Beer Competition

Great American Beer Festival 2025: America’s Premier Beverage Event

September 1, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), hosted by the Brewers Association, takes place October 9–11 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. As the largest beer festival in the U.S., GABF showcases thousands of craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and other beverages, alongside a prestigious competition for independent craft breweries. Tickets are available now!

What’s New for 2025

This year introduces the Distilling Experience, featuring 20 distilleries offering 0.25-ounce samples of whiskey, vodka, gin, and more. Alongside beer, attendees can explore ready-to-drink cocktails, hard kombucha, cider, and zero-proof beverages.

The festival includes themed experience areas, such as:

Prost! – German biergarten vibes
Score! – Sports-themed zone
Fright – Halloween-inspired setup
Blast Off – Focus on beyond-beer drinks
Chill – Relaxed backyard hangout with live music
Meet the Brewer – Connect directly with craft brewers
Mile High Stage – New for 2025, featuring live music and contests

Why Brewers Attend

GABF is a key platform for breweries to showcase innovation and connect with beer enthusiasts. The GABF competition awards medals across over 100 categories, often boosting winners’ sales and visibility. It’s also a networking hub for small breweries to engage with peers nationwide.

PAIRED Program

The PAIRED beer-and-food experience pairs small plates from top chefs with limited-release beers and cocktails. A separate ticket is required for this event.

Ticket Information

General Session: $85 (Thursday, October 9), $95 (Friday, October 10 or Saturday, October 11)
Three-Day Pass: $220
PAIRED: $129 (standalone) or $199 (combined with GABF session)

Why Fans Love GABF

Beer enthusiasts flock to GABF to sample diverse styles from across the U.S., often including new and limited-release brews. The festival also offers themed entertainment, live music, silent discos, and costume contests.

Why It Matters

GABF remains the ultimate celebration of American craft brewing, offering brewers and fans alike a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the industry. Secure your tickets now for this unparalleled event!

Great American Beer Festival History
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), launched in 1982 in Boulder, Colorado, by nuclear engineer and homebrewing enthusiast Charlie Papazian, emerged as a pioneering celebration of American craft beer. Initially a modest event with 24 breweries, 47 beers, and 800 attendees, it was born from Papazian’s vision to showcase the burgeoning craft beer movement. Held under the auspices of the Brewers Association (then the American Homebrewers Association), the festival aimed to elevate small-scale brewing, spotlighting innovative flavors and techniques. By bringing together brewers and beer lovers, GABF laid the groundwork for a cultural shift, transforming beer from a mass-produced commodity into an artisanal craft, fostering a community that valued quality and diversity.

Over the decades, GABF has grown into the largest beer festival in the United States, now hosted annually in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. By 2024, it featured over 2,000 beers from more than 500 breweries, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. The festival’s prestigious competition, judged by industry experts, awards gold, silver, and bronze medals across numerous beer style categories, setting benchmarks for excellence in craft brewing. GABF has not only championed the growth of independent breweries but also influenced global beer trends, making it a cornerstone of American beer culture. Its inclusive, festive atmosphere continues to attract enthusiasts and professionals alike, cementing its legacy as a catalyst for the craft beer revolution.

Pinnacle Brewing’s Novo 11° Czech Dark Lager Snags “Beer of the Year” at 2025 USA Beer Ratings!

August 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Scottsdale, AZ – Cheers to Pinnacle Brewing Company! Their Novo 11° Czech Dark Lager just took home the coveted “USA Beer of the Year” title in the Czech Lager category at the 2025 USA Beer Ratings Competition in San Francisco.

This isn’t just any win—Novo 11° wowed a panel of beer pros who judged based on Quality, Value, and Packaging through blind tastings. They raved about its “dark golden brown hue, sweet nutty aroma, and layered notes of toasted barley, oat, and coffee with a clean, complex finish.” Sounds like a pint worth sipping!

But wait, there’s more! Pinnacle didn’t stop at one win—they bagged Gold Medals for four other brews:

Surveillance Pigeon – Cold Double IPA
Springtoberfest – Maibock
Druid, Where’s My Car? – English Extra Stout
Tori – Japanese Rice Lager

Brewmaster Wyatt Wilson, the genius behind these brews, shared his excitement: “We’re all about crafting classic beers with a modern twist, inspired by my time in Europe. Czech lagers are my jam—they’re the best beers out there. So, seeing Novo 11° get this love is just awesome.”

More about Pinnacle Brewing
Pinnacle Brewing Company, founded in 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a family-owned craft brewery that has quickly become a standout in the American beer scene. With a mission to reimagine classic beer styles, Pinnacle draws inspiration from European brewing traditions while infusing modern creativity, earning them the motto “Beer Reinspired.” Starting as a small operation, Pinnacle has grown steadily, building a loyal following for its authentic yet inventive brews that celebrate both heritage and bold new flavors.

At the helm is Brewmaster Wyatt Wilson, whose passion for Czech lagers and European brewing techniques shapes Pinnacle’s distinctive portfolio. Wyatt’s hands-on approach ensures each beer stays true to its roots while offering a contemporary twist, blending tradition with originality. Alongside their award-winning Novo 11°, Pinnacle’s lineup includes standout beers like Surveillance Pigeon (Cold Double IPA), Springtoberfest (Maibock), Druid, Where’s My Car? (English Extra Stout), and Tori (Japanese Rice Lager), all of which earned Gold Medals in 2025. From crisp lagers to robust stouts, Pinnacle’s beers reflect Wyatt’s vision of crafting approachable yet sophisticated brews that appeal to beer lovers everywhere.

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

Lakewood Brewing Toasts 13 Years with a Epic Bash!

August 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Garland, Texas – Lakewood Brewing Company will officially enter its teens this month and is celebrating with beer, music, food, and fun on Saturday, August 16. Marking a lucky 13 years of craft beer in true Lakewood style the family-owned brewery will bring back OG favorites like Hopochondria, Till & Toll, and debut this year’s annual limited release Lion’s Share XIII.

Guests are invited to grab a tasting card, a commemorative collectible coin sticker, and this year’s Lion’s Share glass to sample their way through the tap list, including Lion’s Share vertical tastings, special releases, and other fan favorites.

The 13th Anniversary Bash event will also include a Beer Poking and conversation with Wim and Lakewood Brewing’s Brewer Ashton Guerrero a Martin’s Italian Ice Truck flash tattoos from Inked by Cherry live music by The Jacob Price Band Dead Wax Records spinning and selling vinyl all day and a pop-up from Sweet Dol-ings featuring baked goods made with Temptress and Temptress Blonde.

Beyond its Temptress lineup, Lakewood’s portfolio includes year-round IPAs, Pony Pils, lagers, and popular seasonal releases, all drawing beer lovers to its Taproom and Beer Garden.

WHEN: Saturday, August 16 from 12 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Lakewood Brewing Company 2302 Executive Drive Garland 75041

Lakewood Brewing Company
Founded in 2012 by Wim Bens in Garland, Texas, Lakewood Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery that exploded onto the DFW scene with its bold, innovative beers. Known for its Temptress Imperial Milk Stout, the best-selling craft stout in Texas, Lakewood has built a loyal following with a diverse portfolio including year-round IPAs, Pony Pils, lagers, and sought-after seasonal and limited releases like Lion’s Share. The brewery’s taproom and beer garden serve as a vibrant hub for beer lovers, offering Seriously Fun Beer that blends creativity with quality, reflecting Wim’s vision of pushing craft brewing boundaries while staying true to Texas roots.

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

Wicked Weed Brewing Announces “You Deserve An Upgrade” Contest

June 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Asheville, North Carolina – Wicked Weed Brewing is excited to launch the “You Deserve An Upgrade” Contest, a summer initiative to celebrate and support community heroes. This contest invites fans to nominate individuals who deserve a significant life upgrade, offering a chance to win a $10,000 prize.

Nominate a Deserving Individual
From now until July 9, nominate someone who has made a positive impact in your community. This could be a local artist needing a studio refresh, a teacher dedicated to their students, a wedding planner creating dream days, or a disaster relief volunteer who could use personal support. Self-nominations are also welcome.

To participate, visit wickedweedbrewing.com/you-deserve-an-upgrade, share the nominee’s story, and explain why they deserve an upgrade. Entrants and nominees must be 21 or older and reside in a market where Wicked Weed products are available.

Inspired by Pernicious IPA
The contest draws inspiration from Wicked Weed’s flagship Pernicious IPA, known for its slogan “Upgrade Your IPA.” As the #1 craft beer sold in the Carolinas and one of the fastest-growing craft beers nationwide (Source: Circana, NC & SC, TUS, L4W), Pernicious embodies quality and excellence, values reflected in this community-focused campaign.

“We’re passionate about quality in our beer and our community,” said Ryan Guthy, co-founder of Wicked Weed Brewing. “This contest is our way of honoring those who make our communities better and giving them the upgrade they deserve.”

How to Enter
Visit wickedweedbrewing.com/you-deserve-an-upgrade.
Submit a nomination by July 9.
Follow @WickedWeedBrewing on Instagram and use #YouDeserveAnUpgrade to join the conversation.

No purchase is necessary to enter. For full contest rules and eligibility, check the Wicked Weed Brewing website.

About Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Brewing, founded in 2012 in Asheville, North Carolina, is a trailblazing craft brewery celebrated for its innovative beers and commitment to quality. Operating a 50-barrel production brewery, a dedicated sour beer facility, and three unique retail locations—including the original Brew Pub in downtown Asheville, the Funkatorium, the Southeast’s first mixed-culture taproom, and Wicked Weed West—Wicked Weed has become a cornerstone of the craft beer community.

Beyond brewing, Wicked Weed is deeply invested in fostering community connections. With a passion for quality in both its beers and its engagement with fans, Wicked Weed continues to push boundaries while honoring its Asheville roots. Learn more at WickedWeedBrewing.com or follow @wickedweedbrewing on Instagram.

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

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale’s Surprising Gold Medal Win in the ESB Category at the 2025 World Beer Cup

June 18, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

In a twist that raised eyebrows across the craft beer world, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, the iconic beer that practically defined the American pale ale style, took home a gold medal in the Extra Special Bitter (ESB) category at the 2025 World Beer Cup. Held on May 1, 2025, in Indianapolis, the prestigious competition saw 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries, with Sierra Nevada’s flagship beer standing out in a category that seemed, at first glance, an unlikely fit. This unexpected win sparked discussions among brewers, judges, and beer enthusiasts, shedding light on the evolving nature of beer styles and the complexities of blind judging.

A Legacy Beer in an Unexpected Category
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, first brewed in 1980 in Chico, California, is a cornerstone of American craft beer. Its crisp malt backbone, bold Cascade hop character, and 5.6% ABV made it a trailblazer, inspiring countless brewers and defining the American pale ale as a bold, hop-forward style. For 45 years, it has remained largely unchanged, a testament to Sierra Nevada’s commitment to consistency. So, when the World Beer Cup announced that this quintessential pale ale had won gold in the ESB category—a style rooted in British brewing traditions—reactions ranged from bewilderment to intrigue.

The World Beer Cup, often dubbed the “Olympics of Beer,” is organized by the Brewers Association and features blind judging by 265 international experts across 112 style categories. In the ESB category, which had 52 entries, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale outshone competitors like Railhead Red from Lumberyard Brewing Co. (silver) and Velvet Organic ESB from Hopworks Brewery (bronze). But why did a beer named “Pale Ale” win in a category associated with malty, amber-hued British bitters? The answer lies in the interplay of history, evolving style guidelines, and sensory evaluation.

Understanding ESB and Pale Ale: A Historical Overlap
To grasp this win, it’s worth exploring the historical and stylistic connections between pale ales and ESBs. In the UK, “pale ale” and “bitter” were once synonymous, referring to the same family of beers. Bitters, ranging from ordinary to special to extra special (ESB), were typically amber, malty, and balanced, with restrained hop character from traditional English varieties like East Kent Goldings. Fuller’s ESB, at 5.5% ABV on draft, became the archetype for strong bitters in the US, popularizing the ESB label.

When American craft brewing emerged in the late 1970s, pioneers like Sierra Nevada drew inspiration from British ales but adapted them with local ingredients. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, with its pale and crystal malts, American Cascade hops, and Chico yeast strain, was a revelation in the 1980s. Its citrusy, slightly aggressive hop profile felt radical compared to the softer British bitters, cementing its identity as a pale ale. However, as American pale ales evolved—becoming hoppier, drier, and often higher in ABV—Sierra Nevada’s original recipe began to feel like a relic of an earlier era.

The World Beer Cup’s ESB guidelines reflect a modern twist, allowing for “American or other origin hop varieties” and medium bitterness, which can include the citrusy, New World hop character now common in British bitters as well. Cascade hops, integral to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, have been grown in the UK since 2002, blurring the lines between American and British styles. As one beer judge noted, “Trying it yesterday, the maltiness, I could see how Americans might start thinking, ‘Yeah, this is an ESB.’”

Why Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Fits as an ESB
The decision to enter Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in the ESB category was strategic and rooted in sensory alignment. The beer’s malt-forward profile, with caramel notes from crystal malts, aligns with the medium-bodied, amber character of an ESB. Its Cascade-driven hop aroma and moderate bitterness (around 38 IBUs) fit the World Beer Cup’s ESB subcategory for American-hopped versions, which permits deviations from traditional English hop profiles. In contrast, the American pale ale category now demands “high” hop aroma and a broader range of flavors—floral, citrus, tropical, or resinous—that reflect the modern, hop-heavy pale ales dominating the market.

Blind judging, a hallmark of the World Beer Cup, evaluates beers solely on sensory qualities, not their names or marketing. Judges don’t know they’re tasting Sierra Nevada Pale Ale; they assess color, aroma, flavor, and balance against style guidelines. Sierra Nevada’s decision to enter its pale ale as an ESB suggests the brewery recognized that its flagship beer no longer fits the evolved American pale ale category, which has shifted toward drier, hoppier expressions. As beer styles drift over time, a 45-year-old recipe can find itself better suited to a category like ESB, where its balanced malt-hop interplay shines.

Reactions and Implications
The win sparked lively debate in the beer community. On Reddit’s r/CraftBeer, users called it “wild” and questioned Sierra Nevada’s strategy, with some speculating the brewery entered ESB to face less competition. “The strategy was to enter it into a category that doesn’t have a lot of entrants and increase their chances of winning,” one commenter suggested, while others saw it as a bold move that risked the beer’s pale ale legacy. Industry insiders, however, praised the judges’ decision. Beer writer Jeff Alworth argued that the win reflects “beer’s One Iron Law: styles evolve, even if beers do not,” noting that Sierra Nevada Pale Ale’s profile now aligns more closely with ESB than with modern pale ales.

For Sierra Nevada, the win is both a triumph and a paradox. The brewery’s press materials continue to celebrate Pale Ale as the gold standard for its style, yet this ESB victory underscores how the beer’s consistency has made it a stylistic outlier. Some wondered if Sierra Nevada would lean into the win, humorously suggesting a rebrand: “I dare them to make a press release or label their packaging ‘Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Gold Medal Winning ESB.’” While unlikely, the win highlights the brewery’s versatility, as Sierra Nevada also claimed golds for its non-alcoholic Trail Pass Hazy IPA and Weizenbock in 2025.

What This Means for Beer Styles and Competitions
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale’s ESB win is a case study in the fluidity of beer styles. As tastes and brewing techniques evolve, style guidelines must adapt, sometimes leaving legacy beers in a gray area. The World Beer Cup’s blind judging ensures that a beer’s sensory qualities, not its name, determine its success, but it also raises questions about how breweries navigate rigid categories. Should a brewery enter its beer in the category that matches its historical identity or the one that best fits its current profile? Sierra Nevada’s choice suggests the latter, prioritizing sensory accuracy over brand narrative.

For craft beer fans, this win is a reminder to revisit Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. As one writer put it, “It remains one of the beers that made many of us fall in love with craft beer, and if you haven’t had one in a while, now is a good time to remember.” Its gold medal in the ESB category doesn’t diminish its pale ale legacy; it celebrates its enduring quality in a new light. Whether you call it a pale ale or an ESB, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale continues to prove its place among the world’s best beers.

About Sierra Nevada Brewing
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., established in 1980 in Chico, California, stands as a pillar of the American craft beer revolution. From its humble beginnings with repurposed dairy equipment, the brewery has grown into one of the largest independent craft breweries in the U.S., producing over 1 million barrels annually while maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Known for its iconic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, the brewery has expanded its lineup to include innovative offerings like Hazy Little Thing IPA and non-alcoholic Trail Pass brews, alongside traditional styles such as its award-winning Weizenbock. With a second facility in Mills River, North Carolina, and eco-conscious initiatives like solar energy and water reclamation, Sierra Nevada continues to lead the industry while honoring its craft heritage.

Ken Grossman: The Visionary Behind Sierra Nevada
Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada’s founder, is a pioneering force in craft brewing. A self-taught brewer, Grossman’s passion for homebrewing in the 1970s led him to found Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, where he personally built much of the original brewery equipment. His vision to blend European brewing traditions with American ingredients, particularly Cascade hops, birthed Sierra Nevada Pale Ale—a beer that redefined the American pale ale style. Grossman’s dedication to quality and consistency has earned him widespread respect, including the Brewers Association’s Outstanding Service Award. Still actively involved, Grossman’s legacy inspires brewers worldwide, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist in every pint.

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

Ontario Brewing Awards Medal Winners: Celebrating Craft Beer Excellence

June 8, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The Ontario Brewing Awards (OBA) is a cornerstone of Ontario’s vibrant craft beer scene, celebrating the creativity, skill, and passion of the province’s brewers. As a prestigious, Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)-sanctioned competition, the OBA recognizes excellence in craft beer across a diverse range of styles, offering breweries a platform to showcase their finest creations while fostering growth and innovation in the industry.

A Platform for Ontario’s Craft Brewers
Launched to honor the best in Ontario’s craft beer, the OBA is open to all Canadian-owned commercial brewers and beer brands whose products are produced and packaged in the province. Beers submitted must be available for legal sale and consumption by the public, ensuring that entries reflect what consumers can enjoy at local taprooms, restaurants, or retail stores. The competition spans 38 distinct style categories, from Standard American Beer to innovative styles like Catharina Sours and Trappist Ales, allowing brewers to demonstrate their versatility and expertise.

What sets the Ontario Brewing Awards apart is its commitment to fairness and expertise. Entries are evaluated through a double-blind judging process by a panel of certified BJCP judges, who bring extensive knowledge of beer styles and brewing techniques. Each beer is assessed based on the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, with judges scoring entries on appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, flavor, and overall drinkability. This rigorous process ensures impartiality and provides brewers with detailed, actionable feedback to refine their craft.

Impact on Breweries and the Industry
For participating breweries, the OBA offers more than just accolades. Winning an award can boost a brewery’s reputation, increase brand visibility, and drive sales, particularly in competitive markets like the LCBO or local grocery stores. However, some industry voices note that the impact on sales can vary, with awards often serving as a marketing tool rather than a guaranteed sales driver. Social media promotion and taproom buzz tend to amplify the recognition more than packaging labels.

The feedback provided by OBA judges is another key benefit. Detailed tasting notes help brewers understand their beer’s strengths and areas for improvement, fostering continuous growth. This is particularly valuable for smaller or newer breweries looking to establish themselves in a crowded market. The competition also encourages innovation, as brewers experiment with unique ingredients, historical recipes, or modern styles to stand out.

Complete list of winners for the Ontario Brewing Awards 2024:

Best of Show: Clouland – Spark Beer

Standard American Beer
Gold: Mile Hill – OutSpoken Brewing
Silver: Shindig – Cowbell Brewing Co.
Bronze: Yellow Lab Lager – Old Dog Brewing Company

International Lager
Gold: Oktoberfest Festbier – Brauwerk Hoffman
Silver: Blonde – Old Flame Brewing Company
Bronze: Bock Buster – Broken Rail Brewing

Pale Bitter European Beer
Gold: Jupiter Pilsner – Paniza Brewing
Silver: Rock Lite – Brauwerk Hoffman
Bronze: Ridges Pilsner – Rouge River Brewing Company

Amber Malty European Lager
Gold: Mariposa Marzen – Couchiching Craft Brewing Co
Silver: ES Marzen – Gillingham Brewing Company
Bronze: Journey To Mars – Paniza Brewing

Amber Bitter European Beer
Gold: Vienna Lager – Gillingham Brewing Company
Silver: Red – Old Flame Brewing Company
Bronze: The Big One – Test Batches Brewery Inc

Dark European Lager
Gold: Brunette – Old Flame Brewing Company
Silver: Beige Panther – Mascot Brewery
Bronze: Dam Dark Lager – Thornbury Craft Co.

Strong European Beer
Gold: Classic Black – Rainhard Brewing
Silver: Perpetuator – Steadfast Brewing Co
Bronze: Baltic Porter – Goldenfield Brewery

German Wheat Beer
Gold: Die Bierleichen – Cured Craft Brewing Co.
Silver: Hefeweizen – Brauwerk Hoffman

British Bitter
Gold: Thirsty Soldier – Lot 10 Brewing Company
Silver: Jim’s Brown Ale – Lost Villages Brewery
Bronze: BEER 101 Bitter – Niagara College Teaching Brewery

Pale Commonwealth Beer
Gold: Industrial Pale Ale – Lock Street Brewing Company
Silver: Kungaroo IPA – Boshkung Brewing Co.
Bronze: Bloody ‘ELL and back – Saulter Street Brewery

Brown British Beer
Gold: Red Devil – The Blue Elephant
Silver: Cheeky Lass – Sassy Britches Brewing Co Ltd
Bronze: Beez Nutz – Brew Revolution

Irish Beer
Gold: Keefe’s Irish Stout – Granite Brewery
Silver: Fur Coat No Knickers – Charlotteville Brewing Company
Bronze: Red Star – Oranje Son Brewing

Dark British Beer
Gold: Oatmeal Stout – Flora Hall Brewing
Silver: Creme Brew-lee Stout – Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co.
Bronze: Thrift Shop Stout – Lot 10 Brewing Company

Strong British Ale
Gold: 500 Miles – Brew Revolution
Silver: BEER 101 Strong – Niagara College Teaching Brewery
Bronze: Peculiar – Granite Brewery

Pale American Ale
Gold: Hidden Rivers Pale Ale – Steadfast Brewing Co
Silver: Square Nail Pale Ale – The Publican House Brewery
Bronze: Pigasus Blonde Ale – Rouge River Brewing Company

Amber and Brown American Beer
Gold: Triple A – Gillingham Brewing Company
Silver: On The BANKS of The Mattagami – FULL BEARD BREWING CO
Bronze: Black Rock – Boshkung Brewing Co.

American Porter and Stout
Gold: Bandits Fly Trap – Oranje Son Brewing
Silver: Precambrian Porter – OutSpoken Brewing
Bronze: Imperial Stout – Wellington BreweryStrong American Ale

IPA
Gold: Darkside Black IPA – Granite Brewery
Silver: Angry Chipmunk – Boshkung Brewing Co.
Bronze: JUNCTION HAZY IPA – Junction Craft Brewery

Gold: Fruit Engine – Wellington Brewery
Silver: Double Head Stock – Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
Bronze: Sundog – Canvas Brewing Company

Belgian Ale
Gold: Granny’s Ghost – Lost Villages Brewery
Silver: White Birch – Canvas Brewing Company
Bronze: Ultra Summer – MERIT Brewery

Strong Belgian Ale
Gold: Saison de la Meuse – Meuse Brewing Company Inc
Silver: Babe Brew Grisette – Granite Brewery
Bronze: The Longest Day – Broken Stick Brewing Company

Monastic Ale
Gold: Ace of Spades – Quayle’s Brewery
Silver: Provocateur – Quayle’s Brewery
Bronze: Mea Culpa – Brauwerk Hoffman

Historical Beer
Gold: Hazy Blonde – Old Flame Brewing Company
Silver: Madder Than A Wet Hen – FULL BEARD BREWING CO INC.
Bronze: Bearded Prospector – FULL BEARD BREWING CO INC.

American Wild Ale
Gold: Sunset Glow – The Merchant Ale House
Silver: Foeder Aged Margarita Gose – Flora Hall Brewing
Bronze: Fête – Spark Beer

Fruit Beer
Gold: Jam Band Raspberry Lavender Vanilla – Wishbone Brewing
Silver: Scrumdidlyumptious – FULL BEARD BREWING CO INC.
Bronze: Jam Stand – Nickel Brook Brewing Co.

Spiced Beer
Gold: Forsaken Ale – Lost Villages Brewery
Silver: Foeder Aged Chocolate Stout – Flora Hall Brewing
Bronze: Daft Pumpk – Lot 10 Brewing Company

Smoked Beer
Gold: Black Gold – Black Gold Brewery
Silver: Knock On Wood – Steadfast Brewing Co
Bronze: Logger – Natterjack Brewing Company ltd

Wood Beer
Gold: Cloudland – Spark Beer
Silver: Skullkrusher – The Merchant Ale House
Bronze: Kentucky Imperial Stout – Nickel Brook Brewing Co.

Specialty Beer
Gold: How About Italy? – Spark Beer
Silver: Paulie’s – Mascot Brewery
Bronze: Cabin Fever – Blueberry Balsamic – Quayle’s Brewery

Catharina Sour
Gold: Island Breeze – Concession Road Brewing Company Ltd.
Silver: Manhire – Spark Beer
Bronze: Jarvis Jackass – Mule Sour – Concession Road Brewing Company Ltd.

New England IPA
Gold: Juicy McHazy – Orleans Brewing Co
Silver: Wicked Awesome – Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
Bronze: DRIFT – Sons of Kent Brewing Co

No to Low-Alcohol Beer
Gold: Breakfast Beer – Rainhard Brewing
Silver: Veer Lager with Lime – Muskoka Brewery
Bronze: Veer Hazy IPA – Muskoka Brewery

Low-Alcohol Beer
Gold: Sunchaser Extra Light Lime – Lake Of Bays Brewing Company
Silver: Sparklight Extra Light Red Ale – Lake Of Bays Brewing Company
Bronze: Low Tide IPA – Lake Of Bays Brewing Company

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

Zymurgy’s Best Beers in America Results

May 22, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The results are in! For the second year in a row, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale was named number one in the annual Best Beers in America survey conducted by Zymurgy magazine. Now running in its 16th year, the survey asks members of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), which publishes Zymurgy, to choose up to five of their favorite commercial beers available for purchase in the U.S.

“As brewers, the members of the American Homebrewers Association can discern the subtle differences between a good beer and an outstanding beer,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “Zymurgy’s Best Beers in America survey showcases which commercial beers are truly the best of the best out there, and all the breweries who made the list should be proud.”

Despite the plethora of delicious options available to beer lovers, the same two beers have been battling it out for first place for the past eight years. For the second straight year, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale bested Russian River’s Pliny the Elder, which had taken the top spot from 2009 to 2016.

“When I think about the elements that Bell’s shares with the passionate homebrewing community, the values that rise to the top include creativity, a meticulous attention to detail, and the joy of sharing thoughtfully crafted beers with friends,” said John Mallett, director of operations, Bell’s. “To be recognized for excellence by people who truly understand all that goes into creating and delivering quality beers and experiences to our communities is a huge honor. These values are true drivers for us all.”

1. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
2. Russian River Pliny the Elder
3. The Alchemist Heady Topper
4. Bell’s Hopslam
T5. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
T5. Founders CBS (Canadian Breakfast Stout)
T5. Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)
8. Three Floyds Zombie Dust
9. Founders Breakfast Stout
T10. WeldWerks Juicy Bits
T10. Founders All Day IPA
T12. Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
T12. Tree House Julius
T12 Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA
15. Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
16. The Alchemist Focal Banger
17. Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue
T18. Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine
T18. Sierra Nevada Celebration
T18. Russian River Blind Pig I.P.A.
21. Melvin 2×4 DIPA
22. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
T23. Surly Todd The Axe Man
T23. Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout
T25. Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
T25. Odell IPA
T27. Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro
T27. Old Nation M-43 N.E. IPA
29. North Coast Old Rasputin
T30. Russian River Pliny the Younger
T30. Surly Furious
T30. New Holland Dragon’s Milk
33. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
T34. Arrogant Bastard Ale
T34. Ommegang Three Philosophers
T36. Firestone Walker Parabola
T36. Allagash White
T36. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
T36. Fat Head’s Hop JuJu Imperial IPA
T36. Prairie Artisan Ales Bomb!
T43. Summit Extra Pale Ale
T43. Founders Dirty Bastard
T43. Bell’s Oberon Ale
T43. Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale
T43. Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
T43. Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin
T49. Odd13 Codename: Superfan
T49. Tree House Green
T49. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA
T49. Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin
T49. Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
T49. Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
T49. New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red
T49. Odell Rupture
T49. Creature Comforts Tropicália
T49. Orval

Top-Ranked Breweries:
1. Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Comstock, Mich.*
2. Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.
3. Russian River Brewing Co., Santa Rosa, Calif.*
4. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif. and Mills River, N.C.*
5. Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, Calif.*
T6. Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Ore.*
T6. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Del.*
8. Stone Brewing, Escondido, Calif.*
9. The Alchemist, Stowe, Vt.*
10. Three Floyds Brewing Company, Munster, Ind.*

Top-Ranked Beer Portfolios:
1. Stone Brewing (33 beers)*
2. Firestone Walker Brewing Co. (29 beers)*
T3. New Belgium Brewing (24 beers)*
T3. Founders Brewing Co. (24 beers)
5. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (23 beers)*
T6. Avery Brewing Co. (22 beers)
T6. Hill Farmstead Brewery (22 beers)*
T7. Boulevard Brewing Co. (20 beers)*
T7. Trillium Brewing Co. (20 beers)*
T9. Bell’s Brewery (19 beers)*
T9. Deschutes Brewery (19 beers)*
T9. Odell Brewing (19 beers)*
T9. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (19 beers)*
T9. The Bruery (19 beers)*
T9. Three Floyds Brewing (19 beers)

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BrewBilt Brewing Shines with Gold Medal at 2025 California Brewers Cup

May 15, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Grass Valley, CA – BrewBilt Brewing, a rising star in California’s craft beer scene, proudly claimed a Gold Medal for its Party Eyes Kolsch in the German-Style Kolsch category at the 2025 California Brewers Cup. Hosted by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild and supported by regional brewing guilds across the state, this prestigious competition celebrates California’s finest craft beers. This year, 203 craft breweries submitted 1,360 entries, making BrewBilt’s victory a standout achievement.

Crafted with 100% California-grown malt from Admiral Maltings and premium hops from Indie Hops, Party Eyes Kolsch is a crisp, refreshing beer that embodies BrewBilt’s commitment to quality and local ingredients. Since its founding in Grass Valley nearly three years ago, BrewBilt has focused on creating distinctive beers that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

“Winning Gold for Party Eyes Kolsch is a tremendous honor, especially in a competition of this caliber,” said Bennett Buchanan, President of BrewBilt Brewing. “We’re grateful to our team and partners like Admiral Maltings and Indie Hops for helping us craft something truly special.”

The 2025 California Brewers Cup, one of the nation’s largest craft beer competitions, featured 64 categories judged by a panel of industry experts. Winners were revealed at a ceremony in Sacramento on April 25, 2025.

“This year’s competition showcased an incredible level of skill and creativity,” said David Teckam, Lead Judge. “BrewBilt’s Party Eyes Kolsch is a testament to the innovation thriving in California’s craft brewing community.”

For the complete list of winners and more details, visit www.brewerscupofca.com.

About BrewBilt Brewing
Nestled in the heart of Grass Valley, California, BrewBilt Brewing has quickly become a beacon of craft beer innovation since opening its doors in July 2022. Founded by Jef Lewis, who brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience from the San Francisco craft beer scene, the brewery is a family affair with his son contributing to its operations. The vision for BrewBilt was to create balanced, approachable beers using 100% locally sourced craft malts from Sacramento Valley producers like Admiral Maltings, emphasizing sustainability and regional terroir. Their flagship Party Eyes Kolsch, a gold medal winner at the 2025 California Brewers Cup, exemplifies their commitment to quality, blending European tradition with American craft ingenuity.

At the helm of brewing operations is Bennett Buchanan, BrewBilt’s President and COO, whose expertise shapes the brewery’s distinctive portfolio. Buchanan’s focus on regionally sourced ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship has earned BrewBilt accolades, including a 2023 California State Fair Gold Medal for their Brain Bypass Helles Lager. From the crisp Sierra Primavera Italian Pilsner to the robust Jesters Privilege IPA, each beer reflects a dedication to flavor and freshness. With a taproom and outdoor beer garden, BrewBilt BrewHaus, now open in Nevada City, the brewery invites locals and visitors alike to savor its creations in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Learn more at www.brewbiltbrewing.com.

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2025 Brewers Cup of California Crowns the State’s Beer Champs!

May 8, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Sacramento, California – Hold onto your pint glasses! The 2025 Brewers Cup of California, hosted by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild with a high-five from Craftmaster Stainless and California’s top brewers guilds, just dropped the mic on the state’s best beers at a rockin’ awards bash at Sacramento’s Crest Theatre. Get ready to toast the winners!

Record-Breaking Beer Bonanza
This year’s Brewers Cup was a hoppy extravaganza, with a jaw-dropping 1,360 entries from 203 independent California craft breweries—the biggest turnout yet! Over 60 expert judges sipped, swirled, and awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze across 64 style categories, shining a spotlight on the Golden State’s brewing brilliance.

Cheers to the Big Winners!
Admiral Maltings handed the coveted Best in Show to Sacramento’s Geisthaus Brewing Company for their crisp, aromatic Progenitor Kellerbier—a beer that’s basically a love letter to your taste buds. Meanwhile, Morgan Territory Brewing from Tracy snagged Brewery of the Year (their second crown after 2023), proving they’re a force to be reckoned with. The Los Angeles County Brewers Guild took home Guild of the Year for their members’ medal-hauling swagger.

Hoppy Highlights: Fan-Favorite Styles
The competition got fierce in the most-entered categories! For Hazy India Pale Ale, Eureka Brewing Company’s “Just a Phaze” nabbed Gold, followed by Ambitious Ales’ “Professional Human Being” (Silver) and TapRoom Brewing Company’s “North Park Haze” (Bronze). In American IPAs, Topa Topa Brewing Co.’s “We Love L.A.” scored Gold, with Trademark Brewing’s “Codebreaker” (Silver) and Auburn Alehouse’s “Cross Rut IPA” (Bronze) rounding out the podium.

A Toast to a Craft Beer Legend
The Brewers Cup honored Dr. Patrick Ting, PhD, as the 2025 Craft Beer Pioneer. The late hop scientist, who developed the iconic Citra hop at Miller Coors, forever changed craft beer. His legacy lives on in every juicy, citrusy sip!

Brewmaster’s High-Five
“We’re stoked to see so many beers in the ring this year—it’s our biggest yet!” says David Weiss, President of the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild and Head Brewer at Blue Note Brewing. “This competition is all about celebrating the passion, creativity, and hustle of California’s craft brewers. Cheers to them!”

Where to Sip the Winners
Craving a taste of the champs? Hunt down these award-winning brews at taprooms, bars, and retailers across California. For the full list of winners, check out brewerscupofca.com/2025-winners. Pro tip: Join the beer party during Sacramento Beer Week, running through May 4!

About the Brewers Cup of California
Launched in 2019 by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild, the Brewers Cup of California is the ultimate showdown for the state’s independent craft breweries. With support from guilds like Bay Area, Central Coast, Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego, plus sponsors Craftmaster Stainless, Admiral Maltings, and Berkeley Yeast, this competition celebrates innovation and quality. Held in 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, it’s a must-watch for beer lovers. Learn more at brewerscupofca.com.

Brewers Cup of California Medal Winners

Table 1: Altbier
1st – Cerveceria Del Pueblo – Antigua
2nd – Lodi Beer Company – Anniversary Alt Bier
3rd – Black Hammer Brewing Company – Ctrl Alt Repeat

Table 2: American IPAs (138 Entries)
1st – Auburn Alehouse – Cross Rut IPA
2nd – Trademark Brewing – Codebreaker
3rd – Topa Topa Brewing Co. – We Love LA
HM – Three Mile Brewing Company – Angry Goat

Table 3: American Wheat/Rye (9 Entries)
1st – Canyon Lakes Brewery – Walk Or Ryed?
2nd – Stone Church Brewing – Eucharist Wheat
3rd – Claremont Craft Ales – Jacaranda
HM – Trinity County Brewing Company – Hayfork Hefeweizen

Table 4: American-Style Amber Lagers (14 Entries)
1st – Wagon Wheel Brewing Company – Elbow Bender
2nd – Eureka Brewing Company – Tacos & Beer
3rd – June Lake Brewing – Chingona Amber Lager

Table 5: American-Style Amber/Red Ale (28 Entries)
1st – Lincoln Beer Company – Railsplitter
2nd – Far Field Brewing Company – INFRARED
3rd – Half Moon Bay Brewing Company – Mavericks Amber Ale

Table 6: American-Style Brown Ale (15 Entries)
1st – Hodad’s Brewing Company – Throwback
2nd – Three Mile Brewing Company – Barkada
3rd – Wild Fields Brewhouse – Three Bridges

Table 7: American-Style Cream Ale or Lager (21 Entries)
1st – Morgan Territory Brewing – Snap Shot
2nd – Del Cielo Brewing – Orale – American-Style
3rd – Malibu Brewing Company – Sand And Sea Mexican Lager

Table 8: American-Style Dark/Amber Lager (9 Entries)
1st – Bottle Logic Brewing – LageritHM
2nd – Porchlight Brewing – Oktoberbeast
3rd – Touchstone Brewing Company – Oktoberbeast

Table 9: American-Style Lagers (49 Entries)
1st – Epidemic Ales – Lager At World’s End
2nd – Creature Comforts Brewing Co. – Los Angeles – Pils, Baby!
3rd – Auburn Alehouse – Gold Country Pilsner

Table 10: American-Style Light Lager (28 Entries)
1st – San Fernando Brewing Company – Del Valle Lager
2nd – Bright Spark Brewing – Game Day Lager
3rd – Lucky Luke Brewing Co. – Lucky Light

Table 11: American-Style Pale Ales (47 Entries)
1st – Common Space Brewery – Good Signs
2nd – Fieldwork Brewing Company – Hellflower
3rd – Angel City Brewery – IPA
HM – Puesto Cerveceria – Puesto IPA

Table 12: American-Style Stout/Black Ales (12 Entries)
1st – Arts District Brewing Company – Norm
2nd – Riip Beer Company – Strategic Arrangement
3rd – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co – Big Cone

Table 13: American-Style Strong Ales (22 Entries)
1st – Lincoln Beer Company – Vanilla Carousel
2nd – Sutter Buttes Brewing Co. Inc. – Moon Sabbat
3rd – Five Point Five Brewing Co. – Tank Farm

Table 14: Belgian Style Pale Beers (17 Entries)
1st – Apogee Brewing Co. – Aurora
2nd – ISM Brewing – Stable Trestles
3rd – Paperback Brewing – Surrealist

Table 15: Belgian-Style Strong Ales (28 Entries)
1st – Trinity County Brewing Company – Anniversary 4
2nd – Strong Church – Trinity
3rd – Apogee Brewing Co. – Monks In Space

Table 16: Bocks (15 Entries)
1st – Feather Falls Brewing Company – Doppel Down
2nd – Morgan Territory Brewing – Lubricator
3rd – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – Frozen Goat

Table 17: Bohemian-Style Pilsener (24 Entries)
1st – Jackrabbit Brewing Co. – Dun’ Workin’
2nd – Alaro Craft Brewery – La Boheme
3rd – FiftyFifty Brewing Company – Tahoe Pilz

Table 18: British Stouts (17 Entries)
1st – Morgan Territory Brewing – Grinding Stone
2nd – Bravery Brewing – Korova
3rd – Feather Falls Brewing Company – Volcano Mudslide

Table 19: British Strong Beers (18 Entries)
1st – Morgan Territory Brewing – Old Diablo
2nd – San Fernando Brewing Company – O’Melveny Red Ale
3rd – North Coast Brewing Co. – Old Stock Ale

Table 20: Chocolate Beers (10 Entries)
1st – Burning Barrel Brewing Company – Suffered From The Start
2nd – TapRoom Beer Company – The Chocolate Klub
3rd – Altar Society Brewing Company – Darkest Rituals

Table 21: Coffee-Flavored Beer (24 Entries)
1st – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – Cafe Stagecoach
2nd – Etna Brewing Co. – Yakauccino Coffee Vanilla Stout
3rd – Pizza Port – San Clemente – Dusk Til Dawn

Table 22: Dessert Stout (11 Entries)
1st – Moksa Brewing Company – Happy Almonds
2nd – Moksa Brewing Company – Salutations
3rd – Chapman Crafted Beer Company – Crafted Campfire

Table 23: English-Style Brown Ale (9 Entries)
1st – Feather Falls Brewing Company – Sir Charles
2nd – Lodi Beer Company – School Street Brown Ale
3rd – Trinity County Brewing Company – Ol’ Snickelfritz

Table 24: English-Style Milds and Bitters/IPA (21 Entries)
1st – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – Hoppy Poppy
2nd – Amador Brewing Company – Dirty Blonde
3rd – Bravery Brewing – Brighton ESB

Table 25: European-Style Dark/Munchner Dunkel (9 Entries)
1st – Movement Brewing Co. – Walter Sobczech
2nd – Pond Farm Brewing Co. – Daily Brot
3rd – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – I Dunkeled In My Pants

Table 26: Experimental Beer (6 Entries)
1st – Malibu Brewing Co. – Canyon Rose’ Rice Lager
2nd – Solorio Brewing Company – Cheeky Peach Crumble

Table 27: Experimental India Pale Ale (8 Entries)
1st – Berryessa Brewing Co. – Buddha’s Hand IPA
2nd – Fieldwork Brewing Company – Picked Last
3rd – Mike Hess Brewing Company – Lone Pine IPA

Table 28: Field Beer (6 Entries)
1st – Norco Brewing Co. – Pioneer
2nd – Hop Dogma Brewing Company – Cucumber Rocket Surgery
3rd – Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company – Srawberry Peak

Table 29: Fruit Beer (32 Entries)
1st – Angel City Brewery – Grenache Grisette
2nd – Cerveceria Del Pueblo – Melosa
3rd – Bravery Brewing – Lime Fatboys Cerveza

Table 30: German Helles/Export (19 Entries)
1st – Geisthaus Brewing Company – Hallowed
2nd – Morgan territory Brewing Company – The Cushman
3rd – Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro – Carmel – Servus!

Table 31: German-Style Pilsener (31 Entries)
1st – Long Beach Beer Labs – Klassisch Pils
2nd – Transmission Brewing – Downshift
3rd – Two Ravens Brewery – Longship

Table 32: German-Style Wheat/Rye (15 Entries)
1st – Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro – Carmel – Bistro Hef
2nd – standard deviant brewing – Hefeweizen
3rd – Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro – Carmel – Dunkelweizen

Table 33: Golden or Blonde Ale (34 Entries)
1st – Crooked Lane Brewing Co. – Hammock Time
2nd – Aftershock Brewing Company – Love Wave
3rd – Long Beach Beer Labs – Blonde

Table 34: Gose (12 Entries)
1st – MachineHead Brewing Co. – Punk Fuzz
2nd – San Francisco Brewing Company – Golden Gate Gose
3rd – Old Stump Brewing Co. – Raspberry Lemonade Gose

Table 35: Hard Kombucha (3 Entries)
1st – Midscape Fermentations – Free Spirit
2nd – Midscape Fermentations – The Starman
3rd – Midscape Fermentations – Dream Big

Table 36: Hard Seltzer (34 Entries)
1st – Crow and Wolf Brewing – Dark Horse
2nd – Crow and Wolf Brewing – Cosmonaut
3rd – DarkHeart Brewing Citrus Heights – Krakens Klau Lavender Lemondrop Beverage

Table 37: Hazy IPA (67 Entries)
1st – Eureka Brewing Company – Just A Phaze
2nd – Ambitions Ales – Professional Human Being
3rd – TapRoom Beer Company – North Park Haze
HM – San Diego Brewing Company – San Diego Hazy IPA

Table 38: Hazy Pale Ales (34 Entries)
1st – CAPO Craft – Stanton Location – Hazy IPA
2nd – Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. – Liquid Candy
3rd – Flatland Brewing Company – Psychic Burden

Table 39: Herb and Spice Beer (15 Entries)
1st – Strike Brewing Company – Churro Beer
2nd – Unsung Brewing Company LLC – The Pickler
3rd – LogOff Brewing – Divide By Zero r

Table 40: Historical (15 Entries)
1st – Ten Mile Brewing – Hidden Hollow
2nd – Brewjeria Company – Californio
3rd – Fruition Brewing – Alpino A Maritima

Table 41: Honey Beer (10 Entries)
1st – TrustedGut – Blonde Ale With Notes of Honey
2nd – Old Stump Brewing Co. – Not Tonight Honey
3rd – Mike Hess Brewing Company – EZ Drankin

Table 42: Imperial Hazy IPA (21 Entries)
1st – Pure Project – Double Dust
2nd – Moksa Brewing Company – Light The Beam
3rd – Humble Sea Brewery – Hop Fusion 2.0

Table 43: Imperial IPA (38 Entries)
1st – Claremont Craft Ales – Triple IPA
2nd – Morgan Territory Brewing – HopTomic
3rd – Ghost Town Brewing – Nose Goblin

Table 44: India Pale Lagers (17 Entries)
1st – Riip Beer Company – Alt Aboard
2nd – Ghost Town Brewing – Cave Dweller
3rd – Topa Topa Brewing Co. – KQ Express

Table 45: International Lagers (28 Entries)
1st – Solorio Brewing Company – GOT SOL?
2nd – Ten Mile Brewing – Koji
3rd – Euryale Brewing Co. – Madre Medusa Mexican Lager

Table 46: International Pale Ales (34 Entries)
1st – Tustin Brewing Co. – Lolly Trolly
2nd – Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. – Call Day
3rd – ISM Brewing – Chepedelic

Table 47: International-Style Pilsener (26 Entries)
1st – Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. – Feel The Flow
2nd – LogOff Brewing – Birra Stallone
3rd – ROM Beer Company – When in ROM

Table 48: Irish Stouts (13 Entries)
1st – Feather Falls Brewing Co. – Celtic Dream
2nd – True Symmetry Brewing Co. – Tommy’s 34
3rd – Danville Brewing Company – Lucky Four Leaf

Table 49: Irish-Style Red Ale (20 Entries)
1st – Pizza Port Co. – Carlsbad Village – Irish Hello
2nd – CAPO Craft – Stanton Location – Irish Red
3rd – Promised Land Beer – Slainte Red

Table 50: Kellerbiers (6 Entries)
1st – Geisthaus Brewing Company – Progenitor
2nd – Fruition Brewing – Slip
3rd – Ketch Brewing – Dr. Billheimers Magic Pilsner

Table 51: Kolsch-Style Ales (21 Entries)
1st – BrewBilt Brewing – Party Eyes Kolsch
2nd – Half Moon Bay Brewing Company – Kolsch
3rd – Discretion Brewing – Ten Million Flowers

Table 52: Marzen/Oktoberfest (6 Entries)
1st – Norco Brewing Co. – Norctoberfest
2nd – Geisthaus Brewing Company – Stormbond
3rd – DarkHeart Brewing Citrus Heights – Marzen

Table 53: New Zealand-Style IPA (16 Entries)
1st – Fall Brewing Company – Sweet Resistance
2nd – Barebottle Brewing Company – NZ Envy
3rd – Evans Brewing Co. – Tanka Jahari

Table 54: Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverage (6 Entries)
1st – Fieldwork Brewing Company – Day Money
2nd – Protector Brewery – Rancho West Non Alcoholic Beer
3rd – Touchstone Brewing Company – Off Belay

Table 55: Porters (29 Entries)
1st – Morgan Territory Brewing Company – Dark Reckoning
2nd – Tustin Brewing Co. – Blimp Hangar Porter
3rd – Pizza Port Brewing Co. – Carlsbad Village – Pine Park Porter

Table 56: Saison (9 Entries)
1st – Stone Church Brewing – Saison De Church
2nd – Apogee Brewing Co. – Lucy In The Rye
– French- & Belgian-Style Saison

Table 57: Schwarzbier (15 Entries)
1st – True Symmetry Brewing Co. – Midnight At Noon
2nd – Kairoa Brewing Company – Boots and Stubbies
3rd – Ogopogo Brewing – Nachtkrapp

Table 58: Scottish Ales (15 Entries)
1st – Fieldwork Brewing Company – Wrapt In Warm Flannel
2nd – Steel Bonnet Brewing – Numpty
3rd – LogOff Brewing – Dianasty

Table 59: Smoke Beers (7 Entries)
1st – Arts District Brewing Company – Kindling
2nd – Clandestine Brewing – Smoke And Mirrors
3rd – Black Hammer Brewing Company – Lillikoi Mezcalita

Table 60: Sour/Brett/Other Yeast (29 Entries)
1st – Burning Beard Brewing – In Praise of Bacchus
2nd – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co – Jam Jam BoysenBerry
3rd – Angel City Brewery – Apple Pomace Puncheonr

Table 61: Specialty Stouts (4 Entries)
1st – TapRoom Beer Company – True Dark
2nd – Black Plague Brewing – Medusa
3rd – Hop Secret Brewing Company – Tongue Butter

Table 62: Vienna-Style Lager (16 Entries)
1st – Arts District Brewing Company – The Lush
2nd – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – Non Serviam
3rd – Alaro Craft Brewery – Adrianna

Table 63: Wit Beer (4 Entries)
1st – Ogopogo Brewing – Boeman
2nd – The Monk’s Cellar – Biere Blanche
3rd – Hop Dogma Brewing Company – Rocket Surgery

Table 64: Wood- And Barrel-Aged Beers (39 Entries)
1st – The Monk’s Cellar – Tradition
2nd – Two Ravens Brewery – Raven King
3rd – El Segundo Brewing Co. – Standard Crude

Ohio and Cincinnati Breweries win big at the 2025 World Beer Cup

May 4, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Ohio and Cincinnati Breweries win big at the 2025 World Beer Cup
The 2025 World Beer Cup, often dubbed the “Olympics of Beer,” took place on May 1, 2025, in Indianapolis, crowning a stellar lineup of breweries for their exceptional craft. With 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries across 49 nations, judged by 265 experts over 14 sessions, this prestigious competition showcased the pinnacle of brewing artistry. From bold IPAs to delicate lagers, the winners represent a global tapestry of innovation and tradition. Let’s raise a glass to some of the standout breweries that claimed gold, silver, and bronze in 2025

Ohio’s Craft Beer Renaissance
Ohio breweries made a strong case for the Midwest’s brewing prowess, with eight breweries combining for 10 awards. Fat Head’s Brewery in Middleburg Heights led with three medals: golds for Bone Head (Strong Red Ale) and Goggle Fogger (South German-Style Hefeweizen), and a silver for Dunkelosteus (South German-Style Dunkel Weizen). Their consistent success—they’ve medaled in every World Beer Cup since 2012—underscores their mastery. Gemut Biergarten in Columbus also struck gold with Skol Crusher Dortmunder in the Dortmunder/Export category, a testament to their precision with lagers.

Cincinnati’s Local Heroes
Cincinnati’s breweries sparkled, with Third Eye Brewing claiming gold for Higher Consciousness (Scotch Ale), while Fretboard Brewing Co. and Wandering Monster each earned bronzes for Crazy Train (Belgian-Style Ale) and Viator Obscura (Triple Chocolate), respectively. These wins reflect the city’s vibrant craft culture.

U.S. Breweries Dominate the Podium
American craft breweries continued their reign, with states like Colorado, Oregon, and California leading the charge. River North Brewery in Denver, Colorado, emerged as a powerhouse, securing three medals, including silvers for Pumpkin Spiced J. Marie Saison (Pumpkin Beer) and Squirrels Just Want to Have Fun (Coffee Beer), plus a bronze for Midnight Hike (Chocolate Beer). Their versatility across styles highlights why Colorado remains a craft beer mecca.

In Oregon, Breakside Brewery in Portland stole the show with an impressive six medals, including three golds for Spring Day (American-Belgo-Style Ale), Cheat Codes (American-Style Black Ale or Stout), and a bronze for their flagship Breakside IPA (American-Style India Pale Ale). Bend’s Deschutes Brewery also shone, nabbing three golds, including one for Black Butte Non-Alcoholic (Non-Alcohol Beer), proving that flavor doesn’t need alcohol to impress.

California’s Green Cheek Beer Co. in Orange earned four medals, with a gold for Chance Favors The Prepared Mind (American-Style India Pale Ale) and a silver for Art Isn’t Real (Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale), cementing their reputation for hop-forward excellence. Meanwhile, Firestone Walker in Paso Robles celebrated a trio of medals, with Union Jack (American-Style India Pale Ale) taking gold, Pear Saison (Belgian-Style Ale) earning silver, and Pivo (International Pilsener) rounding it out.

Washington and Oregon: PNW Powerhouses
The Pacific Northwest shone brightly, with Washington and Oregon each claiming 24 medals. Washington’s Reuben’s Brews in Seattle took silver for their Robust Porter (Robust Porter), while Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth earned a bronze for Premium Pilsner (International Pilsener). Oregon’s 10 Barrel Brewing swept the German-Style Sour Ale category, with Ginzu and German Sparkle Party taking gold and bronze, respectively, showcasing their experimental flair.

International Stars Shine
While U.S. breweries dominated, international contenders held their own. Canada’s Whistler Brewing Co. won gold for Whistler Winter Dunkel (Munich-Style Dunkel), and Mexico’s Buqui Bichi Brewing claimed gold for Banquetera (International Lager). German breweries, true to tradition, secured 12 medals, with Brauerei Ladenburger earning gold for Ladenburger Kristallweizen (German-Style Kristal Weizen). These wins highlight the global diversity of craft beer, from crisp lagers to complex ales.

Mid-Atlantic and Southern Standouts
Virginia’s breweries made waves, with Aslin Beer Co. winning for Afterlife Elixir and Devils Backbone taking medals for Belgian Wheat and Dogwood Saison. North Carolina breweries brought home 11 medals, showcasing the South’s growing craft scene.

In Florida, Ivanhoe Park Brewing celebrated a silver for Rosenbock in the German-Style Bock category, a proud moment for their Orlando-based team. Wisconsin’s New Glarus Brewing also had a stellar showing, with a gold for their Belgian Style Kriek, a silver for Champ Du Blanc, and a bronze for Imperial Pilsner.

Why It Matters
Winning a World Beer Cup medal is no small feat. As Chris Williams, competition director, noted, “Each award represents not only exceptional quality but also innovation and creativity, driving the global craft beer industry forward.” These breweries, from small taprooms to industry giants, embody the passion and precision that define craft brewing. Whether it’s a hazy IPA from California or a traditional Pilsner from Germany, the 2025 winners remind us why beer is a universal language.

Complete List of 2025 World Beer Cup Winners

Category: 1: American Wheat Beer – 36 Entries
Gold: Fuzztail, Sunriver Brewing Co., Sunriver, OR
Silver: Lunar Fallout, Tilted Axis Brewing Co., Lapeer, MI
Bronze: Spring Valley Silk Ale, Spring Valley Brewery, Shibuya, Japan

Category: 2: Fruit Beer – 90 Entries
Gold: Altstadt Radler, Altstadt Brewery, Fredericksburg, TX
Silver: Hey Girl, Hey, Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, Richmond, VA
Bronze: Limaveza, New Realm Brewing, Atlanta, GA

Category: 3: Fruit Wheat Beer – 77 Entries
Gold: Mango Cart, Golden Road Brewing Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Silver: Yuzu Weiss, Yokohama Bay Brewing Co., Yokohama, Japan
Bronze: Samuel Adams Summer Ale, Boston Beer Co., Somerville, MA

Category: 4: Field Beer – 70 Entries
Gold: Tonya’s Still Crushing It, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Silver: Heiwa Craft A Study in Pink, Heiwa Shuzou Co., Kainan, Japan
Bronze: Coconut Oil Man, Elevation Beer Co., Poncha Springs, CO

Category: 5: Pumpkin Beer – 26 Entries
Gold: Not Your Grandma’s Pumpkin Ale, Grand Junction Brewing Co., Westfield, IN
Silver: Pumpkin Spice J. Marie, River North Brewery, Denver, CO
Bronze: Pumpkin Ale, Bier Brewery and Taproom, Indianapolis, IN

Category: 6: Chili Beer – 55 Entries
Gold: Pyro’s Prost, Hop Dogma, Half Moon Bay, CA
Silver: Breakside All Yellow, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR
Bronze: Tangerine Heat, Dakota Point Brewing, Rapid City, SD

Category: 7: Herb and Spice Beer – 79 Entries
Gold: Sansho Gose – Koji, Open Air Brewing, Kobe, Japan
Silver: Burma Ale, Alameda Brewing, Alameda, CA
Bronze: Lavender & Chamomile, Craft Beer Base, Osaka, Japan

Category: 8: Chocolate Beer – 59 Entries
Gold: Chocolate Porter, Diatribe Brewing Co., Asheville, NC
Silver: Viator Obscura: Triple Chocolate, Wandering Monsters Brewing
Co., Cincinnati, OH
Bronze: Midnight Hike, River North Brewery, Denver, CO

Category: 9: Coffee Beer – 69 Entries
Gold: Coffee Cream Ale, Pantown Brewing Co., St. Cloud, MN
Silver: Squirrels Just Want to Have Fun, River North Brewery, Denver, CO
Bronze: Gusto Crema, Georgetown Brewing Co., Seattle, WA

Category: 10: Coffee Stout or Porter – 68 Entries
Gold: Midnight Sea, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA
Silver: Dusk Til Dawn, Pizza Port San Clemente, San Clemente, CA
Bronze: Lil’ Zoomie, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH

Category: 11: Dessert Stout or Pastry Stout – 101 Entries
Gold: The Gateway, West Coast Brewing, Shizuoka, Japan
Silver: Saturday Morning Cartoons, Hackamore Brewing Co.,
Chanhassen, MN
Bronze: Happy Almonds, Moksa Brewing Co., Rocklin, CA

Category: 12: Rye Beer – 36 Entries
Gold: Steamy Wonder, Proper Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT
Silver: Wooly Pig Farm Brewery Rye Dunkel, Wooly Pig Farm Brewery,
Fresno, OH
Bronze: Roggenbier, Schulz Bräu Brewing Co., Knoxville, TN

Category: 13: Honey Beer – 44 Entries
Gold: Hachimitsu Mai, Deschutes Brewery – PDX Pub, Portland, OR
Silver: Miss Behave, Moonraker Brewing, Cameron Park, CA
Bronze: Ommegang Farm Fresh Ale, Brewery Ommegang,
Cooperstown, NY

Category: 14: Classic Non-Alcohol Ale or Lager – 72 Entries
Gold: Tsingtao Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer, Tsingtao Brewery Co.,
Qingdao, China
Silver: Svyturys Ekstra Non Alko, Švyturys-Utenos alus, Vilnius, Lithuania
Bronze: Kölsch, Best Day Brewing, Berthoud, CO

Category: 15: Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer – 61 Entries
Gold: Trail Pass Hazy IPA, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Chico, Chico, CA
Silver: Disarm, Go Brewing, Naperville, IL
Bronze: Bird of Prey 0.2, Uiltje Brewing Co., Haarlem, Netherlands

Category: 16: Specialty Non-Alcohol Beer – 35 Entries
Gold: Sim! Cerveja Sem Álcool – Melancia SOUR’n Salt, Sim! Cerveja,
Campinas, Brazil
Silver: BBNOALC, Four Winds Brewing Co., Delta, Canada
Bronze: New School, Go Brewing, Naperville, IL

Category: 17: Session Beer or Belgian-Style Table Beer – 34 Entries
Gold: Table Beer, Lost Cabin Beer Co., Rapid City, SD
Silver: Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner, TX
Bronze: Saison Lily, ColdFire Barrel House, Eugene, OR

Category: 18: Session India Pale Ale – 73 Entries
Gold: Micro Blaster, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA
Silver: Hefty Fee, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bronze: Scenic Route, Westbound & Down Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO

Category: 19: Strong Porter – 58 Entries
Gold: Battle Axe, Fat Heads Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH
Silver: Baltic Porter, Haymarket Beer Co., Bridgman, MI
Bronze: Baltic Porter, Nonsuch Brewing Co., Winnipeg, Canada

Category: 20: Other Strong Beer – 39 Entries
Gold: Imperial Dark Mast, Pond Farm Brewing Co., San Rafael, CA
Silver: East County Fine Malt Liquor, The Post Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO
Bronze: Imperial Pilsner, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI

Category: 21: Experimental Beer – 87 Entries
Gold: Screaming Plum, Muho Brewery, Rende Dist., Taiwan
Silver: Big Trouble in Little Tokyo, Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
Bronze: Amalfi, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN

Category: 22: Experimental India Pale Ale – 70 Entries
Gold: Pepper & Peaches, Claremont Craft Ales, Claremont, CA
Silver: Infinite Glow, Highlander Beer – Salmon, Salmon, ID
Bronze: Rainbow Suspenders, Seapine Brewing Co., Seattle, WA

Category: 23: Historical Beer – 46 Entries
Gold: Vinter Liv, Paddlefish Brewing Co., Saint Peter, MN
Silver: AEgir’s Wreath, Archival Brewing, Belmont, MI
Bronze: Lichtenhainer, Mythmaker Brewing, Fort Collins, CO

Category: 24: Gluten-Free Beer – 39 Entries
Gold: Pacific Ale, TWØBAYS Brewing Co., Dromana, Australia
Silver: Winter Lager, Orange Bike Brewing Co., Portland, ME
Bronze: Met at Midnight, Armored Cow Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC

Category: 25: American-Belgo-Style Ale – 31 Entries
Gold: Breakside Spring Day, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR
Silver: Dear You, Ratio Beerworks, Denver, CO
Bronze: Picked Last, Fieldwork Brewing Co., Berkeley, CA

Category: 26: American-Style Sour Ale – 106 Entries
Gold: Howzit Punch, Alvarado Street Brewery, Salinas, CA
Silver: Limoilou Beach, Microbrasserie La Souche, Stoneham-etTewkesbury, Canada
Bronze: Tropic Desert, Other Brother Beer Co., Seaside, CA

Category: 27: Brett Beer – 38 Entries
Gold: Free Range Farmhouse Ale, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN
Silver: Pear Saison, Firestone Walker Brewing – Propagator, Paso Robles,
CA
Bronze: Wild Side, Jing-A Brewing, Beijing, China

Category: 28: Mixed-Culture Brett Beer – 52 Entries
Gold: Brett Para 3, Cervecería Kürüf, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Silver: Bobbi, Fair Isle Brewing, Seattle, WA
Bronze: Frank On Sled, Deadman Brewery, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Category: 29: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer – 37 Entries
Gold: Dr. Sleep, San Fernando Brewing Co., San Fernando, CA
Silver: A.5, Eighty-Three Brewery, Akron, OH
Bronze: Sensationator, Deschutes Brewery – PDX Pub, Portland, OR

Category: 30: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer – 136 Entries
Gold: Perpetual Peace, No Label Brewing Co., Katy, TX
Silver: Anniversary Year 5, Lumberbeard Brewing, Spokane, WA
Bronze: Afterlife Elixir, Aslin Beer Co., Alexandria, VA

Category: 31: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout – 117 Entries
Gold: Depth Dweller, Indigo Reef Brewing Co., Mount Pleasant, SC
Silver: Elagabalus, Caius Farm Brewery, Branford, CT
Bronze: Deth’s Tar, Revolution Brewing, Chicago, IL

Category: 32: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer – 83 Entries
Gold: The Virtue of Patience, Bold Monk Brewing Co., Atlanta, GA
Silver: Gin Golden Sour, Stodgy Brewing Co., Fort Collins, CO
Bronze: Broliner Weisse, Wooden Bear Brewing Co., Greenfield, IN

Category: 33: Kellerbier or Zwickelbier – 55 Entries
Gold: Broumy, Pivovar Matuška, Broumy, Czech Republic
Silver: Pilsners are Lagers, Benchtop Brewing Co., Norfolk, VA
Bronze: Karbach Kellerbier, Karbach Brewing, Houston, TX

Category: 34: Smoke Beer – 73 Entries
Gold: Weiherer Rauch, Brauerei-Gasthof Kundmüller, Viereth-Trunstadt,
Germany
Silver: Daisy Lampkin, Late Addition Brewing + Blending, Pittsburgh, PA
Bronze: Smokey the Beer, Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, Topeka, KS

Category: 35: American Light Lager – 134 Entries
Gold: Clubhaus Lager, Von Ebert Brewing, Portland, OR
Silver: Old Fortwaukee, Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, Fort Collins, CO
Bronze: Really Decent, Werk Force Brewing Co., Plainfield, IL

Category: 36: International Light Lager – 86 Entries
Gold: Solveza, Peaceful Side Brewery, Maryville, TN
Silver: Yucatan Sunrise, Full Distance Brewing Co., Stafford, VA
Bronze: Snow Dust, Sacred Waters Brewing Co., Kalispell, MT

Category: 37: International-Style Pilsener – 80 Entries
Gold: Birkebeinerpils, Victor 23, Portland, OR
Silver: Hi-Wire Lager, Hi-Wire Brewing, Asheville, NC
Bronze: Icicle Premium Pilsner, Icicle Brewing Co., Leavenworth, WA

Category: 38: International-Style Lager – 103 Entries
Gold: Yamagata, Original Pattern Brewing, Oakland, CA
Silver: Otaku Hyper Dry, GameCraft Brewing, Laguna Hills, CA
Bronze: Rice Breaker, Hana Koa Brewing Co., Honolulu, HI

Category: 39: Hoppy Lager – 155 Entries
Gold: Cold IPA, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR
Silver: Super Smash, Unsung Brewing Co., Tustin, CA
Bronze: Krispi Kiwi, Far Field Beer Co., Lawndale, CA

Category: 40: Munich-Style Dunkel – 60 Entries
Gold: G.G., Exile Brewing Co., Des Moines, IA
Silver: Horn of Hammerhand, Flix Brewhouse – Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
Bronze: Moondoor Dunkel, Wibby Brewing, Longmont, CO

Category: 41: International Dark Lager – 109 Entries
Gold: Late Czech Out, Pilot Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC
Silver: Secret Secret, Wayfinder Beer, Portland, OR
Bronze: Czech Style Dark Lager, Cold Bear Brewing Co., Arnprior, Canada

Category: 42: Italian-Style Pilsener – 132 Entries
Gold: STS Pils, Russian River Brewing Co., Windsor, CA
Silver: Hamburghini, ISM Brewing, Long Beach, CA
Bronze: Pivo, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, CA

Category: 43: German-Style Pilsener – 186 Entries
Gold: Haha Pils, Arbeiter Brewing Co., Minneapolis, MN
Silver: Kinabik Pilsner, Snake Lake Brewing Co., Sylvan Lake, Canada
Bronze: Planks, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA

Category: 44: Bohemian-Style Pilsener – 132 Entries
Gold: Bay Pilsner, Yokohama Bay Brewing Co., Yokohama, Japan
Silver: Pilsner Rešov, Equal Parts Brewing, Houston, TX
Bronze: Minoh Beer Pilsner, Minoh Brewery, Minoh-shi, Japan

Category: 45: Munich-Style Helles – 145 Entries
Gold: Construct Of Quality, Cinder Block Brewery, North Kansas City, MO
Silver: Kirkland Signature Helles Lager, Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR
Bronze: Hachenburger Hell, Westerwald-Brauerei H. Schneider, Hachenburg, Germany

Category: 46: Dortmunder/Export or German Oktoberfest – 70 Entries
Gold: The Cushman, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA
Silver: Thunder from Dortmunder, Marble Brewery, Albuquerque, NM
Bronze: Guldkällan, Spendrups Bryggeri, Stockholm, Sweden

Category: 47: Vienna-Style Lager – 88 Entries
Gold: Vienna, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM
Silver: Family Tradition, BarrieHaus Beer Co., Tampa, FL
Bronze: Vienna Fest Bier, Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Albuquerque, NM

Category: 48: German-Style Maerzen or Franconian Rotbier – 47 Entries
Gold: Follow the Lederhosen, Moontown Brewing Co., Whitestown, IN
Silver: Red Vespa, Unsung Brewing Co., Tustin, CA
Bronze: Oktoberfest Gemütlichkeit, Wiseacre Brewing Co., Memphis, TN

Category: 49: German-Style Schwarzbier – 88 Entries
Gold: Schwarz Bear, Gatlinburg Brewing Co., Sevierville, TN
Silver: Schwarzbier, Pizza Port Imperial Beach, Imperial Beach, CA
Bronze: Shady Lady, Sky Puppy Brewing, Tampa, FL

Category: 50: German-Style Bock or Maibock – 77 Entries
Gold: Cold Front, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO
Silver: Rosenbock, Ivanhoe Park Lager House, Orlando, FL
Bronze: Maibock, Ocean View Brewing Co., Ocean View, DE

Category: 51: German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock – 76 Entries
Gold: Curse The Goat, Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City, IN
Silver: Living a Double Life, Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC
Bronze: Coconspirator, Victor 23, Portland, OR

Category: 52: American-Style Lager – 107 Entries
Gold: Vacancy Classic, Vacancy Brewing, Austin, TX
Silver: Cole’s Light Lager, Wild Ride Brewing, Redmond, OR
Bronze: Home Run Jack, 14 Cannons, Westlake Village, CA

Category: 53: Contemporary American-Style Lager – 57 Entries
Gold: El Pato Loco, Able Baker Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV
Silver: Blackberry Smoke American Lager, New Realm Brewing, Atlanta, GA
Bronze: Built to Chill, Bend Brewing Co., Bend, OR

Category: 54: American-Style Pilsener – 84 Entries
Gold: Highwayman, Roadhouse Brewing, Jackson, WY
Silver: Bellevue 1882 Lager, Bellevue Brewing Co., Bellevue, WA
Bronze: Gold Country Pilsner, Auburn Alehouse, Auburn, CA

Category: 55: American-Style Cream Ale – 94 Entries
Gold: Bold Rush, Drake’s Brewing Co., San Leandro, CA
Silver: Amendment Lager, 21st Amendment, San Leandro, CA
Bronze: Was Angeles, Uinta Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT

Category: 56: American-Style Amber Lager – 82 Entries
Gold: 40 Mike Mike, Free Roam Brewing Co., Boerne, TX
Silver: Ebb and Flow, Cloudburst Brewing, Seattle, WA
Bronze: Chismosa, Old Caz Beer, Rohnert Park, CA

Category: 57: Australian-Style Pale Ale – 44 Entries
Gold: Breakside Hello My Alien, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR
Silver: XPA, Craft Coast, San Marcos, CA
Bronze: How’s the Serenity, Original Pattern Brewing, Oakland, CA

Category: 58: International Pale Ale – 97 Entries
Gold: Through The Roof, Arts District Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA
Silver: Pale, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR
Bronze: Chur Enough, BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City, MO

Category: 59: Extra Special Bitter – 52 Entries
Gold: Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Chico, Chico, CA
Silver: Railhead Red, Lumberyard Brewing Co., Flagstaff, AZ
Bronze: Velvet Organic ESB, Hopworks Brewery, Portland, OR

Category: 60: New Zealand-Style India Pale Ale – 97 Entries
Gold: Perverse Inverse, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA
Silver: Loyal to the Soil, Formula Brewing, Issaquah, WA
Bronze: Modern Love, TapRoom Beer Co., San Diego, CA

Category: 61: Barley Wine-Style Ale – 52 Entries
Gold: Grow Old With You, Verboten Brewing, Loveland, CO
Silver: Three Ryes Men, Reuben’s Brews, Seattle, WA
Bronze: Lower De Boom, 21st Amendment, San Leandro, CA

Category: 62: German-Style Koelsch – 116 Entries
Gold: Daycation Gold, Highland Brewing Co., Asheville, NC
Silver: Monger’s Choice, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bronze: Kolsch, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM

Category: 63: Gose – 45 Entries
Gold: Canoa Quebrada, 277 Craft Beer, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Silver: Gose, Four Generals Brewing, Renton, WA
Bronze: SMBW Basil Lemongrass Gose, Santa Monica Brew Works, Santa
Monica, CA

Category: 64: Berliner-Style Weisse – 35 Entries
Gold: Champagne Toast, Wander Brewing, Bellingham, WA
Silver: East Side Gallery, Iron Hill Brewery, Exton, PA
Bronze: Cactus Makes Perfect, Oregon City Brewing Co., Oregon City, OR

Category: 65: South German-Style Hefeweizen – 121 Entries
Gold: Washout Wheat, Holy City Brewing, N. Charleston, SC
Silver: Shed & Silo, 3 Nations Brewing, Carrollton, TX
Bronze: Hefeweizen, Dru Bru, Cle Elum, WA

Category: 66: German-Style Leichtes or Kristal Weizen – 15 Entries
Gold: Krystal Moon, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Silver: Tsingtao Wheat Beer, Tsingtao Brewery Co., Qingdao, China
Bronze: Needlerush Hefeweizen, Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick, GA

Category: 67: South German Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen – 10 Entries
Gold: Apres Hefe, Fat Heads Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH
Silver: Ayinger Urweisse, Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer, Aying, Germany

Category: 68: South German-Style Dunkel Weizen – 29 Entries
Gold: Michael Dorn-Kelweiss, Five Wits Brewing Co., Chattanooga, TN
Silver: Big Banana Brown Dunkelweisen, Shaketown Brewing, North
Vancouver, Canada
Bronze: Junk In Da Trunkel Dunkel, Pizza Port Ocean Beach, San Diego,
CA

Category: 69: South German-Style Weizenbock – 31 Entries
Gold: Weizenbock, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Mills River, Mills River, NC
Silver: Alpenglow, Fat Heads Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH
Bronze: Weihenstephaner Vitus, Bayerische Staatsbrauerei
Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany

Category: 70: German-Style Altbier – 45 Entries
Gold: Lithium, Resonate Brewery, Bellevue, WA
Silver: Alternative Medicine, Lakeville Brewing Co., Lakeville, MN
Bronze: Hinterland Altbier, Hinterland Brewery, Green Bay, WI

Category: 71: Belgian-Style Ale or French-Style Ale – 26 Entries
Gold: Gallus, Cellar West Brewery, Lafayette, CO
Silver: French Kiss, Primeval Brewing, Noblesville, IN
Bronze: Crazy Train, Fretboard Brewing Co., Blue Ash, OH

Category: 72: Belgian-Style Witbier – 64 Entries
Gold: Suntrip, New Terrain Brewing Co., Golden, CO
Silver: Belgian Wheat, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Basecamp,
Roseland, VA
Bronze: Hoegaarden White, AB-Inbev Hoegaarden, Hoegaarden, Belgium

Category: 73: Classic Saison – 54 Entries
Gold: Dogwood Saison, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Basecamp,
Roseland, VA
Silver: Plough & Harrow, ISM Brewing, Long Beach, CA
Bronze: Belgian Blonde, Frontyard Brewing, Spicewood, TX

Category: 74: Specialty Saison – 40 Entries
Gold: Heirloom, Kane Brewing Co., Ocean, NJ
Silver: Sacred Tree, Phantom Farms Brewing, Cumberland, RI
Bronze: Foeder Aged Saison, New Realm Brewing, Atlanta, GA

Category: 75: Belgian Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale – 20 Entries
Gold: Flanders Red, Cerveza 7 Vidas, Tacna, Peru
Silver: Flanders Redux, True Anomaly Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Bronze: Stupid Sexy Flanders, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN

Category: 76: Belgian-Style Sour Ale – 31 Entries
Gold: Erlton Street 5, The Establishment Brewing Co., Calgary, Canada
Silver: Spontaneous Manifesto 2023, Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Co. – The
Monolith, Edmonton, Canada
Bronze: Funk Yeah, Beachwood Blendery, Huntington Beach, CA

Category: 77: Belgian-Style Blonde Ale – 31 Entries
Gold: Feral Garden Gnome, Liability Brewing Co., Greenville, SC
Silver: NBeer Belgian Blonde Ale, NBeer Craft Brewing Co., Chengdu, China
Bronze: Rector 2025, Absolution Brewing Co., Torrance, CA

Category: 78: Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale – 34 Entries
Silver: Damnation, Russian River Brewing Co., Windsor, CA
Bronze: The Cannibal, Iron Hill Brewery, Exton, PA

Category: 79: Belgian-Style Dubbel – 33 Entries
Gold: Size 6, Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co., Marlborough, MA
Silver: Dubbel or Nothing, Monkless Belgian Ales, Bend, OR
Bronze: Discipline Dubbel, Bold Monk Brewing Co., Atlanta, GA

Category: 80: Belgian-Style Tripel – 68 Entries
Gold: Tripel Dog Dare, Big Dog’s Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV
Silver: Bel Ringer, 9th Hour Brewing Co., Lake Villa, IL
Bronze: La Fin du Monde, Unibroue, Chambly, Canada

Category: 81: Belgian-Style Quadrupel – 25 Entries
Gold: Frosted Monk, RockSolid Brewing Co., Ball Ground, GA
Silver: Traced in Air, Bartlett Hall, San Francisco, CA
Bronze: Urbrew Adventure (Blue) Strong Dark Ale, Urbrew, Handan, China

Category: 82: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale – 38 Entries
Gold: Quadruppel 277, 277 Craft Beer, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Silver: Hertog Jan Grand Prestige Brut, Hertog Jan, Breda, Netherlands
Bronze: Eschaton, Wild Heaven Beer Avondale, Decatur, GA

Category: 83: Belgian Fruit Beer – 70 Entries
Gold: Kriek, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI
Silver: Champ Du Blanc, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI
Bronze: Funk Yeah Peach, Beachwood Blendery, Huntington Beach, CA

Category: 84: English Mild or Bitter – 60 Entries
Gold: Extra Medium Mild, White Oak Brewing, Normal, IL
Silver: So Long, London, Two Frays Brewery, Pittsburgh, PA
Bronze: Chiastolite, Bighand Bros. Brewery, Kyoto, Japan

Category: 85: English Ale – 74 Entries
Gold: Union Jack, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, CA
Silver: Hopadillo, Karbach Brewing, Houston, TX
Bronze: Shanghai’d IPA, Old Town Brewing, Portland, OR

Category: 86: English-Style Brown Ale – 52 Entries
Gold: Burnout Brown, Mash Lab Brewing, Windsor, CO
Silver: Oscar Wanted a Brown Ale, Pizza Port Solana Beach, Solana Beach, CA
Bronze: Rojo, Barrio Brewing Co., Tucson, AZ

Category: 87: Brown Porter – 49 Entries
Gold: Skidder Brown Ale, Big Timber Brewing, Elkins, WV
Silver: Mother Fuggle, Eudora Brewing Co., Kettering, OH
Bronze: Daisen G Beer Stout, Daisen G Beer – Kumezakura Brewery Co.,
Saihaku-Gun, Japan

Category: 88: Robust Porter – 54 Entries
Gold: Ossuary, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA
Silver: Robust Porter, Reuben’s Brews, Seattle, WA
Bronze: Blimp Hangar Porter, Tustin Brewing Co., Tustin, CA

Category: 89: Sweet Stout or Cream Stout – 35 Entries
Gold: Moozie, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH
Silver: Hoochie Mama, StillFire Brewing, Suwanee, GA
Bronze: Korova, Gnarly Barley Brewing, Hammond, LA

Category: 90: Oatmeal Stout – 48 Entries
Gold: North Tower Stout, Earth Rider Brewery, Superior, WI
Silver: Opacus Oatmeal Stout, StormBreaker Brewing, Portland, OR
Bronze: Dragula, Insurgente, Tijuana, Mexico

Category: 91: British-Style Imperial Stout – 38 Entries
Gold: Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout, No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane, WA
Silver: Fayston Maple Imperial Stout, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, VT
Bronze: Raven’s Revenge, Beachwood Brewing, Huntington Beach, CA

Category: 92: Old Ale or Strong Ale – 26 Entries
Gold: Mountain Man, Verboten Brewing, Loveland, CO
Silver: Forest Hills, Olde Hickory Brewery, Hickory, NC
Bronze: King in The Castle, Little Brother Brewing – Production,
Kernersville, NC

Category: 93: Irish-Style Red Ale – 97 Entries
Gold: Ridgetop Red, Silver City Brewery, Bremerton, WA
Silver: Outraged Daughters, Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC
Bronze: Engine 402, Orange Hat Brewing, Knoxville, OH

Category: 94: Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout – 57 Entries
Gold: Minoh Beer Stout, Minoh Brewery, Minoh-shi, Japan
Silver: Sláinte, Legion Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC
Bronze: Lucky 4 Leaf, Danville Brewing Co., Danville, CA

Category: 95: Export Stout – 38 Entries
Gold: Starway, Barrel Mountain Brewing, Battle Ground, WA
Silver: Der Reisende, Adams Street Brewery, Chicago, IL
Bronze: Stoup Export Stout, Stoup Brewing – Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA

Category: 96: Scottish-Style Ale – 41 Entries
Gold: Stoneykirk Scottish Ale, Lost Street Brewing Co., Durant, OK
Silver: Dragoon Amber, Dragoon Brewing Co., Tucson, AZ
Bronze: The Fulkin, Half Batch Brewing, Hendersonville, TN

Category: 97: Scotch Ale – 44 Entries
Gold: Higher Consciousness, Third Eye Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH
Silver: The Magnificent Scotch Ale, Silver City Brewery, Bremerton, WA
Bronze: Lord Grizzly, Lost Cabin Beer Co., Rapid City, SD

Category: 98: Golden or Blonde Ale – 102 Entries
Gold: Firemans #4, Real Ale Brewing Co., Blanco, TX
Silver: Now What?, Saddle Mountain Brewing Co., Goodyear, AZ
Bronze: Basecamp Blonde, Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., Chattanooga, TN

Category: 99: American-Style Pale Ale – 128 Entries
Gold: Necrocat, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA
Silver: Breakside Woodlawn Pale Ale, Breakside Brewery & Taproom,
Milwaukie, OR
Bronze: MadeWest Pale, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA

Category: 100: Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale – 98 Entries
Gold: UCHU Relax, UCHU Brewing, Hokuto, Japan
Silver: Wisp, Lumen Beer Co., Omaha, NE
Bronze: Hop Magee, Danville Brewing Co., Danville, CA

Category: 101: American-Style Strong Pale Ale – 110 Entries
Gold: Mordant, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA
Silver: Westbound IPA, Westbound & Down Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO
Bronze: Gold Label Mai Tai P.A., Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, Monterey,

Category: 102: Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale – 135 Entries
Gold: Hazy IPA, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR
Silver: Slice, Lumen Beer Co., Omaha, NE
Bronze: MadeWest Hazy IPA, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA

Category: 103: Imperial India Pale Ale – 116 Entries
Gold: Punchface Champion, Grains of Wrath Brewing – Camas, Camas, WA
Silver: Fall On In, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA
Bronze: House of Fu!, North Park Beer Co., San Diego, CA

Category: 104: Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale – 120 Entries
Gold: Juice Master, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA
Silver: Contains No Juice, Alvarado Street Brewery, Salinas, CA
Bronze: For 4, Brothership Brewing, Mokena, IL

Category: 105: American-Style Amber/Red Ale – 98 Entries
Gold: Singing Coyote, Mountain Rambler Brewery, Bishop, CA
Silver: Matador Red, 818 Brewing, Canoga Park, CA
Bronze: First Amber, Stemma Brewing, Bellingham, WA

Category: 106: Strong Red Ale – 44 Entries
Gold: Peaked In High School, Cloudburst Brewing, Seattle, WA
Silver: Side Hike, Kern River Brewing Co., Kernville, CA
Bronze: Imperial Red, Track 7 Brewing Co., Sacramento, CA

Category: 107: American-Style Brown Ale – 63 Entries
Gold: Brown Ale, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM
Silver: The Devil in John’s Brown, DevilCraft, Shinagawa-ku, Japan
Bronze: Boxcar Brown, Caboose Brewing Co., Vienna, VA

Category: 108: American-Black Ale or American-Style Stout – 69 Entries
Gold: Breakside Cheat Codes, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR
Silver: American Stout, ColdFire Brewing – Production, Junction City, OR
Bronze: Blackside Snap, Riip Beer Co., Huntington Beach, CA

Category: 109: American-Style Imperial Stout – 44 Entries
Gold: Fulcrum Imperial Stout, ZwanzigZ Brewing, Columbus, IN
Silver: Thunderbolt Stout, Valhöll Brewing, Poulsbo, WA
Bronze: Lights Out, Project 9 Brewing, Seattle, WA

Category: 110: American-Style India Pale Ale – 208 Entries
Gold: Super Slap, Brewery X, Anaheim, CA
Silver: Party Crusher, Beachwood Brewing, Huntington Beach, CA
Bronze: Breakside IPA, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR

Category: 111: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale – 290 Entries
Gold: Shifted Visions, Everywhere, Orange, CA
Silver: How To Make Friends, Hana Koa Brewing Co., Honolulu, HI
Bronze: Riverside NEIPA, Guggman Haus Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category: 112: West Coast-Style India Pale – 253 Entries
Gold: Mosaic Takedown, Pinthouse Brewing, Austin, TX
Silver: Chasmic Absorption Through Whirlpools of Disarray, Ghost Town
Brewing, Oakland, CA
Bronze: Terraform, Wayward Lane Brewing, Schoharie, NY

Category: 201: Tannic Cider
Gold: 2023 Cidre Bouché, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR
Silver: English Pub, Portland Cider Co., Clackamas, OR
Bronze: Kingston Black, Bauman’s Cider, Portland, OR

Category: 202: No/Low-Tannin Cider
Gold: Original Gold, Portland Cider Co., Clackamas, OR
Silver: Cosmic Crisp, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR
Bronze: 14th Anniversary, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR

Category: 203: Fruited Cider
Gold: Raspberry Cosmic Crisp, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR
Silver: Bramble, Papa Moon Ciders, Scottsbluff, NE
Bronze: Guava Hard Cider, Coronado Brewing Co., San Diego, CA

Category: 204: Botanical or Spiced Cider
Gold: Honey Lavender, Papa Moon Ciders, Scottsbluff, NE
Silver: Hard Candy Tamarind Earl Grey Cider, Hard Candy, Nanjing, China
Bronze: Apple Pie à La Mode, Six Byrd Cider, Tempe, AZ

Category: 205: Experimental, Barrel-Aged or Specialty Cider
Gold: 2019 Pommeau, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR
Silver: Mojave Brewing Barrel Aged Cider, Mojave Brewing Co., Henderson, NV
Bronze: Imperial Bad Apple – Westward Whiskey Barrel Cider, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR

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