Beer Competition

 The world’s most prestigious beer competition, the World Beer Cup, concluded its milestone 30th anniversary edition yesterday, honoring the finest beers and ciders from breweries and cideries across the globe. Organized by the Brewers Association, this year’s event showcased unparalleled technical mastery, bold creativity, and a shared passion for craft that continues to elevate the global beer community.

Held in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the 2026 World Beer Cup  judged entries across 118 categories, awarding a total of 353 medals to 273 producers from around the world. Judges evaluated beers and ciders on flavor, aroma, appearance, and overall harmony, upholding the highest standards of excellence that have defined the competition since its founding in 1996.

“Thirty years in, the World Beer Cup remains a powerful reflection of how far global brewing has come—and where it’s headed,” said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup Competition Director. “This year’s winners demonstrated that innovation, precision, and passion for craft are stronger than ever, even as the industry continues to evolve.”

Highlights from the 2026 World Beer Cup 
– Global Representation: Entries from dozens of countries highlighted the diversity of brewing traditions, from classic lagers and IPAs to experimental styles and gluten-free innovations.
– Medal-Worthy Standouts: Gold, silver, and bronze medals recognized top performers in categories ranging from American Light Lager to Belgian-Style Witbier and beyond. Full results, including category winners, are available on the official World Beer Cup website.
– Milestone Celebration: Marking three decades, the competition reinforced its role as the ultimate benchmark for brewing excellence, inspiring brewers to push boundaries while honoring time-tested techniques.

The awards ceremony, held on April 22, 2026, was livestreamed by The Brewing Network, allowing beer enthusiasts worldwide to join the celebration virtually.
Watch Here!

2026 World Beer Cup Medal Winners
Category: 1: American-Style Wheat Beer
Gold: Silk Ale White – Spring Valley Brewery – Japan
Silver: Lunar Fallout – Tilted Axis Brewing Co. – Michigan
Bronze: Summerfield Wheat – Grand Fir Brewing – Oregon

Category: 2: Fruit Beer
Gold: Yuzu Lager – Market Garden Craft Brewery – Ohio
Silver: Lime Drop – Wicked Weed Brewing – North Carolina
Bronze: Aqua Fresca – Los Dos Potrillos Cervecería – Parker – Colorado

Category: 3: Fruit Wheat Beer
Gold: Raspberry Rush – Armored Cow Brewing Co. – North Carolina
Silver: Scent of a Lesser Stag – BabyCat Brewery – Maryland
Bronze: Key Lime Pie in the Sky – The Sandlot Brewery – Coors Field – Colorado

Category: 4: Field Beer
Gold: Green Bean Paste Wheat Beer – Peiping Machine Brewing – China
Silver: UPP Yours – UPP Liquids – Oregon
Bronze: Double Astral w/ Coconut – Third Eye Brewing Co. – Ohio

Category: 5: Pumpkin/Squash or Pumpkin Spice Beer
Gold: Pumpkin Ale – 2 Silos Brewing Co. – Virginia
Silver: Pumpkin Spice J. Marie – River North Brewery – Colorado
Bronze: Barrel Aged Double Zombies – New Trail Brewing Co. – Pennsylvania

Category: 6: Chili Beer
Gold: Ay Dios Mios! – Silver Reef Brewing Co. – Utah
Silver: Pyros Prost – Hop Dogma Brewing Co. – California
Bronze: El Poblano Borracho – Liquid Mechanics Brewing – Colorado

Category: 7: Herb and Spice Beer
Gold: Sansho Lager – Craftrock Brewing – Japan
Silver: A Date In Jotenheim – Bullfinch Brewpub – New York
Bronze: Hecho En Szechuan – Pinhouse Brewing – Texas

Category: 8: Tea Beer
Gold: Helper Beer Archaic Forrest – Helper Beer – Utah
Silver: Ceylon Black Tea Beer – NBeer Craft Brewing Co. – China
Bronze: Breakside White Tea Lager – Breakside Brewery – Oregon

Category: 9: Chocolate Beer
Gold: Viator Obscura: Triple Chocolate – Wandering Monsters Brewing Co. – Ohio
Silver: Whistler Winter Dunkel – Whistler Brewing Co. – Canada
Bronze: Cocoa Cow – Sunriver Brewing Co. – Oregon

Category: 10: Coffee Beer
Gold: Squirrels Just Want to Have Fun – River North Brewery – Colorado
Silver: Stay Calm – East Village Brewing Co. – California
Bronze: Golden Stout – Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – California

Category: 11: Coffee Stout or Porter
Gold: Kaffe Americano – Urban Roots Brewing – California
Silver: Espresso Hello Darkness – River North Brewery – Colorado
Bronze: Lil Zoomie – Brink Brewing Co. – Ohio

Category: 12: Dessert or Pastry Beer
Gold: Coconut Mafia – Parlay 6 Brewing Co. – Nevada
Silver: Kauai Pie – Bull & Bush Brewery – Colorado
Bronze: 10W-40 Coconut Candy Bar – Hi-Wire Brewing Co. – North Carolina

Category: 13: Rye Beer
Gold: Roggenschnizzle – Bier Brewery and Taproom – Indiana
Silver: Steamy Wonder – Proper Brewing Co. – Utah
Bronze: Howdyfest – Lago Vista Brewing Co. – Texas

Category: 14: Honey Beer
Gold: BEE-ginning – The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. – Texas
Silver: Hachimitsu Mai – Deschutes Brewery – PDX Pub – Oregon
Bronze: Animals Strike Curious Poses – The Empourium Brewing Co. – Colorado

Category: 15: Classic Non-Alcohol Ale or Lager
Gold: Non-Alcohol Weissbier – Fresh Beer 30 Kilometres – China
Silver: Švyturys Ekstra Non Alko – Švyturys – Utenos alus – Lithuania
Bronze: NA Dark – Fremont Brewing – Washington

Category: 16: Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer
Gold: Mash Gang ‘Chug’ Hazy IPA – Mash Gang – United Kingdom
Silver: Zero Eddy – Big Grove Brewery – Iowa
Bronze: Space Camper Low Gravity IPA – Boulevard Brewing Co. – Missouri

Category: 17: Specialty Non-Alcohol Beer
Gold: Tripel Karmeliet Alcohol Free – Brouwerij Bosteels – Belgium
Silver: Nobody’s Gonna Know – Go Brewing – Illinois
Bronze: New School – Go Brewing – Illinois

Category: 18: Session Beer
Gold: Lighthouse – Nara Brewing Co. – Japan
Silver: Guillaume – Pizza Port Ocean Beach – California
Bronze: Petite Saison – Third Window Brewing Co. – California

Category: 19: Session India Pale Ale
Gold: Which Way – BKS Artisan Ales – Missouri
Silver: Breakside Total Entertainment Forever – Breakside Brewery – Oregon
Bronze: Josh’s Lil’ Shoes – Green Cheek Beer Co. – California

Category: 20: Strong Porter
Gold: Dark Skies Baltic Porter – Forgotten Star Brewing Co. – Minnesota
Silver: Lodge Life – Hobbs Brewing Co. – New Hampshire
Bronze: Battle Axe – Fat Heads Brewery – Ohio

Category: 21: Other Strong Beer
Gold: Inferno – The Lost Abbey – California
Silver: Jeremiah Red – BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery – Temple – Texas
Bronze: East County Fine Malt Liquor – The Post Brewing Co. – Colorado

Category: 22: Experimental Beer
Gold: Catharina Sour Caju Pytang – Caju & Pitanga – Cervejaria UNIKA – Brazil
Silver: Karo Ya Maro – Terranaut Beer – Oregon
Bronze: House Red – Odd Bird Brewing – New Jersey

Category: 23: Experimental India Pale Ale
Gold: Flint – Bighand Bros. Brewery – Japan
Silver: Escaping Gravity – Roadhouse Brewing – Wyoming
Bronze: Conix Brut IPA – Repubrew – Japan

Category: 24: Historical Beer
Gold: Kaptain Lisa – Cervejaria Stannis – Brazil
Silver: Steam Engine – Adams Street Brewery – Illinois
Bronze: Burton Reynolds – Subculture Artisan Ales – New Jersey

Category: 25: Gluten-Free Beer
Gold: It Came From the Haze – Ghostfish Brewing – Washington
Silver: Rum Smuggler Barrel Aged Imperial Stout – TWOBAYS Brewing Co. – Australia
Bronze: Guava Sour – Orange Bike Brewing Co. – Maine

Category: 26: American-Belgo-Style Ale
Gold: Function – Nara Brewing Co. – Japan
Silver: Sandy Dunes – River Bluff Brewing – Missouri
Bronze: Dear You – Ratio Beerworks – Colorado

Category: 27: American-Style Sour or Wood & Barrel Aged Sour Beer
Gold: Engeltjes Pis – Garage Project – New Zealand
Silver: Emergency Tequila Barrel Aged Tart Kit – Sun King Brewery – Indiana
Bronze: Gin Barrel Sour Red – Stodgy Brewing Co. – Colorado

Category: 28: Fruited American-Style Sour Ale
Gold: Howzit Punch – Alvarado Street Brewery – California
Silver: Friek – Odell Brewing Co. – Colorado
Bronze: Dominga Grapefruit Paloma – New Belgium Brewing Co. – Colorado

Category: 29: Brett Beer
Gold: Pear Saison – Firestone Walker Brewing – Barrelworks – California
Silver: Jong – Brasserie Spontanerie – France
Bronze: Belle Saison – Third Window Brewing Co. – California

Category: 30: Mixed-Culture Brett Beer
Gold: Operis – Four Winds Brewing Co. – Canada
Silver: Twig – Lost Forty Brewery – Arkansas
Bronze: Red Solera – Cerveza 7 Vidas – Peru

Category: 31: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer
Gold: Ghoul Fuel – Rum Diaries Edition – Bull & Bush Brewery – Colorado
Silver: Night Trekker Baltic Porter – Aquavit Barrel Aged – Canal Park Brewing Co. – Minnesota
Bronze: Sensationator – Deschutes Brewery – PDX Pub – Oregon

Category: 32: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
Gold: Terminus 2026 – Daoravida Brewpub – Brazil
Silver: Whiskey Throttle – Jackknife Brewing – Canada
Bronze: Bourbon Barrel Quad – Boulevard Brewing Co. – Missouri

Category: 33: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout
Gold: Demons Run 2025 Reserve – Urban Roots Brewing – California
Silver: Paradoja Nocturna – Okcidenta – New Mexico
Bronze: Eclipse 2025 Garrison Brothers – FiftyFifty Brewing Co. – California

Category: 34: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Dessert or Pastry Beer
Gold: 2025 Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout – Goose Island Beer Co. – Illinois
Silver: Barrel-Aged Kelly’s Private Stash (Ferd’s Addition) – Third Eye Brewing Co. – Ohio
Bronze: Beauty Everywhere – Firestone Walker Brewing – Barrelworks – California

Category: 35: Fruited Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer
Gold: Virtue of Patience – Bold Monk Brewing Co. – Georgia
Silver: AJB Cassis Barrel – Anglo Japanese Brewing Co. – Japan
Bronze: Frutas Vermelhas 277 – Wood Aged – 277 Craft Beer – Brazil

Category: 36: Kellerbier or Zwickelbier
Gold: Kellerbier – pFriem Family Brewers – Oregon
Silver: Desítka – Pivovar Matuška – Czech Republic
Bronze: Pleasing Tony Italian Pilsner – Little Brother Brewing – North Carolina

Category: 37: Smoke Beer
Gold: Dawdle #2 – Cold Bear Brewing Co. – Canada
Silver: Drudenhaus – Counter Weight Brewing Co. – Connecticut
Bronze: Smokehaus Lager – Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows – Virginia

Category: 38: International Light Lager
Gold: Kirin Light – Kirin Brewery – Colorado
Silver: Day Drinker Light Lager – Pedal Haus Brewery – Arizona
Bronze: Friendly Lager – Shaketown Brewing – Canada

Category: 39: International-Style Pilsener
Gold: Birkebeinerpils – Victor 23 Brewing – Washington
Silver: Kamakura – Ketch Brewing – California
Bronze: Velvet Glow – Russian River Brewing Co. – California

Category: 40: Rice Lager
Gold: Exquisite Taste – Cloudburst Brewing – Washington
Silver: Kanpai Krush – Breweryard Beer Co. – California
Bronze: Japanese Lager – pFriem Family Brewers – Oregon

Category: 41: Hoppy Lager
Gold: High & Fine – Fieldwork Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Rancho Cowabunga – Grains of Wrath Brewing – Washington
Bronze: Modern IPA – Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers – Massachusetts

Category: 42: Italian-Style Pilsener
Gold: Breakside It’s A Me Mariol – Breakside Brewery – Oregon
Silver: Now That’s A Sandwich – Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom – Wisconsin
Bronze: Wassah Matta U – Synth Beer Co. – California

Category: 43: German-Style Pilsener
Gold: 801 Pilsner – Uinta Brewing Co. – Utah
Silver: Southern German Style Pilsener – Craft Beer Base – Japan
Bronze: Pilsner – Hop Dogma Brewing Co. – California

Category: 44: Czech-Style Pale Lager
Gold: Lockport Lager – New York Beer Project – New York
Silver: Dvanactka – Pivovar Matuška – Czech Republic
Bronze: Chuckanut Pilsner – Chuckanut Brewery – Washington

Category: 45: Munich-Style Helles
Gold: Wander Back Lager – Wander Back Beerworks – New Jersey
Silver: Lager – Noble Twist – Michigan
Bronze: Kirkland Signature Helles Lager – Deschutes Brewery – Oregon

Category: 46: Dortmunder/Export or German-Style Oktoberfest
Gold: Used 8 Track – Discourse Brewing – Kansas
Silver: Guldkanlan – Spendrups Bryggeri – Sweden
Bronze: Munder – She Wrote – Ex Novo Brewing – New Mexico

Category: 47: Vienna-Style Lager
Gold: Friends & Neighbors – North Park Beer Co. – California
Silver: Greif Schlöbberla – Brauerei Greif – Germany
Bronze: Danish Red Lager – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – California

Category: 48: International Amber Lager
Gold: Harvest Moon – Tellico Brewing Co. – Tennessee
Silver: Yinz Jawn Pennsylvania Lager – Lucky Envelope Brewing – Washington
Bronze: Czech Amber – Field Day Brewing Co. – Iowa

Category: 49: Munich-Style Dunkel
Gold: Bru Ski Patrol – Dru Bru – Washington
Silver: Chuckanut Dunkel Lager – Chuckanut Brewery – Washington
Bronze: The Dark – BarrieHaus Beer Co. – Florida

Category: 50: German-Style Schwarzbier
Gold: Fables Overturned – Wild Yarrow Brewing – South Carolina
Silver: Tamno Pivo – Side Project Brewing – Missouri
Bronze: Tank Top & Schwartz – Burgeon Beer Co. – California

Category: 51: International Dark Lager
Gold: Common Nightjar – Attic Brewing Co. – Pennsylvania
Silver: Secret Secret – Wayfinder Beer – Oregon
Bronze: Tarboroughhaus – Tarboro Brewing Co. – North Carolina

Category: 52: German-Style Bock or Maibock
Gold: Lock’d – Bock’d – & Ready to Rock – Morgan Territory Brewing – California
Silver: Bärenbräu Bock – Peculier – Colorado
Bronze: Altstadt Bock – Altstadt Brewery – Texas

Category: 53: German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock
Gold: Eisbock – Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub – Minnesota
Silver: Doppelbock – Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub – Minnesota
Bronze: Gilbert & Olivator – Moontown Brewing Co. – Indiana

Category: 54: American Light Lager
Gold: Transmission Light – Transmission Brewing – California
Silver: Clubhaus Lager – Von Ebert Brewing – Oregon
Bronze: Kick Back – Goose Island Beer Co. – Illinois

Category: 55: Mexican-Style Light Lager
Gold: Cultura Cerveza – Ogden Beer Co. – Utah
Silver: Nueve Grados – Riip Beer Co. – California
Bronze: Texian – 3 Nations Brewing – Texas

Category: 56: American-Style Lager
Gold: Floyds Deluxe – Three Floyds Brewing – Indiana
Silver: Salva Vida – Cerveceria Hondurena – Honduras
Bronze: Shiner Premium – Spoetzl Brewery – Texas

Category: 57: Contemporary American-Style Lager
Gold: Adams Pilsner – Single Hill Brewing Co. – Washington
Silver: Crisp – New Trail Brewing Co. – Pennsylvania
Bronze: Gold Leaf Lager – Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows – Virginia

Category: 58: American-Style Pilsener
Gold: Bullpen Pilsner – Atlas Brew Works – District of Columbia
Silver: Pea Island Park Pilsner – Swells’a Brewing – North Carolina
Bronze: Double Elbow – Tonks Tuesday Pils – Little Thistle Brewing – Minnesota

Category: 59: West Coast-Style Pilsener
Gold: Long Time Sunshine – Cloudburst Brewing – Washington
Silver: Cold Cutz – Grand Fir Brewing – Oregon
Bronze: Uchu Pils – Uchu Brewing – Japan

Category: 60: Mexican-Style Pale Lager
Gold: Saca La Bolsita – Villains Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Abrazo – Mexican Lager – Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. – Canada
Bronze: Mexican Lager – Lone Tree Brewing Co. – Colorado

Category: 61: American-Style Cream Ale
Gold: 4 the Ward – Resurgence Brewing – New York
Silver: Snap Shot – Morgan Territory Brewing – California
Bronze: Was Angeles Premium American Lager – Uinta Brewing Co. – Utah

Category: 62: American-Style Amber Lager
Gold: Just Like Himmel – New Ridge Brewing Co. – Pennsylvania
Silver: Hojun Lager 496 – Spring Valley Brewery – Japan
Bronze: California Common – Institution Ale Co. – California

Category: 63: Australian-Style Pale Ale
Gold: Breakside Hello My Alien – Breakside Brewery – Oregon
Silver: Little Mac – Hideaway Park Brewery – Colorado
Bronze: Dragontail – Icicle Brewing Co. – Washington

Category: 64: International Pale Ale
Gold: Breakside Bayside – Breakside Brewery – Oregon
Silver: Stomp – Sunriver Brewing Co. – Oregon
Bronze: Sunset Sessions – Barebottle Brewing Co. – California

Category: 65: New Zealand-Style India Pale Ale
Gold: Westland – BKS Artisan Ales – Missouri
Silver: Chepedelic – ISM Brewing – California
Bronze: Wannabe Wallaby – Rip Beer Co. – California

Category: 66: Barley Wine-Style Ale
Gold: Three Ryes Men – Reuben’s Brews – Washington
Silver: Grow Old With You – Verboten Brewing – Colorado
Bronze: A Story About Everything – Monday Night Brewing – Georgia

Category: 67: German-Style Koelsch
Gold: Chuckanut Kölsch – Chuckanut Brewery – Washington
Silver: Kolsch – Standard Deviant Brewing – California
Bronze: Balbilla – Caius Farm Brewery – Connecticut

Category: 68: Gose
Gold: Aloha State of Mind – Cova Brewing Co. – Virginia
Silver: The Famous Gose – Morango E Pitanga – Cervejaria UNIKÁ – Brazil
Bronze: Frutabomba – Cruz Blanca Brewpub – Illinois

Category: 69: Berliner-Style Weisse
Gold: Victory Brewing Company Sunny Monkey – Brewers at 4001 Yancey – North Carolina
Silver: Disco Lemonade – Aslan Brewing Co. – Washington
Bronze: Cactus Juice – 12Degree Brewing – Colorado

Category: 70: South German-Style Weissbier
Gold: Windansea Wheat – Karl Strauss Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Weihenstephaner Kristallweissbier – Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan – Germany
Bronze: Goggle Fogger – Fat Heads Brewery – Ohio

Category: 71: South German-Style Dunkel Weizen
Gold: Dark N’ Curvy – Piece Brewery – Illinois
Silver: Hidden Gem – OB Brewery – California
Bronze: Kuchlbauer Alte Liebe – Brauerei zum Kuchlbauer – Germany

Category: 72: South German-Style Weizenbock
Gold: Weihenstephaner Vitus – Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan – Germany
Silver: Ladenburger Weizenbock Hell – Brauerei Ladenburger – Germany
Bronze: Kuchlbauer Aloysius – Brauerei zum Kuchlbauer – Germany

Category: 73: German-Style Altbier
Gold: Archive: Allegheny Altbier – Cinderlands Beer Co. – Pennsylvania
Silver: Lithium – Resonate Brewery – Washington
Bronze: ALteration – Mountain Layers Brewing Co. – North Carolina

Category: 75: Belgian-Style Witbier
Gold: Allagash White – Allagash Brewing Co. – Maine
Silver: La Trappe Witte Trappist – Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven – Netherlands

Category: 76: Classic Saison
Gold: Summer Wild Saison – JING-A – China
Silver: Saison For Papa – Green Cheek Beer Co. – Costa Mesa – California
Bronze: Valour – Tooth and Nail Brewing Co. – Canada

Category: 77: Specialty Saison
Gold: Foxfield Saison – Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows – Virginia
Silver: Petit MC – Monday Night Brewing – Georgia
Bronze: Chakabuki – Yamorido – Japan

Category: 78: Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale
Gold: De Rode Duivels – Elliott Bay Brewing Co. – Washington
Silver: Rodenbach Vintage – Swinkels Belgium – Belgium
Bronze: Flanders Red – Cerveza 7 Vidas – Peru

Category: 79: Belgian-Style Spontaneous Sour Ale
Gold: Spontanée – pFriem – Cascade Locks Barrel House – Oregon
Silver: Chance – Luck and Magic 2020 – Garage Project – New Zealand
Bronze: Spontaneous Manifesto 2024 – Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Co. – Canada

Category: 80: Belgian-Style Blonde Ale
Gold: Feral Garden Gnome – Liability Brewing Co. – South Carolina
Silver: Jedburgh – Longtab Brewing – Texas
Bronze: Nenette – Kern River Brewing Co. – California

Category: 81: Belgian-Style Dubbel
Gold: Deduction – Taxman Brewing Co. – Indiana
Silver: Dedication – Vintage Brewing Co. – Wisconsin
Bronze: Maudite – Unibroue – Canada

Category: 82: Belgian-Style Tripel
Gold: Templin Family Albion Tripple – Templin Family Brewing – Utah
Silver: Trippel – New Belgium Brewing Co. – Colorado
Bronze: La Fin du Monde – Unibroue – Canada

Category: 83: Belgian-Style Quadrupel
Gold: Quad Bless Your Heart – The Southern Growl Beer Co. – South Carolina
Silver: Pour Pour Pitiful Me – Monkless Belgian Ales – Oregon
Bronze: La Trappe Quadrupel – Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven – Netherlands

Category: 84: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale
Gold: Trois Pistoles – Unibroue – Canada
Silver: Urbrew Adventure Strong Ale – Urbrew – China
Bronze: Allagash Ski House – Allagash Brewing Co. – Maine

Category: 85: Belgian-Style Fruit Beer
Gold: Handgepluckte Kriek – AleSmith Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Criolla – Bichofeo Brewing Co – Argentina
Bronze: Torrontés – Bichofeo Brewing Co – Argentina

Category: 86: English Mild or Bitter
Gold: Trafford Ale – Arlington Brewing Co. – Massachusetts
Silver: Uncle – Rhinegeist Innovation Brewery – Ohio
Bronze: Compensation – Lion Bridge Brewing Co. – Iowa

Category: 87: English-Style Pale Ale
Gold: True Blonde – Ska Brewing – Colorado
Silver: Mosaic – Instution Ale Co. – California
Bronze: Famous Fanny – Worthy Brewing – Oregon

Category: 88: English-Style Brown Ale
Gold: Backcountry – Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. – Montana
Silver: Nut Brown Ale – Blackstone Brewing Co. – Tennessee
Bronze: Before the Break – Worthy Brewing – Oregon

Category: 89: Brown Porter
Gold: Nolan’s Porter – Barrio Brewing Co. – Arizona
Silver: St. Charles Porter – Blackstone Brewing Co. – Tennessee
Bronze: London Porter – New Ridge Brewing Co. – Pennsylvania

Category: 90: Robust Porter
Gold: Oaty McOatface – East Village Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Captain Doug’s Porter – MudHen Brewing Co. – New Jersey
Bronze: Dark Portal – Blue Point – New York

Category: 91: Sweet Stout or Cream Stout
Gold: Moozie – Brink Brewing Co. – Ohio
Silver: Higher Purpose – Third Eye Brewing Co. – Ohio
Bronze: Irish Prenup – Barley Naked Brewing Co. – Virginia

Category: 92: Oatmeal Stout
Gold: Voided – Counter Weight Brewing Co. – Connecticut
Silver: Event Horizon – SPACECRAFT Brewing Co. – Thailand
Bronze: Oats – Pizza Port Solana Beach – California

Category: 93: British-Style Imperial Stout
Gold: 15th Anniversary – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Reduction Ratio – UPP Liquids – Oregon
Bronze: Touch of Chaos – Formula Brewing – Washington

Category: 94: Old Ale, Strong Ale or Aged Beer
Gold: Forest Hills – Olde Hickory Brewery – North Carolina
Silver: Old Scrooge – Silver City Brewery – Washington
Bronze: Death or Glory – Samuel Adams Brewery – Massachusetts

Category: 95: Irish-Style Red Ale
Gold: Goibniu – Trágmar Ale Works – Rhode Island
Silver: Crimson Lass – Quarter Celtic Brewpub – New Mexico
Bronze: Romulus Red – Gladfoor Brews and Billiards – California

Category: 96: Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout
Gold: Olde 17 – Lion Bridge Brewing Co. – Iowa
Silver: Minoh Beer Stout – Minoh Brewery – Japan
Bronze: Dri-Dek – Industry Ales – Illinois

Category: 97: Export Stout
Gold: Irish Extra Stout – Diatribe Brewing Co. – North Carolina
Silver: Trade Deficit – Westbound & Down Brewing Co. – Westbound Mill – Colorado
Bronze: Zonker Stout – Snake River Brewing Co. – Wyoming

Category: 98: Scottish-Style Ale
Gold: BierKraft 80 Shilling – BierKraft – Oklahoma
Silver: Seven Gables – Mountain Rambler Brewery – California
Bronze: Isle of Pitt – Hazel Grove Brewing – Pennsylvania

Category: 99: Scotch Ale
Gold: Higher Consciousness – Third Eye Brewing Co. – Ohio
Silver: Real Heavy – Real Ale Brewing Co. – Texas
Bronze: Great Falls – Land-Grant Brewing Co. – Ohio

Category: 100: Golden or Blonde Ale
Gold: Chargie – Hopsized Brewing Co. – Florida
Silver: Lawnmower Beer – Saint Arnold Brewing Co. – Texas
Bronze: Pool Party Blonde – Cold Garden Beverage Co. – Canada

Category: 101: American-Style Pale Ale
Gold: Double Nickels – Docent Brewing – California
Silver: Mosaic Pale – Stoup Brewing – Ballard – Washington
Bronze: Bare Bones Disco – Bird Creek Brewing – Texas

Category: 102: Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale
Gold: Mt. Cook – Cellarmaker Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Free Drift – Eden Town Brewing Co. – Maryland
Bronze: Cloud Piercer – Icicle Brewing Co. – Washington

Category: 103: American-Style Amber/Red Ale
Gold: Redwood Remedy – Burgeon Beer Co. – California
Silver: Red Blade – Urban Roots Brewing – California
Bronze: Diablo Rojo – Boneyard Beer – Oregon

Category: 104: American-Style Brown Ale
Gold: Boxcar Brown – Caboose Brewing Co. – Virginia
Silver: Face Down Brown – Telluride Brewing Co. – Colorado
Bronze: Pacifist Pelican – Riip Beer Co. – California

Category: 105: American-Style Black Ale or American-Style Stout
Gold: Stone Cimmerian Portal – Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station – California
Silver: Black Cliffs – Boise Brewing – Idaho
Bronze: Blackside Snap – Riip Beer Co. – California

Category: 106: American-Style Imperial Stout
Gold: Doldrums of Winter – Norbrook Farm Brewery – Connecticut
Silver: Oubliette – Seventh Son Brewing Co. – Ohio
Bronze: Imperial Stout – Olde Hickory Brewery – North Carolina

Category: 107: American-Style Strong Pale Ale
Gold: In Tasty We Trust – Danville Brewing Co. – California
Silver: Mindbender – Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. – Colorado
Bronze: Pink Sky – Grand Fir Brewing – Oregon

Category: 108: Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale
Gold: Cecilia – Moontown Brewing Co. – Indiana
Silver: So Into You – Radiant Beer Co. – California
Bronze: Purrpetual Motion – Slice Beer Co. – California

Category: 109: Strong Red Ale
Gold: Happy Days – Claremont Craft Ales – California
Silver: El Lupulo Libre – The Brew Kettle – Production Works – Ohio
Bronze: Cannonball – Migration Brewing Co. – Oregon

Category: 110: Imperial India Pale Ale
Gold: Fully Adrift – Pinhouse Brewing – Texas
Silver: D.R.E.A.M. – Trap Door Brewing – Washington
Bronze: Power Plants – Barebottle Brewing Co. – California

Category: 111: Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale
Gold: Lupulin Collider – North Park Beer Co. – California
Silver: Panda – Mothfire Brewing Co. – Michigan
Bronze: Road Rash – Wagon Wheel Brewing Co. – California

Category: 112: Classic India Pale Ale
Gold: Immutable Dawn – ISM Brewing – California
Silver: Hop-Ful – North Park Beer Co. – California
Bronze: Shred IPA – Shred Beer Co. – California

Category: 113: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale
Gold: Because Science – Bend Brewing Co. – Oregon
Silver: Bolo Season – Zilker Brewing Co. – Texas
Bronze: Shifted Visions – everywhere – California

Category: 114: West Coast-Style India Pale Ale
Gold: Project Alpha 81 – Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. – Colorado
Silver: Mosaic Madness – Crystal Springs Brewing Co. – Colorado
Bronze: Electric Eagle – Firestone Walker Brewing – Propagator – California

Category: 201: Tannic Cider
Gold: Classic Dry – Gowan’s Heirloom Cider – California
Silver: 1876 – Gowan’s Heirloom Cider – California
Bronze: Excelsior Imperial Apple – Schilling Cider – Washington

Category: 202: No/Low-Tannin Cider
Gold: Gravenstein – Gowan’s Heirloom Cider – California
Silver: Cosmic Crisp – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon
Bronze: BrightCider – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon

Category: 203: Fruited Cider
Gold: Moon Berries – Schilling Cider – Washington
Silver: Excelsior Imperial Blackberry – Schilling Cider – Washington
Bronze: Small Batch Guava – Coronado Brewing Co. – California

Category: 204: Botanical or Spiced Cider
Gold: Spiced Apple – Gowan’s Heirloom Cider – California
Silver: Basil Mint – Seattle Cider Co. – Washington
Bronze: Ginger Cider – Hard Candy Cider – China

Category: 205: Experimental, Barrel-Aged or Specialty Cider
Gold: The Bad Apple – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon
Silver: Mango Habanero – Papa Moon Ciders – Nebraska
Bronze: BA Cider – Mojave Brewing Co. – Nevada

About the World Beer Cup®
Developed by the Brewers Association in 1996, the World Beer Cup® is the preeminent international beer competition, often called the “Olympics of Beer.” It provides a global stage for brewers to compete, learn, and connect while setting the standard for quality and innovation in the craft beverage industry. Open to commercial breweries and cideries worldwide, the competition drives continuous improvement and celebrates the art and science of brewing.
For more information, full winner lists, style guidelines, and future competition details, visit worldbeercup.org.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association traces its roots to the early days of the modern craft beer movement in the United States. Its predecessor organizations include the Association of Brewers, founded in 1978 by Charlie Papazian to support homebrewers and the emerging microbrewery scene through education and events like the Great American Beer Festival, and the Brewers Association of America, which originated in 1942 as the Small Brewers Committee to advocate for smaller producers during wartime resource challenges. In 2005, these two groups merged to form the modern Brewers Association, creating a unified voice dedicated to promoting and protecting small and independent American craft brewers. This pivotal merger strengthened advocacy efforts, educational resources, and industry standards that have helped fuel the explosive growth of craft beer across the nation.

Today, the Brewers Association serves as the leading not-for-profit trade organization for America’s craft brewing community, representing thousands of small and independent breweries, allied trade members, and beer enthusiasts. Guided by its mission to promote and protect American craft brewers, the organization provides essential resources, including market data, technical education, government advocacy, and high-profile events such as the World Beer Cup and Craft Brewers Conference. Through initiatives like the Independent Craft Brewer Seal and ongoing support for quality, innovation, and diversity in brewing, the Brewers Association continues to elevate the craft beer industry while fostering a vibrant community of brewers, for brewers, and by brewers.

Top 10 Beers in America – Ales  Lagers  Specialty  Barrel Aged

Top 10 Maibock Lagers Brewed in America 
This 2026 Top Ten List of Maibocks is from the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup.  Maibock, also known as Heller Bock or “May Bock,” is a classic German-style lager that celebrates springtime with its elegant balance of rich malt and subtle hop character. It pours a beautiful, deep gold to light amber color with excellent clarity and a large, creamy white head that lingers nicely. On the aroma and flavor, expect a prominent malty profile featuring bready, lightly toasted, and slightly sweet notes from quality continental malts like Pilsner, Vienna, and Munich—without any heavy caramel or roast flavors. Noble hops add a gentle, spicy or floral touch with moderate bitterness, keeping things refreshing rather than sweet or cloying. Typically around 6–7.5% ABV, it has a smooth, medium-to-full body, clean lager fermentation, and a crisp, satisfying finish that makes it highly drinkable for a stronger beer. Perfect for pairing with hearty foods or simply enjoying on a sunny afternoon!

1. Skoolhouse Bock – Moontown Brewing Company – Indiana
2. Maibock – Guilford Hall – Brewery – Maryland
3. Heller Bock – Cranky Sam Brewing – Montana
4. Not Yours  Maibock – Kros Strain Brewing – Nebraska
5. Maibock – Venn Brewing Company – Minnesota
6. Heller Bock – Goldfinger Brewing Company – Illinois
7. Johann Sebastian Bock Maibock – Blackbird Brewery – North Carolina
8. Maibock – Narrow Gauge Brewing – Missouri
9. Lenz Bock – Heater Allen Brewing – Oregon
10. Maypole – Grimm Artisanal Ales – New York

Evolution of the “Pale” Maibock Style (18th–19th Centuries)
Early bocks were generally darker and maltier. The distinctly pale Maibock—lighter in color, brighter, and more hopped—emerged as pale malts became widely available in the mid-to-late 19th century alongside the rise of pale lagers like Pilsner and Munich Helles. Munich brewers adapted traditional bock techniques (often including decoction mashing) with paler base malts (Pilsner, Vienna, Munich) to create a transitional spring beer.

Hofbräuhaus is widely credited as the originator of the modern Maibock style, which they still brew using a formula tracing back to Pichler’s 1614 version (pale copper hue, malty with caramel hints).

Top 10 Beers in America – Ales  Lagers  Specialty  Barrel Aged 

Favorite Beer of 2026! Cincinnati just crowned its Favorite Beer of 2026, and the winner is Vlad Pilsner from Fretboard Brewing Co.! That’s right, folks—the crisp, crushable Czech-style pilsner has taken the crown in The Cincinnati Enquirer’s epic beer bracket madness, proving once again that sometimes the classics win the day (and the votes).

In a tournament that felt like March Madness but with way better hydration options, 32 local brews battled it out over five nail-biting rounds. Voters hit refresh like it was their job, casting ballots hourly and turning the bracket into a full-on Cincinnati suds showdown. Vlad didn’t just sneak by—it dominated. In the final round, it racked up a whopping 467 votes to defeat Hofbrauhaus’s Dunkel, leaving no doubt who the people wanted on their taps.

What makes Vlad so special? This isn’t some flashy triple IPA trying to blind you with hops. Vlad is the original brew from Fretboard—the very first batch they ever made back when the Blue Ash spot (the one with the killer music theme, because who doesn’t love guitars and good beer?) fired up their system. It’s a true-to-style International Pilsner at a sessionable 5.3% ABV and a gentle 17 IBUs, brewed with imported Czech malt and hops for that clean, bready backbone and subtle herbal pop. Golden, crisp, ruthlessly drinkable—it’s the beer you reach for on a sunny patio, at a Reds game, or when you’re just chilling in the Queen City.

And let’s talk accolades: Vlad’s already a medal magnet, snagging gold and silver at the World Beer Cup, Ohio Craft Brewers Cup, and U.S. Open Beer Championship. Now you can add “Cincinnati’s Favorite Beer 2026” to the trophy case. Fretboard’s rocking the local scene hard—#drinklocal, #rocklocal, #cincybrau—and this win feels like a high-five to everyone who loves a perfectly executed lager over the latest hazy experiment.

So next time you’re in Cincinnati, swing by Fretboard Brewing Co. (or grab a six-pack wherever they distribute), raise a glass of Vlad, and toast to the people’s champ. Because in a city with more breweries than you can shake a pretzel at, the crowd has spoken: Vlad reigns supreme.
Cheers to Vlad Pilsner—Cincinnati’s undisputed beer king of 2026

Previous Winners of The Cincinnati Enquirer’s epic beer bracket madness
2026: Vlad Pilsner from Fretboard Brewing Co.
2025: Crazy Norse from Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
2024: Crazy Norse from Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
2023: Helles Real from Grainworks Brewing Co.
2022: Bohemian Special Brew from Wiedemann
2021: Bohemian Special Brew from Wiedemann
2020: Backbeat Coffee Blonde Ale from Big Ash Brewing

More about Fretboard Brewing
Fretboard Brewing Company burst onto the Cincinnati scene in late 2017, when three lifelong friends and LaSalle High School alumni decided to turn their shared passions for rock ‘n’ roll and craft beer into something extraordinary. Launching their flagship brewery and taproom in Blue Ash, Ohio—just a short drive north of downtown Cincy—the trio created a one-of-a-kind destination where live music, smoked BBQ from an in-house kitchen, and seriously impressive brews come together in perfect harmony. From day one, Fretboard has been all about striking the right chord: welcoming beer lovers, music fans, and good-time seekers to a vibrant space that feels like a backyard concert meets your favorite local brewery. With additional locations now rocking in Norwood, Harrison, and a Public House in Hamilton, Fretboard continues to expand its rhythm while staying true to its roots of adventure, creativity, and community.

At the heart of every great night at Fretboard are the beers—crisp, balanced, and built to please a crowd. The star of the show is Vlad Pilsner, a ruthlessly drinkable Czech-style pilsner that’s racked up Gold and Silver medals at the World Beer Cup and U.S. Open Beer Championship, proving it’s not just fun—it’s world-class. Other crowd-pleasers include the hop-forward flagship Improv West Coast IPA, the easy-sipping Fretboard Light Lager perfect for long sessions, and seasonal favorites like juicy hazies, barrel-aged stouts, and festive lagers. Whether you’re raising a pint to a live band, digging into some smoky BBQ, or simply toasting another great day, Fretboard Brewing delivers that unbeatable combo of killer brews, electric vibes, and pure fun. Come for the beer, stay for the show—Fretboard is where Cincinnati’s craft scene hits all the high notes!
Address: Multiple locations including Blue Ash (flagship), Norwood, Harrison, and Hamilton Public House, Ohio
Website: https://www.fretboardbrewing.com

 

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The 2026 Ohio Beer Awards, the inaugural statewide competition presented by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and proudly sponsored by Lagersmith, celebrated the exceptional talent and innovation of Ohio’s craft brewers, cider makers, and mead producers. With nearly 500 entries submitted from over 100 breweries, cideries, and meaderies across the Buckeye State, expert judges blind-tasted beers in 26 diverse categories during judging sessions held January 19–21 at MadTree Brewing in Cincinnati. Winners were announced on February 16 at a lively ceremony at Seventh Son Brewing in Columbus, where 47 producers earned well-deserved gold, silver, and bronze medals. Highlights included Masthead Brewing and Noble Beast Brewing (both from Cleveland) sharing Brewery of the Year honors for their standout medal hauls, alongside special recognitions like the Aluminate Award for Best Can Design. This exciting new event shines a spotlight on Ohio’s thriving craft beverage scene, highlighting the quality, creativity, and community spirit that make Buckeye State beers, ciders, and meads among the best in the nation.

Ohio Craft Beer Medal Winners
Category 1: European Pilsner
Gold: Daytonian Rhapsody, Eudora Brewing Company, Kettering, Ohio
Silver: Geist der Glocke, Bell Tower Brewing Co., Kent, Ohio
Bronze: Golem, Gemüt Biergarten, Columbus, Ohio

Category 2: Golden, Blonde and Other Light Ales
Gold: Sampsel House Kölsch, Uniontown Brewing Co., Ashland, Ohio
Silver: Little Kings Cream Ale, Cincinnati Beverage Company, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bronze: Hungarian Pearl, Immigrant Son Brewery, Lakewood, Ohio

Category 3: Hoppy Lagers
Gold: Stinkin Lincoln New Zealand Pilsner, Uniontown Brewing Co., Ashland, Ohio
Silver: IPL Eins, Wooly Pig Farm Brewery, Fresno, Ohio
Bronze: Scusi, Traum Brewing, Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Category 4: Light European Lagers
Gold: Rustic Helles, Wooly Pig Farm Brewery, Fresno, Ohio
Silver: Brewer, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bronze: Lakeshore Lager, Collision Bend Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Category 5: Dark European Lagers
Gold: Svartalfheim, Masthead Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
Silver: Tmavé Pivo, Birdfish Brewing Company, Columbiana, Ohio
Bronze: Rubezahl, Gemüt Biergarten, Columbus, Ohio

Category 6: World Lagers
Gold: Float Day, Yellow Springs Brewery, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Silver: Shower Beer, Masthead Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
Bronze: Multinational Pilsner, Crooked Can Brewing Company, Hilliard, Ohio

Category 7: Porter and Stout
Gold: Punderson Porter, Bummin’ Beaver Brewery, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Silver: Shuck Yeah, The 1547 Project, Cortland, Ohio
Bronze: Porter, The Brew Brothers, Columbus, Ohio

Category 8: Classic UK and American Styles
Gold: Old School, Three Tigers Brewing, Granville, Ohio
Silver: All the Leaves, Broadview Brewing Company, Broadview Heights, Ohio
Bronze: Stone Fort, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Columbus, Ohio

Category 9: Belgian Beers, German Wheat Beers and Traditional Brett Beers
Gold: Valor, Noble Beast Brewing Co., Cleveland, Ohio
Silver: Hefeweizen, JAFB Wooster Brewery, Wooster, Ohio
Bronze: Captain Stardust, Yellow Springs Brewery, Yellow Springs, Ohio

Category 10: Red Beers
Gold: Ida Love a Red, Red Wagon Brewing, Columbia Station, Ohio
Silver: Frontline, Akronym Brewing, Akron, Ohio
Bronze: Scot’s an Evil Man, Schnitz Ale Brewery, Parma, Ohio

Category 11: Strong Beers
Gold: Old Dick, New Berlin Brewing Company, North Canton, Ohio
Silver: Brasky, Combustion Brewery & Taproom, Pickerington, Ohio
Bronze: We Don’t Rat, We Don’t Run 2025, Noble Beast Brewing Co., Cleveland, Ohio

Category 12: Sessionable Hoppy Beers
Gold: Henry, Akronym Brewing, Akron, Ohio
Silver: Light Rajah, The Brew Kettle, Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Bronze: Small Axe, Three Tigers Brewing, Granville, Ohio

Category 13: American IPA
Gold: Ca$h After Ten, Ghost Tree Brewing Company, Amherst, Ohio
Silver: Evil Motives, Noble Beast Brewing Co., Cleveland, Ohio
Bronze: JAF IPA, JAFB Wooster Brewery, Wooster, Ohio

Category 14: West Coast IPA
Gold: Danko, Three Tigers Brewing, Granville, Ohio
Silver: The Cleveland Experiment V7, Masthead Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
Bronze: Isolated IPA, JAFB Wooster Brewery, Wooster, Ohio

Category 15: Hazy, Juicy, New England IPA
Gold: Fast Friends, Derive Brewing Company, Columbus, Ohio
Silver: Creative Space, Yellow Springs Brewery, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Bronze: Captain Hazy, Collision Bend Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Category 16: Imperial IPA and Dark Hoppy Beers
Gold: The Word, Collision Bend Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
Silver: Turtlenecks and Gold Chains, Derive Brewing Company, Columbus, Ohio
Bronze: Now We’re Talkin’, Combustion Brewery & Taproom, Pickerington, Ohio

Category 17: Barrel-Aged Beers
Gold: Celestial Reserve (Dow’s 65th Birthday Blend), Third Eye Brewing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio
Silver: Pounding Husks, Wandering Monsters Brewing, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bronze: Bag of Hammers, Akronym Brewing (in collaboration with The Brew Kettle), Akron, Ohio

Category 18: Barrel-Aged Stout
Gold: Faded Echoes – Ivory Depths, Counterbalance Brewing, Columbus, Ohio
Silver: Underverse, Masthead Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
Bronze: Barrel Aged Cheap Heat, Streetside Brewery, Cincinnati, Ohio

Category 19: Spiced Holiday Beers
Gold: Winter Warmer, New Berlin Brewing Company, North Canton, Ohio
Silver: Slow Toboggan, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
Bronze: John Dough, Wandering Monsters Brewing, Cincinnati, Ohio

Category 20: Flavored Beers
Gold: Fox in the Stout, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Columbus, Ohio
Silver: Chunkzilla, Wandering Monsters Brewing, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bronze: Chai Spiced Imperial Stout, Parsons North Brewing Company, Columbus, Ohio

Category 22: Fruit Beers
Gold: Cha-Cha-Cha… Cherry Bomb!, Four Paws Brewing, Columbia Station, Ohio
Silver: Blood Brothers, Hop Brothers Brewing Company, North Ridgeville, Ohio
Bronze: Nightfall, Traum Brewing, Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Category 23: Coffee Beer
Gold: Wired Euphoria, Third Eye Brewing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio
Silver: Good Morning 818, Southern Ohio Brewing, Beavercreek, Ohio
Bronze: The Daily Grind, Akronym Brewing, Akron, Ohio

Category 24: Historical Beer, Smoked Beer, Experimental Beer and Specialty Beverages
Gold: Rauchfräug Strong Märzen Lager, Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, Akron, Ohio
Silver: Lee Morgan, GlendAlehouse, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bronze: Hanayori Mo Bīru, Eighty-Three Brewery, Akron, Ohio

Category 25: Sour and Mixed Culture Beers
Gold: Barrel Aged Flemish Kriek, Parsons North Brewing Company, Columbus, Ohio
Silver: Eau Rouge, Noble Beast Brewing Co., Cleveland, Ohio
Bronze: Reverie, Edison Brewing Company, Gahanna, Ohio

Category 26: Cider
Gold: Kelly’s Dry, West End Ciderhouse, Athens, Ohio
Silver: Shell Jelly, Funky Turtle Brewing Co., Toledo, Ohio
Bronze: TinCap Pineapple, TinCap Hard Cider, Wilmington, Ohio

Category 27: Mead
Gold: MVWS, Four Fires Meadery, Maumee, Ohio
Silver: Booty Blue, Dutch Creek Winery, Athens, Ohio
Bronze: Stonefruit Slow Jams, Four Fires Meadery, Maumee, Ohio

About the Ohio Craft Brewers Association
The Ohio Craft Brewers Association (OCBA), founded in 2008 as a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, was established to unify Ohio’s brewing community, market Ohio-manufactured craft beers throughout the state and beyond, and advocate for a strong, thriving beer industry.

Over the past 18 years, the OCBA has grown into the official unified voice for the state’s craft brewers, with a mission “to promote, preserve, diversify, and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry.” The association represents hundreds of operating breweries, breweries-in-planning, allied trade partners, and enthusiast supporters through tiered memberships—including Brewery, Allied, and Enthusiast levels—that deliver marketing and promotional support, legislative advocacy, educational programming such as the annual Ohio Craft Brewers Conference, signature events like Ohio Pint Day, and a collaborative network that fosters industry growth and camaraderie. Today, OCBA member breweries and partners help drive Ohio’s dynamic craft beer scene, which boasts more than 440 licensed craft breweries (ranking 8th nationally) and contributes nearly $3 billion in total economic impact to the state.

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In the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, a routine facade renovation at Rhinegeist Brewery turned into an extraordinary archaeological find in late 2025. What began as peeling paint revealed a breathtaking, century-old encaustic tile mural —hidden for over 100 years beneath layers of paint applied during Prohibition. This vibrant artwork, dating to 1896, celebrates the city’s legendary brewing heritage and has quickly become a new landmark for locals and visitors alike.

The Unexpected Discovery
Rhinegeist, housed in the former Christian Moerlein Brewing Company’s bottling plant on Elm Street since 2013, was undergoing much-needed repairs and tuckpointing by Buckeye Construction & Restoration. As workers prepped the exterior walls, superintendent Vince Vickers noticed unusual colors emerging from beneath the flaking paint.

“We started pulling off more of the paint, and little by little, the century-old mural began to show itself—hidden in plain sight for decades,” Vickers recounted.

What emerged was a massive, exceptionally well-preserved mosaic composed of approximately 2,000 unique six-inch encaustic tiles. The artwork had been deliberately covered during the Prohibition era (1920–1933), when non-brewing businesses occupied the space and sought to erase any traces of its alcoholic past.

A Masterpiece by Herman Mueller
Research quickly attributed the tile mural to Herman C. Mueller, a pioneering American ceramicist who co-founded the Mosaic Tile Company in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1894. Mueller, known for his innovative dust-pressed tiles and handcrafted designs, later established the Mueller Mosaic Company in Trenton, New Jersey. His works grace prestigious collections at institutions like the Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Brooklyn Museum—making this brewery exterior a rare public showcase of his talent.

The mural features a festive scene: a jovial couple in traditional German attire raising beer steins amid hop vines and barley motifs, symbolizing Cincinnati’s 19th-century German immigrant brewing culture. A flowing banner proudly declares “Moerlein’s Bottling Dept. 1896”, with the year flanked by stars and decorative flourishes. Below the main panel, restored roundels display the original Christian Moerlein logo.

One charming detail has captured hearts: a single tile forming the corner of the man’s hat was installed rotated 90 degrees—the “wrong” way—from the very beginning. This imperfection, preserved perfectly under the paint, adds a human touch to the otherwise flawless craftsmanship.

Rhinegeist’s Joyful Response
Rhinegeist CEO Adam Bankovich called the find a “complete surprise,” despite the brewery’s deep awareness of the building’s history. To honor the discovery—and that quirky misplaced tile—the team released a limited-edition pre-Prohibition-style lager named Tip of the Hat. Available on draft in the taproom, it’s a crisp, malty tribute poured alongside views of the restored mural.

The brewery has fully preserved the mosaic as part of the ongoing renovations, ensuring it remains visible to the public without altering their plans.

Echoes of Cincinnati’s Brewing Golden Age
At its peak in the late 1800s, Cincinnati was known as the “Beer Capital of the World,” with Over-the-Rhine boasting dozens of breweries driven by German immigrants. Christian Moerlein was among the most prominent, and this building served as its bottling department.

Discoveries like this underscore the neighborhood’s ongoing revival and the importance of historic preservation. As Beth Johnson, executive director of Cincinnati Preservation, noted, it’s one of the largest examples of Mueller’s tile work in the city.

If you’re in the Cincinnati area, swing by Rhinegeist on Elm Street to see this piece of living history. Grab a pint, tip your hat to the past, and marvel at how a simple renovation peeled back time itself. Prost!

More about Rhinegeist Brewery
Nestled in Cincinnati’s vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Rhinegeist Brewery (that’s “Ghost of the Rhine” for the non-German speakers) rose from the ashes of a pre-Prohibition bottling plant once owned by the legendary Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. Founders Bob Bonder and Bryant Goulding teamed up in 2013 to resurrect the city’s historic brewing spirit, turning a cavernous, century-old space into a massive taproom that’s equal parts industrial cool and community hangout. What started with a handful of beers on opening day has exploded into one of Ohio’s craft beer powerhouses, cranking out flavorful brews that keep locals and visitors coming back for more—proving the Queen City still knows how to throw a great party in its old brewery bones.

When it comes to the good stuff, Rhinegeist’s lineup is a hop-head’s dream with something for everyone. Their flagship Truth IPA is the undisputed king—bold, juicy, piney, and stone-fruit forward, it’s been Ohio’s best-selling IPA for years and the kind of beer that turns “just one more” into a whole session. For lighter vibes, grab Franz (a crisp Märzen) or Dad (a balanced pale ale perfect for backyard hangs). At the same time, adventurous sippers love hazy options like Juicy Truth, fruited sours, or big hitters like Sabre Tooth Tiger imperial IPA. Whether you’re chasing that first-sip buzz or just want to Google “best Cincinnati brewery” and end up here, Rhinegeist keeps the good times flowing with beers that sing with flavor and zero pretension. Cheers to the ghosts that keep on brewing!
Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://rhinegeist.com/  

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The 2026 Colorado Brewers Cup, organized by the Colorado Brewers Guild, stands as a premier professional beer competition dedicated to showcasing the exceptional quality and innovation within Colorado’s vibrant craft brewing scene. As the only event of its kind run entirely by the Guild, it brings together member breweries from across the state to compete in a rigorous judging process. This year’s competition highlighted the diversity and creativity of Colorado’s brewers, with entries spanning a wide array of styles from lagers and IPAs to sours and experimental brews.

Held in conjunction with the Colorado Craft Brewers Summit, the 2026 event took place at the Hyatt Regency in Aurora, CO. Key dates included beer judging from January 9th to 11th, followed by the awards ceremony on the evening of January 23rd. Open exclusively to operating Colorado breweries that are Guild members, the competition saw breweries submitting up to 14 beers each at a cost of $55 per entry. Judges evaluated submissions across 29 categories, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals based on criteria such as flavor, aroma, appearance, and adherence to style guidelines. In total, 87 medals were distributed, reflecting the high caliber of participants.

The Colorado Brewers Cup not only recognizes outstanding beers but also honors the broader contributions to the industry. This year, the Ambassador of Craft award went to Tim Myers of Strange Craft Beer Co. in Denver, celebrating his leadership and commitment to the brewing community.

Breweries of the Year
Two breweries were crowned as standouts for their overall performance:

Small Brewery of the Year: Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, located in Glenwood Springs. This accolade recognizes their consistent excellence across multiple entries, including standout wins in categories like International Pale Lagers and West Coast-Style IPAs.

Mid-Sized Brewery of the Year: WeldWerks Brewing Co. in Greeley. Known for their innovative hazy IPAs and sours, they dominated in hop-forward categories and secured multiple medals, underscoring their influence in the craft beer landscape.

These honors highlight the dedication and skill of these breweries in pushing the boundaries of craft brewing.

Highlights from the 2026 Colorado Brewers Cup Medal Winners
The competition featured fierce rivalry across 29 categories, with medals awarded to a diverse group of breweries from cities like Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. Below is a comprehensive table of all medal winners, organized by category:

American Pale Lagers
GOLD: Gold in the Buckle – Verboten North Brewpub
SILVER: Mexican Lager – Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria
BRONZE: Louisville Lager – Crystal Springs Brewing

International Pale Lagers
GOLD: Mexican Lager – Lone Tree Brewing
SILVER: Hanging Lake – Glenwood Canyon Brewing
BRONZE: Lightner Creek Lager – Carver Brewing

Pale Bitter European Lagers
GOLD: Prost Winter Lager – Prost Brewing
SILVER: Prost Pilsner – Prost Brewing
BRONZE: Pillow Drops – New Terrain Brewing

Hoppy Pale Lagers
GOLD: Wolf of the Woods – Second Dawn Brewing
SILVER: Xxplosive – Joyride Brewing
BRONZE: Dust Up – Cerebral Brewing

Pale Malty Lagers
GOLD: Everflow – Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
SILVER: Colt 121 – Old 121 Brewhouse
BRONZE: Festbier – Bent Barley Brewing

Amber Lagers
GOLD: King of Luck – Second Dawn Brewing
SILVER: Amber Lager – Elevation Beer
BRONZE: Seedstock Bohemian Dunkel – Seedstock Brewery

Dark Lagers
GOLD: Butt Head Bock – Tommyknocker Brewery
SILVER: Bärenbräu Bock – Peculier Brewing
BRONZE: Dark Matter – Soulcraft Brewing

Pale Malty Ales
GOLD: Rise and Climb – New Terrain Brewing
BRONZE: Ice Cutter Kölsch – Joyride Brewing
BRONZE: Kingdom Kolsch – Highside Brewing

Session & Pale Ales
GOLD: Trump Hands – Cannonball Creek Brewing
SILVER: Inner Light – Our Mutual Friend Brewing
BRONZE: Colorado Pale Ale – Westbound & Down Brewing

Standard American-Style IPAs
GOLD: Bout Damn Time IPA – 4 Noses Brewing
SILVER: American Idle – Liquid Mechanics Brewing
BRONZE: Just Logic – Verboten North Brewpub

West Coast-Style IPAs
GOLD: I Didn’t Hear No Bell – River North Brewery
SILVER: Vapor Cave IPA – Glenwood Canyon Brewing
BRONZE: Project Alpha – Cannonball Creek Brewing

Standard International & Experimental IPAs
GOLD: Ultimate Showdown – Cerebral Brewing
SILVER: Nuthin’ But a G(uava) Thang – Phantom Canyon Brewing
BRONZE: Colorful Colorado IPA – Left Hand Brewing

Hazy IPAs
GOLD: DDH Hollow Fang – Cerebral Brewing
SILVER: Juicy Bits – WeldWerks Brewing
BRONZE: Trailhead Fog – Living the Dream Brewing

Strong & Imperial Hoppy Beers
GOLD: JuicyFish – WeldWerks Brewing
SILVER: Extra Extra Juicy Bits – WeldWerks Brewing
BRONZE: 1000 Barrels Imperial IPA – Strange Craft Beer Co

Malty North American Beers
GOLD: Midnight Toker – Comrade Brewing
SILVER: Face Down Brown – Telluride Brewing
BRONZE: Power Brake Black IPA – Mash Mechanix Brewing

Classic UK Amber & Brown Ales
GOLD: Young Dukinfield – Salt Road Brewing
SILVER: Dark Mild – Phantom Canyon Brewing
BRONZE: Sawtooth – Left Hand Brewing

Stouts
GOLD: Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout – Bristol Brewing
SILVER: Mr. Sandman – River North Brewery
BRONZE: Old Doods Stout – Odell Brewing

Porters
GOLD: Night Laps – Vail Brewing
SILVER: Oba Pot’a – Barrels & Bottles Brewery
BRONZE: English Porter – Stodgy Brewing

Barleywines & Strong Ales
GOLD: Grow Old With You – Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project
SILVER: Mountain Man – Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project
BRONZE: Scottish Wildcat – Wild Blue Yonder Brewing

Herb, Spice, & Smoked Beers
GOLD: Honey Panda – The Empourium Brewing
SILVER: Bullitt Green Chile – Mash Mechanix Brewing
BRONZE: Sweater Gang – The Post Brewing

Rye & Wheat Beers
GOLD: Dame Blanche – Bruz Beers
SILVER: Hamer Time – Tres Litros Brewing
BRONZE: Haystack Hefe – Fritz Family Brewers

Fruit & Field Beers
GOLD: Blood Orange Kolsch – Crystal Springs Brewing
SILVER: Luna Lucha – TightKnit Brewing
BRONZE: Agua Fresca – Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria

Belgian & French Pale Ales
GOLD: Windfall Saison – Windfall Brewing
SILVER: Buffalo Blond – Resolute Brewing
BRONZE: Plezant – Hideaway Park Brewery

Belgian & French Strong Ales
GOLD: Naughty Marilyn – Crystal Springs Brewing
SILVER: Abbey Quadrupel – Bruz Beers
BRONZE: Le Bruit du Diable Farmhouse Ale – Strange Craft Beer Company

Sour, Brett, & Wild Ales
GOLD: Grandma J’s Strawberry Rhubarb Pie – WeldWerks Brewing
SILVER: Desert Runner – New Terrain Brewing
BRONZE: Tributary on Cherries – New Terrain Brewing

Coffee Beers
GOLD: Nightmare Fuel – River North Brewery
SILVER: Golden Roast – Monolith Brewing
BRONZE: Squirrels Just Want to Have Fun – River North Brewery

Chocolate & Dessert Beers
GOLD: Others in Darkness: Coconut Vanilla – Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project
SILVER: Candy Cane Imperial Porter – River North Brewery
BRONZE: Parallel Minds – Cerebral Brewing

Wood & Aged Beers
GOLD: Lift Line Barleywine – Highside Brewing
SILVER: – Rally Round the Family – Liquid Mechanics Brewing
BRONZE: Ember – Hideaway Park Brewery

Experimental & Specialty Beers
GOLD: Camp Zero – 4 Noses Brewing
SILVER: Her Majesty’s Hammer – Phantom Canyon Brewing
BRONZE: Isaac’s Big A** Braggot – Mythmaker Brewing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10 American Herb and Spiced Beers of 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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