Beer Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brewers Cup of California Medal Winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete List of 2025 World Beer Cup Winners 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

BOULDER, Colorado — April 1, 2019 — The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade organization championing America’s small and independent craft brewers, today announced an exciting update to its 2025 Beer Style Guidelines, officially adding Glitter Beer as a new category. This vibrant, eye-catching beer style, which surged in popularity for its shimmering, edible-glitter-infused appearance, is now recognized in response to its growing presence in the craft beer scene.

The BA’s Beer Style Guidelines, updated annually, serve as a key resource for brewers, beer judges, and competition organizers, showcasing the diverse world of craft beer. This rare mid-cycle amendment reflects the rapid rise of Glitter Beer, driven by consumer enthusiasm and widespread adoption by breweries nationwide. “Our guidelines evolve with the industry, and Glitter Beer’s dazzling popularity demanded swift recognition,” said BA spokesperson Lisa Frank. “This addition brings a fun, innovative spark to our competitions and celebrates the creativity of craft brewers.” Starting in 2025, Glitter Beer will be eligible for gold, silver, and bronze medals at prestigious BA events like the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup.

Quantitative Style Statistics
Original Gravity: 1.111 — 1.053
Final Gravity: 1.021 — 0.900
ABV: 13%
IBU: 11-22
SRM: 6-12
Volumes of CO2: 4.98
Apparent Attenuation: 81%

Pairing Suggestions
Peeps
Nicholas Sparks Novels
Mariah Carey’s “Glitter” Soundtrack
Construction paper and glue

More about the The Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA), established in 1978, is the not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the BA supports over 9,000 craft breweries through advocacy, education, and resources like the annual Beer Style Guidelines, fostering innovation and quality in the industry. It organizes prestigious events such as the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, celebrating the diversity and creativity of craft beer. Committed to community and sustainability, the BA empowers brewers to thrive in a competitive market while championing the cultural and economic impact of craft brewing across the United States.

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

Alaska, with its rugged landscapes and vibrant communities, has long been a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. The AK Beer Awards Competition, an annual showcase of the state’s finest brews, brings together brewers, judges, and beer lovers to celebrate the artistry and innovation of Alaskan craft beer. Held in the heart of Anchorage, this competition highlights the unique flavors and bold creativity that define Alaska’s brewing scene, from crisp lagers to smoky porters crafted with local ingredients.

A Stage for Alaskan Brewers
The AK Beer Awards Competition is a platform for both established and emerging breweries to showcase their best offerings. With Alaska’s craft beer industry thriving—home to over 40 breweries despite its small population—the event draws entries from across the state, including heavyweights like Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau and 49th State Brewing in Anchorage. These breweries, alongside smaller operations, compete in a range of style categories, from American IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, reflecting the diversity of Alaskan brewing.

In 2024, the competition saw entries from breweries in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and beyond, with a panel of expert judges evaluating beers based on aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. The judging process, aligned with standards similar to those of the World Beer Cup or Great American Beer Festival, ensures fairness and recognizes excellence in both traditional and experimental styles. Notably, Alaskan breweries have a strong track record in national competitions, with 49th State Brewing earning accolades like a silver medal for their Nitro McCarthy Stout in the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship and a gold for their Smok in the Smoke Beer category.

Standout Beers and Categories
The AK Beer Awards Competition features a wide array of beer styles, reflecting both global trends and local influences. Some of the most competitive categories include:

Juicy or Hazy IPA: A fan favorite, this category sees fierce competition as brewers experiment with hop-forward profiles and juicy, tropical notes. The style’s popularity mirrors national trends, with the World Beer Cup 2025 noting it as one of the most entered categories.

American-Style Stout: Alaskan brewers excel in crafting rich, roasty stouts, often infused with local flavors like coffee or chocolate. For example, 49th State Brewing’s Nitro McCarthy Stout has been a standout in national competitions.

Smoke Beer: Alaska’s brewing heritage includes smoked beers, a nod to traditional techniques. Alaskan Brewing Company’s Smoked Porter has historically performed well, earning a bronze in the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Experimental Beer: Brewers often incorporate Alaskan ingredients like spruce tips, wild berries, or glacier water, creating beers that capture the essence of the Last Frontier.

This year’s competition highlighted the creativity of Alaskan brewers, with awards going to beers that balanced technical precision with bold innovation. While specific winners of the 2025 AK Beer Awards are not detailed here, the event mirrors the high standards of competitions like the World Beer Cup, where 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries across 49 nations were judged in 2025, with U.S. breweries, including those from Alaska, claiming over 300 awards.

The Alaskan Brewing Scene
Alaska’s brewing culture is deeply tied to its independent spirit. Breweries like Alaskan Brewing Company, one of the state’s oldest, have paved the way with iconic beers like Amber Ale and Smoked Porter, while newer players like King Street Brewing and Midnight Sun Brewing push boundaries with experimental sours and barrel-aged brews. The AK Beer Awards Competition not only celebrates these breweries but also fosters a sense of community, bringing together brewers to share knowledge and inspire one another.

The competition also reflects broader industry trends. For instance, non-alcoholic and hoppy lagers are gaining traction, as seen in the World Beer Cup 2025, where categories like Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer saw increased entries. Alaskan breweries are keeping pace, with some experimenting with low-ABV and non-alcoholic options to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

 

 

 2024 AK Beer Awards Competition Results

American IPA Category
1st Place: Cynosure Brewing, Vivid Cold IPA
2nd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Hoppy Hooves West Coast IPA
​3rd Place: Harbor Mountain Brewing Company, Tender Lovin’ West Coast IPA

Hazy or Juicy IPA Category
1st Place: Space Tornado NEIPA, Girdwood Brewing Company
2nd Place: No Woman No Cryo NEIPA, Girdwood Brewing Company
3rd Place: Totally Pitted Hazy IPA, Harbor Mountain Brewing Company

Imperial IPA Category 
1st Place: HooDoo Brewing Company, 2024 21:49 Imperial IPA
2nd Place: Harbor Mountain Brewing Company, Chumdog Billionaire Hazy IIPA
3rd Place: Black Spruce Brewing Company, Solar Comedown Hazy DIPA

Imperial Ale or Lager
1st Place: Naptowne Brewing Company, Braveheart Scotch Ale
2nd Place: Glacier Brewhouse, Imperial Blonde
3rd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Imperial Stout

Hoppy Session Beer Category 
1st Place: Black Spruce Brewing Company, Sandhill Sippa Hazy Pale Ale
2nd Place: Harbor Mountain Brewing Company, Alpine Pale Ale
3rd Place: Devil’s Club Brewing Company, Moon Drop Hazy Pale Ale

Red, Amber or Brown Beer Category
1st Place: HooDoo Brewing Company, Oktoberfest 2024
2nd Place: Alaskan Brewing Company, Amber
3rd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Marzen

Pale Lager Category 
1st Place: Girdwood Brewing Company, Festbear Festbier
2nd Place: Turnagain Brewing, 30 Days in Hell Helles Lager
3rd Place: Lat 65 Brewing Company, Ptarmigan Pilsner

Pilsner Category
1st Place: Midnight Sun Brewing Company, Wolfpack Pilsner
2nd Place: Forbidden Peak Brewery, Abstrax Art Pilsner
3rd Place: Black Spruce Brewing Company, Purple Cone Contemporary Pilsner

Golden, Blonde & Other Light Ales
1st Place: Lat 65 Brewing Company, Up North Cream Ale
2nd Place: 49th State Brewing Company, Blonde Eagle Ale
3rd Place: Girdwood Brewing Company, Down the Chute Kolsch

Dark Beer
1st Place: Cynosure Brewing, Black Lager
2nd Place: Grace Ridge Brewing Company, Honey Porter
3rd Place: Matanuska Brewing Company, Deep Powder Porter

Fruit Beer
1st Place: Turnagain Brewing, Rhu-Fram
2nd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Persephone’s Potion
3rd Place: Girdwood Brewing Company, Funkberry Pie

Coffee & Smoked Beer
1st Place: Alaskan Brewing Company, Smoked Porter
2nd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Gotlandsdricke
3rd Place: Naptown Brewing Company, Old Man Marley Brown

Spiced, Herbed or Flavored Beer Category 
1st Place: Cynosure Brewing, Hojicha Rice Lager
2nd Place: Growler Bay Brewing Company, Spruce Tip Ale
3rd Place: Midnight Sun Brewing Company, Leap Vanilla Milk Stout

Saison
1st Place: Devil’s Club Brewing Company, Rainforest Saison
2nd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Homesteader Saison
3rd Place: Naptowne Brewing Company, The Voyageur Belgian Saison

Sour Beer
1st Place: Turnagain Brewing, Guz Gueuze
2nd Place: Turnagain Brewing, Duke of Spenard Flanders Red
3rd Place: Devil’s Club Brewing Company, A-Papa American Wood-Aged Sour

Belgian, German or Brettanomyces Beer Category
1st Place: Turnagain Brewing, Brett Saison
2nd Place: Devil’s Club Brewing Company, Pink Elephants on Parade Belgian
Golden Strong Ale
3rd Place: Naptowne Brewing Company, Squall Hammer Belgian Dubbel

Barrel-Aged Beer
1st Place: Black Spruce Brewing Company, Voracious Tendencies Rum Barrel-Aged Black Barleywine
2nd Place, Turnagain Brewing, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
3rd Place: Glacier Brewhouse, Jim Beam Double Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Non-Flavored Cider
1st Place: Arctic Roots Cider, Alaska Cider
2nd Place: Bear Creek Winery, Glacier Bear Semi-Dry Artisanal Cider
3rd Place: Double Shovel Cider Company, Extra Dry Cider

Flavored Cider
1st Place: Black Spruce Fruit Project, Pinnell Pineapple Semi-Sweet Cider
2nd Place: Lat 65 Brewing Company, Apples to Oranges Mimosa Cider
3rd Place: Black Spruce Fruit Project, Goldstream Guava Semi-Sweet Cider

Traditional or Flavored Mead
1st Place: Ravens Ring Brewing Co., Wilderness Spirits
2nd Place: Two Seasons Meadery, Solstice Noir
3rd Place: Hive Mind Meadery, POG Buzz

Hard Seltzer
1st Place: Growler Bay Brewing Company, Hibiscus Hard Seltzer
2nd Place: Alaskan Brewing Company, Cherry Grapefruit Hard Seltzer
3rd Place: Forbidden Peak Brewery, Strawberry Margarita Hard Seltzer

In honor of Elvis’s Birthday, BeerInfo’s Beer of the Day is Brewdog Elvis Juice brewed by brewdog. Elvis Juice is an IPA like no other. This IPA puts grapefruit center stage. Primed with tart pithy grapefruit peel for a citrus assault on the senses. This zest zenith delivers intense US hop aromas. Gigantic grapefruit notes are tail-gated by orange and pine. All piled high on a caramel malt base. ABV: 6.5% IBU: 60

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. Presley is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He was commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.

Lawsuit:
The Ellon-based brewer initially lost the right to call its grapefruit and blood orange IPA ‘Elvis Juice’ after the UK Intellectual Property Office found in favour of the Elvis Presley estate last June.

Before the first ruling, BrewDog founders James Watt and Martin Dickie both changed their names to ‘Elvis’ by deed poll after the estate took legal action against them.

The Presley estate objected after BrewDog applied to register ‘Elvis Juice’ and ‘BrewDog Elvis Juice’ as trademarks. It felt that the application was in conflict with its registered trademark and believed that people buying BrewDog’s beer could mistakenly believe that the estate had endorsed the product.

In the appeal hearing, BrewDog has been given permission to trademark ‘Brewdog Elvis Juice’ (but not ‘Elvis Juice’) and a ruling has been overturned which ordered the brewer to pay the estate £1,500 in costs.(The Drinks Buisness)

More about Brewdog USA
BrewDog USA, the American arm of the iconic Scottish craft beer pioneer, continues to lead the charge in innovative brewing from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Home to a massive 100,000-square-foot brewery and the world’s first craft beer hotel, The DogHouse, BrewDog USA offers an immersive experience complete with beer taps in guest rooms, brewery tours, and epic taprooms pouring flagship favorites like Punk IPA alongside bold new releases. In 2025, the brand achieved a remarkable 26% volume growth by focusing on core headliners and strategic markets, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the U.S. craft scene.

Fresh off launching the piney and tropical BrewDog IPA—a 6.3% ABV tribute to Chinook and Citra hops—and earning “Best Brewery Experience” in Columbus’s 2025 awards, BrewDog USA invites beer enthusiasts to discover its vibrant bars in Ohio, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Denver. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and punk spirit, BrewDog USA is crafting unforgettable moments for hop lovers nationwide, proving that great beer truly is great for the planet.

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

 

 

For more than 20 years, FoBAB has united the country’s premier barrel-aged brewing programs—showcasing brewers who expertly fuse art and science, wood and bourbon, timing and technique—in a singular celebration of craftsmanship and innovation. This year, over 170 breweries nationwide have submitted their rarest and most exclusive wood- and barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads, and perries for judging. Discover the full list of participating breweries below.

2024 FOBAB BEST IN SHOW
Hidden Hand Brewery – Oaked Val d’Or – Naperville, IL

2024 FOBAB BEST IN SHOWRUNNER UP
More Brewing Company Villa Park – Mehndi 2023 – Villa Park, IL

STRONG PORTER + STOUT
GOLD – Breakside Brewery & Taproom – Somebody New in the Old West – Milwaukie, OR
SILVER – White Oak Brewing – Into the Thick of It – Normal, IL
BRONZE – Firestone Walker – ParAmburana – Paso Robles, CA

STRONG PORTER + STOUT
GOLD – Cahaba Brewing Company – Romulus – Birmingham, AL
SILVER – Old Irving Brewing Company – Champurrado Krampus – Chicago, IL
BRONZE – Half Acre Beer Co. – Benthic 2 x 4 – Chicago, IL

BARLEYWINE/WHEATWINE
GOLD – Verboten Brewing – Double Oaked Cognac Grow Old With You – Loveland, CO
SILVER – Kros Strain Brewing – Barrelywine Vol.12 Single Barrel – LaVista, NE
BRONZE – Brothership Brewing – Noble Cask – Mokena, IL

BLENDED BEER
GOLD – The Lost Abbey – Serpent’s Kiss Imperial Stout for the Rare Beer Club 30th Anniversary – Vista, CA
SILVER – Third Eye Brewing – Barrel Aged Private Consciousness – Hamilton, OH
BRONZE – Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project – Grow In Darkness – Loveland, CO

OTHER PALE BEER
GOLD – Bubblehouse Brewing – That Escalated Swiftly – Lisle, IL
SILVER – Forbidden Root – Well Positioned – Oak Aged Saison – Chicago, IL
BRONZE – Sketchbook Brewing – Tripel G – Belgian Style Tripel – Skokie, IL

LAGERS
GOLD – Elmhurst Brewing – BA Elevator – Elmhurst, IL
SILVER – Kros Strain Brewing – Barrel-Aged Czech Dark Lager – LaVista, NE
BRONZE – Solemn Oath Brewery – Foederface – Naperville, IL

OTHER DARK BEER
GOLD – Half Acre Beer Co. – Orin – Chicago, IL
SILVER – Loose Ends Brewing – NPN – Applejack Brandy Barrel Aged – Centerville, OH
BRONZE – Sun King Brewery – Diddy Muckle – Fishers, IN

FRUIT BEER
GOLD – Revolution Brewing – Cherry V.S.O.J. – Chicago, IL
SILVER – Sun King Brewery – Soul Shakedown Party – Indianapolis, IN
BRONZE – Cruz Blanca Brewery – La Locura – Chicago, IL

SPECIALTY + EXPERIMENTAL
GOLD – Black Horizon Brewing – From Earth To You – Willowbrook, IL
SILVER – G5 Brewing Company – Eternal Burning – McFarland, WI
BRONZE – Cruz Blanca Brewery – Tepache Cowboy – Chicago, IL

WILD BEER BRETT
GOLD – Off Color Brewing – Funky Beer for Tacos – Chicago, IL
SILVER – Benchtop Brewing Company – Baby – Richmond, VA
BRONZE – Boulevard Brewing Company – Foeder 7 – Kansas City, MO

WILD BEER MIXED CULTURE (ACIDIC)
GOLD – Milieu Fermentation Company – SMOL – Aurora, CO
SILVER – Ike & Oak Brewing – Cutbow – Woodridge, IL
BRONZE – Imperial Oak Brewing-Brookfield Blanc Brookfield, IL

WILD BEER MIXED CULTURE (ACIDIC) W/ FRUIT
GOLD – Pryes Brewing – Idyll Forest: 2024 Soirée – Minneapolis, MN
SILVER – Firestone Walker Brewing – Primal Elements with Pink Guava and Pineapple – Buellton, CA
BRONZE – Lupulin Brewing Company – Star Damage – Calamansi & Sabro – Big Lake, MN

CIDER/PERRY/MEAD
GOLD – Misbeehavin’ Meads – Clint’s Apple Pie – Valparaiso, IN
SILVER – Misbeehavin’ Meads – Stake in the Tart – Valparaiso, IN
BRONZE – Right Bee Cider – Barrel-Aged Clementine – Chicago, IL

 

The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB), held annually in Chicago, stands as the nation’s premier competition and tasting event dedicated exclusively to barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads, and perries. Founded in 2002 by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, FoBAB attracts more than 170 breweries from coast to coast, each submitting their rarest, most meticulously crafted expressions—beers patiently matured in oak barrels once home to bourbon, rye, wine, or spirits, yielding layers of vanilla, caramel, smoke, and fruit that dance with the base brew’s character. Over a single weekend in November, hundreds of entries are blind-judged by BJCP-certified experts across dozens of style categories, crowning gold, silver, and bronze medals in a celebration of patience and precision. Attendees then flood the festival floor for a grand public tasting, sampling limited-release pours poured straight from the wood, an immersive showcase where innovation meets tradition in every glass.

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

CINCINNATI, OH— Cincinnati’s Brink Brewing is raising a glass after Cincinnati’s Brink Brewing being named 2019 Very Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF). The Brewers Association honored the brewery at the 33rd annual event, where Brink snagged gold medals for two standout beers, proving they’re a force in craft beer.

Hold the Reins, a classic English-style Mild Ale, scored gold among 40 entries. This easy-drinking beer brings nutty flavors, a touch of caramel, and a crisp, roasty finish. It started as Head Brewer Kelly Montgomery’s homebrew and has been a taproom favorite. “I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years,” Montgomery says. “New ingredients keep it fresh, and it’s always on tap.” The beer previously won gold in 2017 and silver in 2018 at GABF.

Moozie, a lush Milk Stout, also took gold, beating out 67 competitors in the Sweet or Cream Stout category. It’s like a chocolate-coffee shake—rich, creamy, and packed with lactose and oats. Named for Molly, sister of Brink owners John and Kelly, it honors their Uncle Jack, who inspired their craft beer journey. “Moozie’s a family tribute and Molly’s go-to style,” Montgomery says. “With seven awards, it’s our most celebrated beer.” Moozie’s accolades include a 2018 World Beer Cup® bronze, a 2019 Ohio Craft Brewers Cup silver, and a 2018 GABF gold.

Brink made GABF history as the first brewery to win Very Small Brewing Company two years running. As they near their third anniversary in 2020, the team is buzzing. “We didn’t think we could top last year, so this is huge,” says co-owner John McGarry. “We’re proud to help Ohio rank among the top U.S. beer scenes for medals.”

Find Brink Brewing’s award-winning beers at their Cincinnati taproom or search local spots. Here’s to epic brews and good times!

History of Brink Brewing
Brink Brewing Co. was founded in February 2017 in Cincinnati’s College Hill neighborhood by brothers Kelly Montgomery and John McGarry, inspired by their Uncle Jack’s passion for craft beer. The brewery started as a small, community-focused taproom, emphasizing quality brews and local vibes. With a modest setup, including a reclaimed wood bar and a large community table, Brink quickly became a neighborhood staple. Their initial production was around 650 barrels in 2018, reflecting their focus on small-scale, high-quality brewing.

Rapid Rise to Recognition (2017–2018)
From the outset, Brink made waves in the craft beer scene. Just months after opening, they entered the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the nation’s largest beer competition. In 2017, their English-style Mild Ale, Hold the Reins, won gold, and their Milk Stout, Moozie, earned early accolades. Named after Molly, the owners’ sister, Moozie became a flagship beer, celebrated for its rich, chocolatey profile. In 2018, Brink continued their streak, with Moozie taking gold and Hold the Reins earning silver at GABF. These wins led to Brink being named Very Small Brewing Company of the Year, an honor for breweries producing under 1,000 barrels annually. They also secured a bronze for Moozie at the 2018 World Beer Cup and multiple medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship, including #2 Overall Brewery.

Historic Back-to-Back GABF Wins (2019)
In 2019, Brink made history as the first brewery to win GABF’s Very Small Brewing Company of the Year two years in a row. At the 33rd annual GABF, Hold the Reins reclaimed gold in the English-style Mild Ale category (40 entries), and Moozie secured gold in the Sweet or Cream Stout category (67 entries). Moozie also earned a silver at the inaugural Ohio Craft Brewers Cup that year. By this time, Brink had amassed seven GABF medals since opening, a remarkable feat for a brewery barely two years old. Their 2019 production rose to about 850 barrels, and their awards brought free publicity, drawing beer enthusiasts to their taproom.

Sustained Excellence Amid Challenges (2020–2023)
The 2020 GABF, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Brink maintain their dominance, with Moozie winning gold for the third consecutive year in the Sweet or Cream Stout category. They also expanded into distribution in 2021, partnering with Adena Distributing to offer 12- and 16-ounce cans. Despite industry challenges, Brink’s awards kept coming, including gold for Lil Zoomie (Coffee Stout) at the 2021 GABF and multiple medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and Ohio Craft Brewers Cup. In 2022 and 2023, Moozie earned bronze at GABF, and Lil Zoomie took gold in 2023, contributing to Brink’s streak of medaling at GABF every year from 2017 to 2023.

Expansion and Continued Success (2024–Present)
In 2024, Brink expanded their footprint by acquiring the adjacent space in College Hill, adding a canning line and enlarging their outdoor patio. This allowed greater production capacity while preserving their small-batch ethos. At the 2024 GABF, Moozie won bronze, and Oktoberfest earned gold at the Ohio Craft Brewers Cup, pushing their total to over 22 awards since 2017. Their taproom, known for its cozy vibe and rotating lineup of 20 beers, remains a draw for locals and visitors.

Legacy and Impact
Brink Brewing’s meteoric rise is defined by their consistent excellence, with standout beers like Moozie and Hold the Reins earning a combined 12 GABF medals. Their focus on community, quality, and innovation has elevated Cincinnati’s craft beer scene, helping Ohio rank among the top U.S. states for beer medals. As of 2025, Brink continues to brew for their neighborhood, staying true to their roots while cementing their place as one of America’s top small breweries.

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