Beer Competition

WISEACRE Brewing, a Memphis-based craft brewery, celebrated a triumphant showing at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), securing two prestigious awards. Their newest creation, Sky Dog Amber, clinched the Gold Medal in the International Amber Lager category, while the beloved Tiny Bomb earned a Silver Medal in the highly competitive German-style Pilsener category, following its Bronze win in 2014.
These accolades elevate WISEACRE’s national award count to four, including the 2024 title of America’s Best Light Beer for Sky Dog and a Bronze Medal for their Oktoberfest at the 2025 World Beer Cup in the German-style Märzen category. The brewery’s commitment to crafting exceptional lagers continues to cement its reputation as a leader in the craft beer industry.

“We’re over the moon about our GABF wins,” said Davin Bartosch, WISEACRE’s master brewer. “Tiny Bomb’s Silver in one of the toughest categories is a huge honor, especially since it’s our flagship beer. And Sky Dog Amber taking Gold on its debut? That’s a testament to our team’s talent and dedication. We’re beyond proud.”
The 2025 GABF saw over 270 breweries compete across 108 beer and six cider categories, judged by a panel of industry experts. A GABF medal is a globally recognized mark of brewing excellence, celebrating precision, innovation, and quality. “Winning at GABF is a career-defining moment,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “These medals reflect the pinnacle of craftsmanship and skill.”
The awards underscore WISEACRE’s growing “Lager Legacy” in Memphis, where the brewery has been pushing boundaries since its founding in 2013. “Our goal was always to craft world-class lagers,” said Kellan Bartosch, co-founder alongside his brother Davin. “With five medals from top national and international competitions, we’re turning that vision into reality. We’re thrilled to share these award-winning beers with our Memphis community.”

The GABF awards were announced during a live-streamed ceremony on October 11, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center. WISEACRE celebrated locally on October 17 at their original taproom (2783 Broad Ave.), pouring Sky Dog Amber (exclusive to taprooms), Tiny Bomb, Sky Dog, and Oktoberfest. Guests also enjoyed the new Panuzzo King pizza sandwiches, wines, batch cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, with DJ Leroy spinning vinyl to mark the occasion.

WISEACRE Brewing Company
WISEACRE Brewing Company was founded in 2013 by brothers Davin and Kellan Bartosch, Memphis natives who brought their passion for craft beer back to their hometown after honing their skills across the U.S. and abroad. Davin, trained at Germany’s prestigious Doemens Academy, and Kellan, with experience in brewery operations, set out to create a brewery that blended tradition with innovation. Starting with a single taproom at 2783 Broad Ave., WISEACRE quickly gained traction for its focus on quality and creativity, growing to two Memphis locations and distribution across 22 states. With over 60 employees, the brewery has become a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene, earning recognition in outlets like Men’s Health and Forbes for its bold vision and community roots.

Since its inception, WISEACRE has crafted over 170 beers, spanning crisp German-style lagers, hop-forward American IPAs, complex Belgian ales, and experimental barrel-aged brews. Their flagship, Tiny Bomb, a German-style Pilsener, has become a fan favorite, earning a Silver Medal at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival and a Bronze in 2014. The Sky Dog series, including the 2024 titleholder for America’s Best Light Beer and the Gold Medal-winning Sky Dog Amber in 2025, showcases their lager expertise. Their Oktoberfest, a German-style Märzen, also claimed Bronze at the 2025 World Beer Cup, solidifying WISEACRE’s reputation for crafting award-winning beers that balance tradition with a distinctly Memphis flair.

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

The Ohio Craft Brewers Cup stands as Ohio’s premier professional brewing competition, celebrating the ingenuity and excellence of the Buckeye State’s vibrant craft beer scene by providing an equitable platform for breweries statewide to showcase their finest creations. Launched in 2018 and organized annually by The Dayton Beer Company, the event has grown exponentially since its inception, evolving from a modest gathering into a highly anticipated showcase that now features 27 diverse beer categories spanning traditional styles to innovative brews. Judged exclusively by panels of fellow Ohio professional brewers.
Website: https://www.ohiocraftbrewerscup.com/

2025 Ohio Craft Brewers Cup Medal Winners

AMBER/RED ALE
Gold: Three Tigers – Firehouse Amber
Silver: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – CLE Red
Bronze: Inside the Five – Megaphone

AMERICAN IPA
Gold: Immigrant Son – IPA
Silver: Three Tigers – Danko
Bronze: Ghost Tree – Cash After Ten

AMERICAN LIGHT ALE
Gold: Ghost Tree – Canoe Brew
Silver: Sonder – Eagle Light
Bronze: Oncore – Swantucky Slammer

AMERICAN LAGER
Gold: Pilot Brewhouse – Mt Crushmore
Silver: Combustion – Sir Veza
Bronze: Municipal – Pre-Pro Lager

AMERICAN PALE ALE
Gold: Three Tigers – Small Axe
Silver: Medina Brewing – Sunset Pale Ale
Bronze: Southern Ohio – Range Ball

BELGIAN/FRENCH ALE
Gold: Aeonian Brewing – OPA!
Silver: Broadview Brewing – Quadrophenia
Bronze: Narrow Path – Tri-Kettle Trippel

BELGIAN/FRENCH SAISON
Gold: Blue Heron – Abbey Normal
Silver: Edison Brewing – Winnow
Bronze: Narrow Path – Saison Du Grail

BROWN/DARK ALE
Gold: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – Dunkel
Silver: Sonder – Brobie Porter
Bronze: Third Eye – Inner Sight

COFFEE BEER
Gold: Brink – Lil Zoomie
Silver: Third Eye – Unleashed Potential
Bronze: Broadview – Covered in Chrome

EUROPEAN LAGER
Gold: Forbidden Root – Festhalle
Silver: Sonder – Nocturnal
Bronze: Combustion – Pelotonia Pils

OKTOBERFEST
Gold: Twin Oast – Proast
Silver: Counterbalance – Beneath the Leaves
Bronze: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – Festbier

FRUIT BEER
Gold: Double Edge – Bright Side
Silver: Ghost Tree – Ghostberry
Bronze: Aenonian Brewing – Around the Sun

GERMAN STYLE ALE
Gold: Brink Brewing – Lucid Visions
Silver: Forbidden Root – Note to Self
Bronze: Immigrant Son – Hungarian Pearl Kolsch

HERB/SPICE/PEPPER
Gold: Ghost Tree – Yukon Cornelius
Silver: Municipal – Route 4 Revive Ale
Bronze: Inside the Five – The Mashing Pumpkins

IMPERIAL BEER
Gold: Market Garden – Olde Groudhog Barleywine
Silver: Dayton Beer Co – Oregon Alley Imperial IPA
Bronze: Medina Brewing – Citra Supernova

NEIPA/HAZY IPA
Gold: Yellow Spring Brewing – Creative Space
Silver: Three Tigers – Juicy Bazooka
Bronze: Counterbalance – Rip, Tear, Destroy

NEPA/HAZY PALE
Gold: Forbidden Root – Mostly Idaho
Silver: Forbidden Root – Good on Ya
Bronze: Third Eye – Prismatic Muse

SCOTCH/SMOKED BEER
Gold: Edison – Zigarre
Silver: Combustion Brewing – Brasky
Bronze: Third Eye – High Consciousness

SOUR/WILD WITH FRUIT
Gold: Forbidden Root – Up for Discussion
Silver: Sonder – Bella
Bronze: Counterbalance – Neon Tides

SPECIALTY/HYBRID BEER
Gold: Market Garden – Yuzu
Silver: Third Eye – Getting Twisted
Bronze: Inside the Five – Squares or Triangles Strawberry

SPECIALTY/ADJUNCT STOUT
Gold: Third Eye – Double Astral
Silver: Roundhouse – Mexican Hot Chocolate
Bronze: Missing Falls – Brutus

STOUT
Gold: Brink – Moozie
Silver: Olentangy River – I Cant Feel My Pants
Bronze: Lockport – Big Debbie

WHEAT BEER
Gold: Market Garden – Prosperity Wheat
Silver: Twin Oast – Oastweizen
Bronze: Blue Heron – Yes Hefe

WOOD BARREL UNDER 8% ABV
Gold: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – Bourbon barrel aged Doppelbock
Silver: Forbidden Root – All the Positions
Bronze: Forbidden Root – Heaviest Snuggz

WOOD BARREL OVER 8% ABV
Gold: HofbrauHaus Cleveland – BBA Kaiser
Silver: Twin Oast – Meet your maker
Bronze: Combustion – Inch of Dust

BEST OF SHOW
BRINK – LIL ZOOMIE
(Finalist For Best of Show – Brink Lil Zoomie, Forbidden Root – Festhaus, Brink – Moozie)

Regional Awards
Central
Forbidden Root

Northwest
Twin Oast

Northeast
Ghost Tree Brewing

Greater Cleveland
Hofbrauhaus Cleveland

West Central
Yellow Springs Brewery

Southeast
Double Edge

Southwest
Third Eye

BREWERY SIZE Awards
Best Large Brewery (Greater than 15,000 bbls)
NA

Best Medium Brewery (Less than 15,000 but greater than 5,000 bbls)
Market Garden

Best Small Brewery (Less than 5,000 but greater than 1,000 bbls)
Third Eye Brewing

Best Nano Brewery (Less than 1,000 bbls)
Forbidden Root Brewing

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

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.

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!

 
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!

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!

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)

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

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.