023 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) during its annual Homebrew Con™ conference in San Diego. 120 medals in 40 categories were awarded for the most outstanding homemade beer, mead, and cider. Six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were also presented.

The NHC has long been recognized as the world’s largest stage for amateur homebrewers to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for the craft of fermentation. The 2023 competition received 4,335 entries from 1,708 homebrewers across 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 13 countries. 164,105 entries have been evaluated since the inaugural AHA National Homebrew Competition in 1979 in Boulder, Colo.

MOST-ENTERED STYLE CATEGORIES
The winners of the most-entered categories were:

Category 3: Pilsner (211 entries)
GOLD: Jared Aumen | Ann Arbor, MI | Ann Arbor Brewers Guild | German Pils (5D)
SILVER: Robby Narquis | Richland, WA | New Zealand Pilsner (X5)
BRONZE: Gregory Rinehardt | Abingdon, VA | Stooges Brew Club | New Zealand Pilsner (X5)

Category 18: Hazy IPA (168 entries)
GOLD: Jon Dieter | Concord, OH | Brewly Homebrew Club| Hazy IPA (21C)
SILVER: Peter Cooke | Bridgewater, NJ | Garden State (GS) Homebrewers | Hazy IPA (21C)
BRONZE: David Howell | Springfield, MO | Them Beer Knobbers | Hazy IPA (21C)

Category 26: European Sour Ale (162 entries)
GOLD: Jeff Bair | Kansas City, MO | Lambic (23D)
SILVER: Joshua Cotton | Brooklyn, NY | New York City Homebrewers Guild | Berliner Weisse (23A)
BRONZE: Kevin Wojdak | Elk Grove Village, IL | Urban Knaves of Grain Homebrew Club

Category 14: Irish & British Stout (161 entries)
GOLD: Chris Hunter | Martinsville, IN | Artesian Homebrewers | Sweet Stout (16A)
SILVER: Richard Shoff | Baldwinsville, NY | Irish Stout (15B)
BRONZE: Christopher Johnson | San Diego, CA | QUAFF | Irish Extra Stout (15C)

Photo credit of PHOTO © BREWERS ASSOCIATION

MAJOR AWARDS
In addition to category style awards, six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were presented.

Homebrewer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Muntons
Recognizes the best-of-show beer judged from all gold medal winners in all beer categories.
John Heasley | Portland, OR | The Brewing Network

Cidermaker of the Year Award – Sponsored by Woodchuck Hard Cider
Recognizes the best-of-show cider judged from all gold medal winners in the cider categories.
James Werner | New Berlin, WI | Beer Barons of Milwaukee

Meadmaker of the Year Award – Sponsored by Redstone Meadery
Recognizes the best-of-show mead judged from all gold medal winners in the mead categories.
Shane Kammerer | Shawnee, KS | Kansas City Bier Meisters

Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award – Sponsored by Samuel Adams
Recognizes the entrant who accumulates the most points in the final round of competition.
Richard Shoff | Baldwinsville, NY

Gambrinus Club Award – Sponsored by Fermentis
Recognizes the club garnering the most final round points per total club entries.
New York City Homebrewers Guild | New York, NY

Homebrew Club of the Year Award – Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
Awarded to the club accumulating the most total points in all categories of beer, mead, and cider in the final round of competition.
Kansas City Bier Meisters | Kansas City, KS

“The impressive quality of entries from this year’s winners demonstrated immense dedication, innovation, and skill in the art of homebrewing. These creations captivated the taste buds of the judges, showcased a diverse range of flavors, and set the standard for excellence in fermentation,” said Chris Williams, competition director. “Congratulations to the 2023 National Homebrew Competition winners!”

A complete list of winners of the 2023 National Homebrew Competition can be found here.

HOMEBREW CON
Homebrew Con, the nation’s largest annual gathering of brewing and fermentation enthusiasts, returned sunny San Diego, where more than 1,300 American Homebrewers Association members attended the three-day conference for good brews, good vibes, and brew-IQ-boosting sessions. The AHA awarded the following for outstanding contributions to the homebrewing community.

ANNUAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Radegast Club of the Year Award – Sponsored by Yakima Chief Hops
Awarded to a homebrew club for its efforts with community outreach and spreading the joys of homebrewing.
Horsemen of the Hopocalypse |Fort Worth, Texas

Homebrew Shop of the Year Award – Sponsored by BSG HandCraft
Awarded to homebrew supply shops on the merits of community support, education, customer service and engagement, promotion of homebrewing, and responsible business practices.
Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply | Elkhorn, Neb.

American Homebrewers Association Governing Committee Award
Awarded for outstanding service to the community of homebrewers.
Drew Beechum | Pasadena, Calif.

“To the participants, judges, sponsors, competition organizers, and volunteers who made this year’s Homebrew Con a resounding success, we say thank you. Cheers and congratulations to all the winners for making some of the world’s best homebrew,” said Julia Herz, AHA executive director.

Here are all the medal Winners:

Category 1: Pale American Beer
Gold: Mike Gallagher of Charleston, SC Lowcountry Libations
Silver: Caleb Meinke of Cambridge, WI Madison Homebrewers & Tasters
Bronze: Evan Brill of Louisville, KY Louisville Area Grain and Extract Research Society (LAGERS)

Category 2: Pale European Beer
Gold: Metts Potter of Morrow, OH Bloatarian Brewing League
Silver: Wayne Doucette of Big Lake, MN River City Brewers
Bronze: Jason Lorenz of Taylor, MI Motor City Mashers

Category 3: Pilsner
Gold: Jared Aumen of Ann Arbor, MI Ann Arbor Brewers Guild
Silver: Robby Narquis of Richland, WA
Bronze: Gregory Rinehardt of Abingdon, VA Stooges Brew Club

Category 4: Pale Malty European Beer
Gold: Alex Rezmerski of Louisville, KY Louisville Area Grain and Extract Research Society (LAGERS)
Silver: Chad Medford of Moore, OK Red Earth Brewers
Bronze: Jonathan Hughes of Moses Lake, WA

Category 5: Amber European Beer
Gold: Shane Sprague of Irvine, CA with Chris Kohl OC Mashups
Silver: Andy Cox of Wilton, CT Underground Brewers of Connecticut
Bronze: Nicholas LaFond of Saint Anne, IL

Category 6: Dark European Lager
Gold: Jason Dunn of Corona, CA Inland Empire Brewers
Silver: Robert Abbott of Chester, NH Brewtubers Online Brew Club
Bronze: Jason Slaasted of Caledonia, WI with Eric Lewis

Category 7: American Wheat & Blonde
Gold: Bryce Hunter of Grand Rapids, MI QUAFF
Silver: Rodolfo Valladares of Kansas City, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Bronze: Zach Kosslow of Pittsburgh, PA Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers

Category 8: German Wheat & Rye Beer
Gold: Joseph Hirtz of Valrico, FL Brandon Bootleggers Homebrew Club
Silver: Dustin Striplin of Tacoma, WA with Jamie Striplin Browns Point Homebrew Club
Bronze: Paul Brown of Pinole, CA Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)

Category 9: Pale British Ale
Gold: Mark Kunzelmann of Saint Louis, MO St. Louis Brews
Silver: 12A Alex Cigan of Brooklyn, NY New York City Homebrewers Guild
Bronze: 11C Dann Searcy of Kansas City, MO with Sally Crosson Kansas City Bier Meisters

Category 10: Scottish & Irish Ale
Gold: Richard Shoff of Baldwinsville, NY
Silver: James Matthews of Arnold, MO
Bronze: John Huhn of Springfield, MO Zymurgists of the Ozarks

Category 11: American Pale Ale
Gold: Brandon Holt of San Diego, CA with Kevin Holt QUAFF
Silver: Russell Berger of Portland, OR Portland Brewers Collective
Bronze: Steve Gardner of Greenville, SC

Category 12: Amber & Brown American Ale
Gold: Mike Butler of Olathe, KS with Stephanie Butler Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Keith Wright of Mustang, OK Red Earth Brewers
Bronze: Bob Rouse of College Park, MD

Category 13: Brown British Beer
Gold: Stephen Schmitt of Evanston, IL Evanston Homebrew Club
Silver: Mike Gallagher of Charleston, SC Lowcountry Libations
Bronze: Dann Searcy of Kansas City, MO with Sally Crosson Kansas City Bier Meisters

Category 14: Irish & British Stout
Gold: Chris Hunter of Martinsville, IN Artesian Homebrewers
Silver: Richard Shoff of Baldwinsville, NY with Richard Shoff
Bronze: Christopher Johnson of San Diego, CA QUAFF

Category 15: American Porter & Stout
Gold: Christian Chandler of Chandler, AZ Arizona Society of Homebrewers
Silver: Mike Rousseau of Charleston, SC
Bronze: Brian Smith of Pottstown, PA Bruclear Homebrew Club

Category 16: American IPA
Gold: Christopher Burgess of Castle Rock, CO 39N Homebrewers
Silver: Nicholas McCoy of Sachse, TX Draft Punk
Bronze: John & Stephanie Meerse of Simsbury, CT

Category 17: Specialty IPA
Gold: Robert Knipper of San Marcos, CA Society of Barley Engineers
Silver: Kevin & Kazuko Masaryk of San Diego, CA QUAFF
Bronze: Kevin Kiernan of Washington, DC DC Homebrewers

Category 18: Hazy IPA
Gold: Jon Dieter of Concord, OH Brewly Homebrew Club
Silver: Peter Cooke of Bridgewater, NJ Garden State Homebrewers (GSHomebrewers)
Bronze: David Howell of Springfield, MO Them Beer Knobbers

Category 19: Strong American Ale
Gold: Larry & Donna Reuter of Akron, OH Society of Akron Area Zymurgists (SAAZ)
Silver: Michael Moody of Jacksonville, OR
Bronze: Simon Svensson of Molnlycke, Sweden

Category 20: Strong European Lager
Gold: Kevin Olson of Raymore, MO ZZHops Homebrewing Club
Silver: Stephanie Butler of Olathe, KS with Mike Butler Kansas City Bier Meisters
Bronze: Andy Cox of Wilton, CT Underground Brewers of Connecticut

Category 21: Strong British Ale
Gold: Lucas Orr of San Diego, CA QUAFF
Silver: Jim Satin of Brooklyn, MI Ann Arbor Brewers Guild
Bronze: Kenneth Berry of McKinleyville, CA Humboldt Homebrewers

Category 22: Imperial Porter & Stout
Gold: John Heasley of Portland, OR The Brewing Network
Silver: Frank Wilkinson of Ambler, PA
Bronze: Tim Bickel of Oklahoma City, OK Red Earth Brewers

Category 23: Saison
Gold: Keith Blanchard of Chatham Township, NJ Morris Area Society of Homebrewers
Silver: Daniel Kukuk of Detroit, MI Motor City Mashers
Bronze: Jon Weaver of Naples, FL

Category 24: Belgian Ale
Gold: Phil LaFleur of Loveland, CO Weizguys Homebrew Club
Silver: Duane Jenness of Worcester, MA WIZARDS
Bronze: Matt & Courtney Castellino of Thousand Oaks, CA with Todd Slater Thousand Oaks Homebrewers

Category 25: Strong Belgian Ale
Gold: Duke Austerberry of Ferndale, MI
Silver: Jose Gutierrez of Edwards, CA Brewing Enthusiasts of the Antelope Valley Region (BEAVR)
Bronze: Mike Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society

Category 26: European Sour Ale
Gold: Jeff Bair of Kansas City, MO with Jeff Bair
Silver: Joshua Cotton of Brooklyn, NY New York City Homebrewers Guild
Bronze: Kevin Wojdak of Elk Grove Village, IL Urban Knaves of Grain

Category 27: Fruit Beer
Gold: Jamye & Cody Naramore of Quenemo, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Will Dull of Apopka, FL Brew Club of Seminole County
Bronze: Jose Gomera of East Patchogue, NY with Albania Morales

Category 28: Spiced Beer
Gold: Jonathan Eckles of Savannah, GA Savannah Brewers League
Silver: James Brameyer of Mount Airy, MD
Bronze: Rob Hardisty of Fort Collins, CO Liquid Poets

Category 29: Seasonal Spiced Beer
Gold: Jason Bryant of Herndon, VA Wort Hogs
Silver: Scott Rauvola of San Diego, CA QUAFF
Bronze: Joel McGormley of Zionsville, IN

Category 30: Smoke-Flavored Beer
Gold: Randy Daniels of Des Moines, IA with KC McKinney Iowa Brewers Union
Silver: Keith Loats of Seven Hills, OH
Bronze: Michael Beck of Griffith, IN Illiana Beer Rackers Union (IBRU)

Category 31: Wood-Aged Beer
Gold: David Moore of Carlsbad, CA with David Harbick QUAFF
Silver: Joel McGormley of Zionsville, IN
Bronze: Mark DeBreaux of Wimberley, TX

Category 32: American Wild Ale
Gold: Sean Thomson of Denver, CO The Brew Crew
Silver: Billy & Theresa Wilks of San Diego, CA
Bronze: Dwayne Haynes of APO, AE

Category 33: Specialty Beer
Gold: Mike Butler of Olathe, KS with Stephanie Butler Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Brian Stulak of Palm Harbor, FL Pinellas Urban Brewers (PUB) Guild
Bronze: Peter Graham of Fishers, IN

Category 34: Traditional Mead
Gold: Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Silver: Michael Wilcox of Wichita, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Bronze: Shane & Susan Kammerer of Shawnee, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters

Category 35: Cyser & Pyment
Gold: John Pagano of Carpinteria, CA
Silver: M2A Ashley Earle of Concord, CA Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
Bronze: M2B Stephen Wilson of Syracuse, NY

Category 36: Fruit Mead
GoldM: Shane & Susan Kammerer of Shawnee, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Bronze: Bill Boyer of Kennesaw, GA North Georgia Malt Monkeys

Category 37: Spice Mead
Gold: Travis Hammond of Santee, CA QUAFF
Silver: Matthew Mead of Grand Rapids, MI Michigan Mead Coalition
Bronze: John Aitchison of Northridge, CA Maltose Falcons

Category 38: Specialty Mead
Gold: Todd Donnelly of Chardon, OH Society of Northeast Ohio Brewers
Silver: Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Bronze: LaVaughn & Yakima Barker of Brookfield, WI

Category 39: Standard Cider & Perry
Gold: Annie Johnson of Seattle, WA North Seattle Homebrewers
Silver: Richard Shoff of Baldwinsville, NY
Bronze: Jeff Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI PrimeTime Brewers

Category 40: Specialty Cider & Perry
Gold: James Werner of New Berlin, WI Beer Barons of Milwaukee
Silver: Jeff Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI PrimeTime Brewers
Bronze: Jeff Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI PrimeTime Brewers

 

The 2023 National Homebrew Competition and Homebrew Con were made possible in part by the generous support of sponsors.

About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 36,000 homebrewers. The AHA organizes events including the Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition, Big Brew for National Homebrew Day, and Learn to Homebrew Day. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy®, the longest-running magazine for homebrewers. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association®, whose Brewers Publications® division is the leading publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers. Beer lovers, fermentation fans, and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Festival

2019 Los Angeles International Beer Competition Results

April 23, 2023 by Dow Scoggins

2019 Los Angeles International Beer Competition Results

The 2019 Los Angeles International Beer Competition, held April 13-14 at the historic Fairplex in Pomona, was a suds-soaked showdown that drew over 1,000 entries from breweries worldwide across 100 categories, blind-judged by a panel of BJCP pros and industry vets to crown the globe’s top pours—from snappy German Pilsners and juicy West Coast IPAs to funky barrel-aged sours and roasty rye beers. San Diego breweries absolutely crushed it, snagging 71 medals (a record haul) including clean sweeps in American-Style Stout and Rye Beer categories, with standouts like Eppig Brewing’s Meister N. German Wheat Beer taking gold and Deft Brewing racking up six medals for their bold stouts and lagers. El Segundo Brewing Company’s Old Jetty claimed the ultimate Best of Show crown for its masterful amber lager, while locals like Angel City’s That Voodoo that Yuzu (gold in Wood and Barrel-Aged Sour) and Artifex’s Artifexican (gold in American-Style Cream Ale) proved SoCal’s craft scene was firing on all cylinders. Winners got prime real estate at the LA County Fair’s beer tavern, where thirsty crowds sampled medalists amid live music and food trucks—making this comp not just a judging fest, but a launchpad for shelf stars. If you’re chasing timeless California classics, hunt down these 2019 champs; they’re the pours that put LA on the international beer map. Cheers to a golden year!

Results of the 2019 Los Angeles International Beer Competition
2019 Best of Show: El Segundo Brewing Company, Old Jetty

1 – American-Style Wheat Beer
Gold Medal: Eppig Brewing, Meister N. German Wheat Beer
Bronze Medal: Stanley Park Brewing, Stanley Park Brewing Sunsetter

2 – American-Style Wheat Beer with Yeast
Gold Medal: Scotty’s Bierwerks, American Dark Wheat
Silver Medal: Lengthwise Brewing Company, Harvest Moon Wheat Ale

3 – American-Style Fruit Beer
Gold Medal: Four Peaks Brewing Co., Peach Ale
Silver Medal: Four Sons Brewing, Vacation
Bronze Medal: TAPS Brewery, Smooth Razz

4 – Fruit Wheat Beer
Gold Medal: Sprecher Brewing Co., Grapefruit Radler
Silver Medal: Garage Brewing Co., Mango Hefeweizen
Bronze Medal: Garage Brewing Co., Sweet Orange Wit

5 – Belgian-Style Fruit Beer
Gold Medal: Dust Bowl Brewing, Twisted Monk
Silver Medal: Brewyard Beer Company, Tropico
Bronze Medal: Brewheim, Brewheim Bramble on Saison
Honorable Mention: Flix Brewhouse – Chandler, Wit with Fruit

7 – Field Beer
Gold Medal: Bartlett Brewing Co. (Bartlett Hall), Layer Bar
Silver Medal: Barley Forge Brewing Co., The Patsy
Bronze Medal: Smoking Cannon Brewery, Paxton

8 – Chili Beer
Gold Medal: Rock Bottom Brewery – Nashville, Jalapeno Lager
Silver Medal: River Rat Brewery, Tabasco Barrel Aged Imperial Milk Stout

9 – Herb and Spice Beer
Gold Medal: Danville Brewing Company, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Silver Medal: Inland Warf Brewing, Winter Warmer
Bronze Medal: Absolution Brewing Co., Cerveza de Champurrado

10 – Pumpkin Spice Beer
Gold Medal: Twin Creeks Brewing Company, Twin Creeks Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Silver Medal: Papa Marces Cerveceria, Pumpkin: The Musical
Bronze Medal: Rahr & Sons Production Team, Pumpkin Ale

11 – Chocolate or Cocoa Beer
Gold Medal: Belching Beaver Brewery, Mexican Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout
Silver Medal: Riip Beer Company, Flannels and Flip Flops
Bronze Medal: Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, Chocolate Moustache

12 – Coffee Beer
Gold Medal: Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, Iron Joe
Silver Medal: Tricia LaRue, Cabra Loca Espresso Milk Stout
Bronze Medal: Phantom Ales, Kona Coffee Lager – Hazelnut

13 – Specialty Beer
Gold Medal: Eppig Brewing, Count Maltula Cereal Imperial Milk Stout
Silver Medal: Indian Joe Brewing, Ham for the Holidays
Bronze Medal: Garage Brewing Co., Kumquat Brut IPA
Honorable Mention: Moonraker Brewing, Hollow Bones

14 – Rye Beer
Gold Medal: Pizza Port – Carlsbad, Palapa
Silver Medal: Papa Marces Cerveceria, Ryesilience
Bronze Medal: Burning Beard, Roggen the Lightning

15 – Honey Beer
Gold Medal: Booze Brothers Brewing Co., Honey Bloom
Silver Medal: SLO Brew, Hazy Honey Blonde

16 – Session Beer
Gold Medal: Burgeon Beer Company, Clever Kiwi
Silver Medal: Pizza Port – San Diego, Guillaume

17 – Session India Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Mosaic Session IPA
Silver Medal: Holy City Brewing, Paradise IPA
Bronze Medal: Pizza Port – Carlsbad, Ponto

18 – Other Strong Beer
Gold Medal: High Water Brewing, Aphotic Imperial Porter

19 – Experimental Beer
Gold Medal: Arts District Brewing Company, Umbra Tertia
Silver Medal: Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Feral Vinifera
Bronze Medal: Four Sons Brewing, PB&K

20 – Fresh Hop Beer
Silver Medal: Deft Brewing, Patio Hops & Geysers

21 – Historical Beer
Gold Medal: Deft Brewing, DoubleDeft Secret
Silver Medal: South Park Brewing, Skol
Bronze Medal: Dempseys Restaurant and Brewery, How Many Dan’s Does It

22 – Gluten Free Beer
Silver Medal: Willies Superbrew, Sparkling Mango & Passionfruit
Bronze Medal: Willies Superbrew, Sparkling Pomegranate & Acai

23 – American-Belgo-Style Ale
Gold Medal: Rouleur Brewing Company, PUNCHEUR Pale Ale
Silver Medal: Rock Bottom – La Jolla, Epic Joyride WIPA
Bronze Medal: Innovation Brew Works, Cattle Rancher

24 – American-Style Sour Ale
Gold Medal: Smog City Brewing Co., June Lady
Silver Medal: Almanac Beer Co., Farmer’s Reserve No. 5
Bronze Medal: Lost Winds Brewing Company, Single pHin Sour with Blueberries

25 – Brett Beer
Gold Medal: King Harbor Brewing Company, Ride The Wild
Silver Medal: Cucapa Brewing Co., Bocanegra Wild Ale & Barbera
Bronze Medal: Papa Marces Cerveceria, The Funk For Red October

26 – Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
Gold Medal: Nebraska Brewing Company, Blanc is the New White
Silver Medal: BJ’s Restaurants & Brewery- Reno, BJ’s Whiskers

27 – Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
Gold Medal: 3 Punk Ales, Barley Legal
Silver Medal: AleSmith Brewing Company, Cinnamon Vanilla Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout
Bronze Medal: BJ’s Brewhouse, Papa Grande

28 – Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout
Gold Medal: Sprecher Brewing Co., Czar Brew
Silver Medal: Pizza Port – Carlsbad Village, 2018 Strong Ale
Bronze Medal: Riip Beer Company, Death Ditch

29 – Wood and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer
Gold Medal: Angel City Brewery, That Voodoo that Yuzu
Silver Medal: Garage Brewing Co., Gin Barrel Gose
Bronze Medal: 42 North Brewing Company, Confucious Wild Ale w/ Apricot

31 – Kellerbier or Zwickelbier
Gold Medal: Hop Dogma, Ol’ Keller
Silver Medal: Woodfour Brewing, New Ridge Lager
Bronze Medal: Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Zwickel

32 – Smoke Beer
Gold Medal: South Park Brewing, Bread & Smoke
Silver Medal: Pedal Haus Brewery, Rauchbier Märzen
Bronze Medal: Brewyard Beer Company, Smoking Redhead
Honerable Mention: Stone Brewing Co. – Liberty Station, Rogalian

33 – American-Style Pilsner
Gold Medal: Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Urban Underdog American Lager
Silver Medal: United States Beverage, Moosehead Breweries – Moosehead Lager
Bronze Medal: Old Stump Brewing Co., Torrey Pines Pilsner

34 – International-Style Pilsner
Gold Medal: Knee Deep Brewing Company, Hola Señor
Silver Medal: Angel City Brewery, Little Tokyo Super Dry
Bronze Medal: Eppig Brewing, Eppig Special Lager

35 – American-Style or German-Style Light Light Lager
Gold Medal: Danville Brewing Company, Lagerade
Silver Medal: Pedal Haus Brewery, Day Drinker Light Lager
Bronze Medal: Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, Rahr’s Blonde

36 – American-Style Lager or Ice Lager or Malt Lager
Gold Medal: Phantom Ales, Beaver Pointe River Lager
Silver Medal: Trustworthy Brewing Co., Gigil Rice Pilsner
Bronze Medal: Thorn Brewing Company, Barrio Lager

37 – American-Style Cream Ale
Gold Medal: Artifex Brewing Company, Artifexican
Silver Medal: Angel City Brewery, Cream Ale
Bronze Medal: Ballast Point, Ballast Point Lager

38 – American-Style Amber Lager
Gold Medal: El Segundo Brewing Company, Casa Azul
Silver Medal: Brewyard Beer Company, Jewel City
Bronze Medal: Bhramari Brewing Company, Painted Fortune

39 – German-Style Pilsner
Gold Medal: Eagle Rock Brewery, Amwolf
Silver Medal: Brewyard Beer Company, Sparkling Joy
Bronze Medal: Pigeon Head Brewery, Pigeon Head Pilsner

40 – Bohemian-Style Pilsner
Gold Medal: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Paradise Road
Silver Medal: Thorn Brewing, Golden Hills Pils
Bronze Medal: Draughtsmen Aleworks, Czech Please

41 – Munich-Style Helles
Gold Medal: 2kids Brewing Company, Five Finger Discount
Silver Medal: Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, Hail to the Chief Helles
Bronze Medal: Green Flash Brewing, Baja Bound

42 – Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest
Gold Medal: Barley Forge Brewing Co., Grandpa Tractor
Silver Medal: Hansa Brewery, Oktoberfest

43 – Vienna-Style Lager
Gold Medal: Rip Current Brewing Company, Corriente Negra Mexican Lager
Silver Medal: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Danish Red Lager
Bronze Medal: Left Coast Brewing Co., Una Mas

44 – German-Style Maerzen
Gold Medal: 14 Cannons, Marooner Märzen
Silver Medal: Great Basin Brewing Company, Oktoberfest
Bronze Medal: Thorn Brewing Company, Marty Zen

45 – European-Style Dark Lager/Munich-Style Dunkel
Gold Medal: Church Brew Works, Pious Monk Dunkel
Silver Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Long Beach, Dunkle As a Skunkle
Bronze Medal: Pedal Haus Brewery, Tmave Pivo

46 – Dark Lager
Gold Medal: TAPS Brewery, Schwarzbier
Silver Medal: Enegren Brewing, Nighthawk
Bronze Medal: Last Name Brewing, California Black Beer

47 – Bock
Gold Medal: Rip Current Brewing Company, Breakline Bock
Silver Medal: Enegren Brewing, Maibock
Bronze Medal: Point Beer, Point Bock Beer

48 – German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock
Gold Medal: Bonesaw Brewing, Amputator
Silver Medal: Sprecher Brewing Co., Dopple Bock
Bronze Medal: GameCraft Brewing, Goat Simulator

49 – Baltic-Style Porter
Gold Medal: Rok House Brewing Co., Beowulf Baltic Porter

50 – Golden or Blonde Ale
Gold Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Huntington Beach, Foam Top
Silver Medal: Great Basin Brewing Company, 39 North Blonde Ale
Bronze Medal: Deft Brewing, Bay Park Blonde

51 – German-Style Kolsch
Gold Medal: HopSaint Brewing Company, Kolsch Enough
Silver Medal: Mike Hess Brewing, Claritas
Bronze Medal: Faultline Brewing, Kolsch

52 – English-Style Summer Ale
Gold Medal: Deft Brewing, DeftHopt Golden
Silver Medal: Rock Bottom – La Jolla, San Diego Sunset Blonde

53 – Classic English-Style Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Alosta Brewing Co., Elias
Silver Medal: The Stalking Horse, West Pico Pale
Bronze Medal: Sprecher Brewing Co., Hop on Top

54 – English-Style India Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Boqueron Brewing, Boquerón Brewing Co. CrashBoat IPA
Silver Medal: South Park Brewing, In the Meantime
Bronze Medal: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Hoppy Poppy IPA

55 – Australian-Style Pale Ale
Gold Medal: HopSaint Brewing Company, Pure Intention

56 – International-Style Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Garage Brewing Co., Garage Pale Ale
Silver Medal: South Lake Tahoe Craft Beer, Angora IPA
Bronze Medal: Burgeon Beer Company, Canopy Tour

57 – American-Style Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Figueroa Mountain Mosaic
Silver Medal: BJ’s Restaurants & Brewery- Chandler, BJ’s Piranha Pale Ale
Bronze Medal: Stanley Park Brewing, Stanley Park Brewing Windstorm
Honorable Mention: Alosta Brewing Co., D Street XPA

58 – Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Last Name Brewing, #HungerSucks
Silver Medal: Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Mind Haze
Bronze Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Huntington Beach, Hazer’s Edge

59 – American-Style Strong Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Burgeon Beer Company, Treevana
Silver Medal: Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, Like Riding A Bike
Bronze Medal: Thorn Brewing Company, Relay IPA

60 – American-Style India Pale Ale
Gold Medal: GameCraft Brewing, Pay to Win
Silver Medal: Common Space Brewery, YAY! SAYER IPA
Bronze Medal: Burning Beard, Dankness Visible

61 – Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Knee Deep Brewing Company, Oopsie D’hazy
Silver Medal: Garage Brewing Co., Hazy #8
Bronze Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Huntington Beach, 28 Haze Later
Honorable Mention: Rouleur Brewing Company, DOPEUR Juicy IPA

62 – Imperial India Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Moonraker Brewing, All Hops on Deck
Silver Medal: Ritual Brewing Co., Ritual Double Dab – DIPA
Bronze Medal: SLO Brew, Still Frothy

63 – Juicy or Hazy Imperial or Double India Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Moonraker Brewing, Girls Just Wanna Have Sun
Silver Medal: Black Market Brewing, Gold
Bronze Medal: Santa Monica Brew Works, Head in the Clouds

64 – American-Style Amber/Red Ale
Gold Medal: BJ’s Restaurants & Brewery- Chandler, BJ’s Oasis Amber
Silver Medal: San Fernando Brewing Company, O’Melveny Red Ale
Bronze Medal: Smog City Brewing Co., Sabre-Toothed Squirrel

65 – Double Hoppy Red Ale
Gold Medal: Pizza Port – Carlsbad, Sharkbite Red
Silver Medal: Wiens Brewing, Dawnrider
Bronze Medal: Scotty’s Bierwerks, American Strong

66 – Imperial Red Ale
Gold Medal: Big Sexy Brewing, Gifted Gunslinger
Silver Medal: Claremont Craft Ales, Happy Days
Bronze Medal: Trustworthy Brewing Co., Brass Jar Hoppy Amber

67 – English-Style Mild Ale
Gold Medal: Pizza Port – San Diego, Skidmark
Silver Medal: Pizza Port – San Clemente, Nerf Herder
Bronze Medal: Flix Brewhouse – Albuquerque, The Brown Basilisk

68 – Ordinary or Special Bitter
Gold Medal: South Park Brewing, Robert Smith’s Smooth
Silver Medal: The Stalking Horse, Minions
Bronze Medal: Firestone Walker Brewing Co., DBA

69 – Extra Special Bitter
Gold Medal: Three Weavers Brewing, Deep Roots
Silver Medal: 2kids Brewing Company, Poppycock ESB
Bronze Medal: Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ, Emory Peak ESB

70 – Scottish-Style Ale
Gold Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Long Beach, Glenlongbeach
Silver Medal: Flix Brewhouse – Chandler, Scottish
Bronze Medal: Eppig Brewing, Granite City Scottish Export

71 – Irish-Style Red Ale
Gold Medal: Four Sons Brewing, O’Sonset
Silver Medal: Alosta Brewing Co., Manky Langer Irish Red
Bronze Medal: Kokopelli Beer Company, Blarney Stone

72 – English-Style Brown Ale
Gold Medal: Fort Point Beer Company, Westfalia
Silver Medal: Pizza Port – Carlsbad Village, shagadellic brown
Bronze Medal: Peter B’s Brewpub, Inclusion Amber

73 – American-Style Brown Ale
Gold Medal: Black Market Brewing, Shakedown
Silver Medal: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Davy Brown
Bronze Medal: Old Stump Brewing Co., Nut Job Brown Ale

74 – American-Style Black Ale
Gold Medal: Claremont Craft Ales, Buddy
Silver Medal: Wiens Brewing, Deprivation
Bronze Medal: Riip Beer Company, Black the Riipper

75 – German-Style Sour Ale
Gold Medal: Mike Hess Brewing, Peach My Other Vice
Silver Medal: Euryale Brewing Company, Halia Sour Cherry Gose
Bronze Medal: Papa Marces Cerveceria, Zest Of Friends

76 – German-Style Altbier
Gold Medal: Stone Brewing Co. – Liberty Station, Space Bar Friends
Silver Medal: Enegren Brewing, Valkyrie
Bronze Medal: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, Firefall Red

77 – South German-Style Hefewizen
Gold Medal: Pizza Port – San Diego, Flying Hawaiian
Silver Medal: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Windansea Wheat
Bronze Medal: Stanley Park Brewing, Summer Hefeweizen

78 – German-Style Wheat Ale
Silver Medal: Pizza Port – San Diego, Junk In Da Trunkel Dunkel

79 – Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale
Gold Medal: Pizza Port – Carlsbad Village, Twerp
Silver Medal: Bonesaw Brewing, Le Petit Demon
Bronze Medal: Flix Brewhouse – Albuquerque, Pale Full of Bricks

80 – Belgian-Style Witbier
Gold Medal: Four Peaks Brewing Co., White Ale
Silver Medal: Tortugo Brewing Company, Isabela White
Bronze Medal: Pedal Haus Brewery, Biere Blanche

81 – Classic French and Belgian-Style
Gold Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Long Beach, Un Atout
Silver Medal: 2kids Brewing Company, Rocket Powered Geese
Bronze Medal: Dorćol Distilling and Brewing, Coq Hardi Saison

82 – Specialty Saison
Gold Medal: Fort Point Beer Company, Resonance
Silver Medal: Conflux Brewing Company, Ginger Lemongrass Farmhouse Saison
Bronze Medal: Papa Marces Cerveceria, Is It Bretty Yet?

83 – Belgian and French-Style Ale
Gold Medal: Flix Brewhouse – Carmel, Super Power Potion
Silver Medal: Ladyface Ale Co., La Grisette
Bronze Medal: Chula Vista Brewery, Sin Paredes

84 – Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale
Gold Medal: Beachwood Blendery, Chaos is a Friend of Mine
Silver Medal: Mraz Brewing Company, Drinking with Friends
Bronze Medal: Mraz Brewing Company, Curator

85 – Belgian-Style Dubbel or Quadrupel
Gold Medal: Imperial Western Beer Co., Figgy Pudding
Silver Medal: Olde Salem Brewing Co., Sabotage
Bronze Medal: BJ’s Restaurants & Brewery- Reno, BJ’s Abbey Normal Quad

86 – Belgian-Style Tripel
Gold Medal: Dempsey’s Restaurant and Brewery, Tres Hombres
Silver Medal: Bluebird Brasserie, What a Trip
Bronze Medal: Burning Beard, Panic at the Nunnery

87 – Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale
Gold Medal: Imperial Western Beer Co., Ahoy-Hoy
Silver Medal: Thorn Brewing, Fornication
Bronze Medal: Rouleur Brewing Company, SOLOIST Golden Strong Ale

88 – Other Belgian-Style Ale
Gold Medal: Bluebird Brasserie, Strangely Attractive
Silver Medal: Draughtsmen Aleworks, Mini Monk
Bronze Medal: Riip Beer Company, Mandarina Rustica

89 – Brown Porter
Gold Medal: Deft Brewing, Dawn of the Deft
Silver Medal: Broxton, Maeby
Bronze Medal: Holy City Brewing, Pluff Mud Porter

90 – Robust Porter
Gold Medal: Founders Brewing, Porter
Silver Medal: Faultline Brewing, London Porter
Bronze Medal: Babe’s BBQ & Brewhouse, Babe’s Pigsleys Porter

91 – Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout
Gold Medal: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Stearn’s Stout
Silver Medal: Pocock Brewing Company, It’s My Island
Bronze Medal: Last Name Brewing, Dropkick Mercy

92 – Export Stout
Gold Medal: Yorkshire Square Brewery, Castle Dangerous
Silver Medal: Stone Brewing Co. – Liberty Station, Brut(ish) Imperial Stout
Bronze Medal: Island Brewing Company, Starry Night Stout

93 – American-Style Stout
Gold Medal: Stone Brewing Co. – Liberty Station, Cimmerian Portal
Silver Medal: Smoking Cannon Brewery, Coehorn
Bronze Medal: Papa Marces Cerveceria, Astout Observation

94 – Sweet Stout or Cream Stout
Gold Medal: Danville Brewing Company, Slippery Rail
Silver Medal: Twin Creeks Brewing Company, Winter Night Milk Stout
Bronze Medal: Great Basin Brewing Company, Outlaw Stout

95 – Oatmeal Stout
Gold Medal: Scotty’s Bierwerks, Oatmeal Stout
Silver Medal: Deft Brewing, Day of the Deft
Bronze Medal: Flix Brewhouse – Albuquerque, Marvelous Oatmeal Stout

96 – Imperial Stout
Gold Medal: Rip Current Brewing Company, Rescue Buoy Imperial Stout
Silver Medal: Tricia LaRue, Anthony’s Pacification Russian Imperial Stout
Bronze Medal: Ritual Brewing Co., Ritual Big Deluxe – Imperial Oat Stout

97 – Scotch Ale
Gold Medal: Bonfire Brewing, Kilt Dropper Scotch Ale
Silver Medal: Pizza Port – San Clemente, Way Heavy
Bronze Medal: Beachwood BBQ – Long Beach, Full Malted Jacket

98 – Old Ale or Strong Ale
Gold Medal: El Segundo Brewing Company, Old Jetty
Silver Medal: AleSmith Brewing Company, AleSmith Private Stock Ale
Bronze Medal: BJ’s Brewhouse, BJ’s Jeremiah Red

99 – Barley Wine Style Ale
Gold Medal: Island Brewing Company, Big Island Barley Wine
Silver Medal: Revelry Brewing Co., Chateau Revelry
Bronze Medal: Tricia LaRue, Barley Wine

100 – Standard Cider & Perry
Gold Medal: Common Cider Company, Blackberry Sangria
Silver Medal: Boston Beer Company, Angry Orchard the Old Fashioned
Bronze Medal: ACE Cider, ACE Pineapple Craft Cider

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

Raise a Glass: Celebrating National Beer Lover’s Day on September 7

April 14, 2023 by Dow Scoggins

Raise a Glass: Celebrating National Beer Lover’s Day on September 7

Cheers to National Beer Lover’s Day: A Frothy Celebration!
September 7 is National Beer Lover’s Day, and it’s time to raise a glass to the world’s favorite brew! Let’s dive into the fizzy fun of this hop-tastic holiday.

Why National Beer Lover’s Day is a Big Deal
Beer isn’t just a drink—it’s a vibe, a culture, and a history lesson in every sip. National Beer Lover’s Day, celebrated every September 7, is all about honoring the golden nectar that’s been bringing people together for centuries. From ancient Sumerians brewing in 3000 BCE to today’s craft beer revolution, beer has a story as rich as a stout and as refreshing as a lager.

This day is your excuse to geek out over IPAs, savor a crisp pilsner, or just crack open a cold one with friends. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a homebrew hero, National Beer Lover’s Day is for you!

A Sip of Beer History
Did you know beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world? Archeologists have found evidence of beer-making in Mesopotamia dating back over 5,000 years. Fast forward to 1933, when the Cullen-Harrison Act brought beer back to the US after Prohibition’s dry spell, sparking celebrations that inspired holidays like National Beer Day (April 7). National Beer Lover’s Day builds on that legacy, giving us a dedicated moment to toast the brewers, bartenders, and beer fans who keep the taps flowing.

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Beer Lover’s Day
1. Visit a Local Brewery: Hit up a craft brewery for a tour, tasting, or just to chat with the brewmaster. Many breweries host special events on September 7, so check their schedules!

2. Host a Beer Tasting Party: Grab a mix of brews—think sours, stouts, and pale ales—and have friends sample them blind. Bonus points for pairing with snacks like pretzels or cheese.

3. Try Homebrewing: Feeling adventurous? Start your own batch with a beginner’s kit. It’s like science, but with beer as the reward!

4. Explore Beer Cocktails: Mix things up with a shandy (beer + lemonade) or a michelada (beer + lime juice and spices). They’re refreshing twists on your favorite pint.

5. Share the Love Online: Post your favorite beer moment on social media with #NationalBeerLoversDay. Maybe you’ll inspire someone to try a new brew!

The Craft Beer Boom
National Beer Lover’s Day shines a spotlight on the craft beer scene, which has exploded with creativity. In the US alone, there are over 9,000 craft breweries, each experimenting with wild flavors like peanut butter stouts or mango-infused sours. These small-batch brews are all about passion, community, and pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. So, skip the usual and seek out a local gem this September 7.

Beer and Good Vibes
At its core, National Beer Lover’s Day is about connection. It’s the clink of glasses at a pub, the laughter at a backyard barbecue, or the quiet moment savoring a cold one after a long day. Beer brings us together, and this holiday reminds us to celebrate the simple joys in life.

So, on September 7, grab your favorite brew, call some friends, and toast to the drink that’s been making history for millennia. Cheers to National Beer Lover’s Day—here’s to hops, heart, and happy times!

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Festival

2022 Great American Beer Festival Results

October 13, 2022 by Dow Scoggins

2020 GABF Medal Winners

Denver, Colorado — The 2022 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition awarded 300 medals to the best commercial breweries in the United States. Presented by the Brewers Association (BA), GABF is the nation’s largest professional beer competition and the premier symbol of brewing excellence.

Award-winning breweries received prestigious gold, silver, and bronze medals in 98 beer categories covering 177 different beer styles (including all subcategories), establishing the best examples of each style in the country. In addition, three GABF Collaboration medals pairing two professional breweries, and three GABF Pro-Am medals pairing homebrewers with professional brewers, were announced. The awards ceremony was held at the Bellco Theatre in Denver during the 40th anniversary Great American Beer Festival.

The competition took place in three phases over a period of nine days and was judged by 235 beer experts from seven countries, including the U.S. In addition to 9,904 commercial brewery entries, the judging panel also evaluated 35 Pro-Am entries and 94 Collaboration entries. The competition was made possible with the help of 310 volunteers.

“Each year the Great American Beer Festival showcases the best that American brewers have to offer,” said Chris Williams, competition director, Great American Beer Festival. “With 9,904 entries, this year’s competition was the most competitive to date. Congratulations to all the winners who truly demonstrated why the U.S. is the best brewing nation in the world.”

2022 GABF Medal Winners
2022 GABF Brewery of the Year Awards

GABF COMPETITION STATISTICS
36th edition of the GABF competition
9,904 beers judged
177 beer styles
2,154 breweries in the competition from 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
235 judges
310 volunteers
Average number of competition beers entered in each category: 99
Category with the highest number of entries: American Style India Pale Ale (423 entries)
300 total medals awarded, including 3 Pro-Am and 3 Collaboration medals
268 medal-winning breweries
301 first-time GABF entrants
18 first-time GABF winners

MOST-ENTERED STYLE CATEGORIES

The winners of the top five most-entered categories were:

Category 64: American Style India Pale Ale (423 entries) – Sponsored by Micro Matic
GOLD: More Dodge Less RAM | Comrade Brewing Co. | Denver, CO
SILVER: Dankster Squad | Riip Beer Co. | Huntington Beach, CA
BRONZE: Hop-Fu! | North Park Beer Co. | San Diego, CA

Category 65: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (375 entries) – Sponsored by Antigo Zeon
GOLD: Anhyzer Kush | Flatland Brewing Co. | Elk Grove, CA
SILVER: IPO IPA | White Rock Alehouse & Brewery | Dallas, TX
BRONZE: RAD AF | City Barrel Brewing Co. | Kansas City, MO

Category 45: German-Style Pilsener (233 entries)
GOLD: Industry | The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. | Austin, TX
SILVER: Pils | Von Ebert Brewing – Pearl | Portland, OR
BRONZE: German Pilsner | Shred Monk Brewery and Coffeehouse | Bozeman, MT

Category 81: German Wheat Ale (209 entries)
GOLD: Alpenglow | Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon | North Central, OH
SILVER: Kristal Weizen | Bearded Tang Brewing | Stanton, CA
BRONZE: Wild Pitch | SandLot Brewery | Denver, CO

Category 50: German-Style Maerzen (207 entries)
GOLD: Oktoberfest | Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. | Waltham, MA
SILVER: Docktoberfest | Dry Dock Brewing Co. – North Dock | Aurora, CO
BRONZE: Great Dane Oktoberfest | Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co. – Downtown | Madison, WI

MOST-MEDALED BREWERY: North Park Beer Co. | San Diego, CA
GOLD: English India Pale Ale or New Zealand India Pale Ale (Cat. 59)
SILVER: Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale (Cat. 67)BRONZE: American-Style India Pale Ale (Cat. 64)
BRONZE: Imperial India Pale Ale (Cat. 66)

COLLABORATION COMPETITION
GOLD: Templin Family Guava Coconut | Templin Family Brewing / Shades Brewing | Salt Lake City, UT
SILVER: Chicago Peaks Kölsch | Westbound & Down Brewing Co. / Bierstadt Lagerhaus | San Diego, CA
BRONZE: Guns Out For Grain Out | Pizza Port Ocean Beach / Chula Vista Brewery | Karl Strauss | Nickel Beer | San Diego, CA

PRO-AM COMPETITION (35 entries)
Sponsored by Country Malt Group, Briess Malt & Ingredients, and White Labs
GOLD: Kaltrauch | Confluence Brewing Co. | AHA members Randy Daniels & KC McKinney | Des Moines, IA
SILVER: Sticky Fingers Saison | CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewing | AHA Member Mark Pennick | Fort Collins, CO
BRONZE: Alt Ale | Shoe Tree Brewing Co. | AHA Member Eric Coffman |Carson City, NV

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,700-plus U.S. breweries and more than 38,000 homebrewers. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week. The BA publishes The New Brewer and Zymurgy magazines, and Brewers Publications is the leading publisher of brewing literature. The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at  CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association and the free Brew Guru  mobile app.

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 24
  • Page 25
  • Page 26
  • Page 27
  • Page 28
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Follow us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship Registration is now open  

 
2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship  
Medal Winners

Archives

  • September 2026
  • August 2026
  • July 2026
  • June 2026
  • May 2026
  • April 2026
  • March 2026
  • February 2026
  • January 2026
  • December 2025
  • November 2025
  • October 2025
  • September 2025
  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • October 2022
  • May 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • June 2021
  • March 2021
  • December 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • February 2020
  • November 2019
  • February 2019
  • May 2018
  • April 2018

Copyright © 2026 · BeerInfo.com. All Rights Reserved.