The story behind Lagunitas Brewing Company’s Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale is a tale of rebellion, craft beer culture, and a cheeky response to authority. Brewed by Lagunitas in Petaluma, California, this American Strong Ale (9.6% ABV, 66.6 IBUs) commemorates a 2005 incident dubbed the “St. Patrick’s Day Massacre” and the brewery’s subsequent 20-day suspension. Here’s the “highstory”:

The Incident
Lagunitas, founded by Tony Magee in 1993, was known for its laid-back, counterculture vibe, hosting weekly parties every Thursday at 4:20 PM in their taproom loft. These gatherings featured beer, live music, and food, attracting a mix of locals, friends, and family. The brewery’s open embrace of cannabis culture—evident in the conspicuous 4:20 start time—drew the attention of California’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).

In early 2005, the ABC launched an eight-week undercover investigation, suspecting illegal activities at these events. Undercover agents posed as partygoers, attempting to catch the brewery in acts like serving minors, overserving alcohol, or facilitating drug sales. Despite their efforts, the agents found no evidence of underage drinking or alcohol-related violations. However, they did observe cannabis use outside the brewery, which was common but not condoned by Lagunitas. Frustrated by their lack of success in nabbing serious offenses, the ABC culminated their sting on St. Patrick’s Day 2005, raiding the event, arresting a few individuals for possession, and charging Lagunitas with operating a “Disorderly House” and “Moral Turpitude” (a term the brewery had to look up, defined as “devoid of social morals”).

The Fallout
The ABC initially slapped Lagunitas with a one-year suspension of their operating license, a potentially devastating blow for a growing craft brewery. After negotiations, the penalty was reduced to 20 days, and Lagunitas strategically chose to serve the suspension in mid-January 2006, using the downtime to install a new bottling line and generate significant media buzz. The brewery leaned into the ordeal, turning a setback into a marketing triumph.

The Beer
In defiance and celebration, Lagunitas created Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, first released in 2005. The beer’s label, penned by Magee, a former reggae musician, drips with sarcasm: “We Brewed This Especially Bitter Ale In Remembrance of the 2005 St. Patrick’s Day Massacre And in Celebration of Our 20-Day Suspension. … Whatever. We’re Still Here.” The name itself was a jab, as the ABC had to approve the label, forcing them to stamp their own embarrassment.

The beer is a malty, hop-forward American Strong Ale that defies strict style guidelines—Lagunitas jokingly calls it an “Imperial Mild” or “Uber ESB.” It pours a clear amber with a light beige head, offering aromas of pine, citrus, and caramel malts. The flavor balances sweet malt, fruity hops, and a bitter, grapefruit-zest finish, with a creamy medium body and a sneaky drinkability despite its high ABV. Reviewers praise its balance, though some note the alcohol can be prominent.

The Legacy
The ale became a fan favorite, earning a 91/100 on BeerAdvocate with over 4,500 reviews and a 3.9/5 on Untappd with 131,000+ check-ins. It’s celebrated not just for its taste but for its story, embodying Lagunitas’s irreverent spirit. The brewery even produced a YouTube video in 2015, “The HIGHSTORY Behind Undercover Investigation Special Ale,” where employees recount the tale with humor, mentioning “undercover agents hiding in jean jackets” and a “giant joint made with a sushi roller.”

The beer also nods to a broader ethos. Tony Magee, reflecting on the incident, quoted Benjamin Franklin: “You can tell the strength of a society by the paucity of pages in its book of laws,” critiquing overreach by authorities. When an ABC agent later returned to reinstate the license, Magee teased him, learning the agent had aspired to be an astronaut—hence the beer’s dedication to “all the world’s would-be astronauts.”

Conclusion
Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale is more than a beer; it’s a middle finger to bureaucracy and a testament to resilience. Lagunitas turned a bust into a badge of honor, crafting a bold, bitter ale that tells a story in every sip. As they put it: “Do the crime. Do the time. Get the bragging rights.”

About Lagunitas Brewing
Founded in 1993 by Tony Magee in Petaluma, California, Lagunitas Brewing Company has grown from a small kitchen stove operation to a globally recognized craft brewery, now a subsidiary of Heineken International since 2017. Renowned for its hop-forward beers, particularly the iconic Lagunitas IPA—the top-selling IPA in the world—the brewery has built a loyal following through its irreverent spirit, innovative brews, and commitment to community. With a diverse portfolio that includes non-alcoholic offerings like Hoppy Refresher and IPNA, as well as experimental seasonal releases, Lagunitas continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots, welcoming open-minded beer enthusiasts with open taps and a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Lagunitas remains deeply connected to its Petaluma home, where its taproom and beer sanctuary serve as a hub for locals and visitors to experience exclusive brews, live music, and events like Thursday karaoke and bingo nights. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and community shines through initiatives like its collaboration with Toast Ale, creating The Toast of Petaluma, a lager brewed with surplus bread to reduce food waste, and donations to local nonprofits like Sonoma Family Meal. As Lagunitas consolidates its brewing operations in Petaluma following the 2024 closure of its Chicago facility, it aims to enhance efficiency, focus on innovation, and continue delivering fresh, high-quality beers to fans across 20 countries and beyond.

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

DENVER, CO— No need for a passport— Bruz Beers is bringing Belgium to Denver.

On Saturday, June 7, Bruz Beers will host the Belgian Import Festival at their original location on West 67th Avenue from noon to 3pm. This celebration of all things Belgian will serve the largest and most curated selection of Belgian beers to be found in Colorado this summer. Festival guests can sample beers from eighteen world-renowned Belgian breweries, including Orval, Rochefort, Chimay, and St. Bernardus. The complete brewery list is below.

The Belgian Import Festival at Bruz Beers will also feature four food trucks— Big Belly Brothers BBQ, Macs and Mutts, Papa Frites, and Shuck Brothers— and live music by Boot Gun, named “the Denver Rock Band to Watch This Year” by Westword. The Bruz Beers owners and brewers will be onsite, ready to toast with guests and share more about the special offerings they have slated for the festival.

Everyone from seasoned Belgian beer enthusiasts to the Belgian beer curious will find something to love at this gathering dedicated to the European beer culture that inspires the ethos of Bruz Beers. Its owners facilitate a Belgian beer tour overseas each year, and this festival is their opportunity to bring standout beers from their travels home to their community in Denver. “This event is nine years in the making and a dream come true,” says Ryan Evans, CEO of Bruz Beers. “Bringing the finest beers in the world to our tasting room for all to enjoy together is truly a treat!”

Tickets to this Beer Disneyland-esque beer experience cost $60 per person and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

BELGIAN IMPORT FESTIVAL DAY-OF DETAILS

When: Saturday, June 6, 2025 – 12 to 3 pm

Where: Bruz Beers, 1675 West 67th Avenue #100 Denver, CO 80221

Rain or Shine

Breweries on the Menu:

Chimay: Renowned for its Trappist beers, Chimay produces rich, complex ales like Chimay Blue, crafted under monastic supervision in Belgium since 1862. Its beers are celebrated globally for their balance of malt, fruit, and spice.

Cornelissen: Brouwerij Cornelissen, a family-owned Belgian brewery, is famous for its Herkenrode abbey beers and Limburgse Witte, blending tradition with innovative flavors. Its Pax Pils offers a crisp, refreshing take on the classic style.

De Brabandre: Founded in 1894, De Brabandre is known for its Petrus sour ales, particularly Petrus Aged Pale, combining oak-aged tartness with fruity depth. The brewery also crafts the hoppy Kwaremont, inspired by cycling culture.

Dubuisson: One of Belgium’s oldest family breweries, established in 1769, Dubuisson is famed for its Bush Ambrée, a strong, malty ale with caramel notes. Its Cuvée des Trolls offers a lighter, citrusy alternative.

Halve Maan: Located in Bruges, Halve Maan brews the iconic Straffe Hendrik and Brugse Zot, blending centuries-old tradition with modern creativity. Its historic brewery site attracts beer enthusiasts worldwide.

Huyghe: Best known for its Delirium Tremens, a strong golden ale with a spicy, fruity profile, Huyghe has been brewing since 1906. The brewery’s pink elephant logo is a global craft beer symbol.

John Martin: Founded by a British expatriate in 1909, John Martin is celebrated for its Gordon Finest Scotch Ale and the crisp Timmermans lambics. Its portfolio blends Belgian tradition with international appeal.

Kerel: A modern Belgian brewery, Kerel focuses on bold, experimental beers like its Saison and Dark Farmhouse Ale, emphasizing organic ingredients. Its vibrant branding reflects its innovative spirit.

Lindemans: Since 1822, Lindemans has specialized in lambic beers, with its Kriek and Gueuze offering tart, fruity flavors from spontaneous fermentation. Its fruit lambics are a gateway for new beer drinkers.

Orval: A Trappist brewery since 1931, Orval produces a single, distinctive beer, Orval Ale, known for its dry, hoppy, and Brettanomyces-driven complexity. Its elegant bottle design is iconic.

Rochefort: This Trappist brewery, dating back to 1595, crafts three revered beers—Rochefort 6, 8, and 10—with rich, dark fruit, and chocolate notes. Its small-scale production ensures exceptional quality.

Rodenbach: Famous for its Flemish red-brown ales, Rodenbach blends young and oak-aged beers for a tart, fruity profile, with Rodenbach Grand Cru as a standout. Brewing since 1821, it’s a sour beer pioneer.

St. Bernardus: Located in Watou, St. Bernardus brews abbey-style ales, with its Abt 12 quad known for its velvety, dark fruit richness. Often compared to Trappist beers, it’s a craft favorite.

St. Feuillien: Founded in 1873, St. Feuillien produces elegant abbey beers like its Blonde and Tripel, balancing malt sweetness with spicy yeast notes. Its seasonal Saison is a refreshing highlight.

Val-Dieu: Brewed at a Cistercian abbey, Val-Dieu offers authentic abbey beers like its Triple, with fruity esters and a smooth finish. Its recipes draw on centuries of monastic tradition.

Van Steenberge: Known for its Gulden Draak, a dark, boozy tripel, Van Steenberge has brewed since 1784, blending heritage with bold flavors. Its Piraat Ale is a hoppy, adventurous classic.

Verhaeghe: A leader in Flemish red ales, Verhaeghe’s Duchesse de Bourgogne combines sweet, sour, and oak-aged depth since 1825. Its Barbe Ruby is a fruity, dessert-like treat.

Westmalle: A Trappist pioneer since 1836, Westmalle is the birthplace of the Tripel style, with its Westmalle Tripel offering golden, spicy complexity. Its Dubbel is a darker, malt-driven classic.

ABOUT BRUZ BEERS
The acclaimed Bruz Beers was named one of the 13 Best Craft Breweries in America by Hop Culture, has won countless awards and medals, and is dedicated to brewing traditional Belgian-style beers and innovative Belgian-inspired brews. It offers a wide range of Belgian-style seasonal and limited releases on tap at its two Denver area locations or for takeaway in crowlers, bottles and cans. Visit Bruz online at bruzbeers.com.

The Belgian Import Festival
The Belgian Import Festival, hosted by Bruz Beers in Denver, Colorado, on June 7, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at their original West 67th Avenue location, is a vibrant celebration of Belgium’s world-renowned brewing heritage. This event, nine years in the making, showcases rare and acclaimed beers from 18 prestigious Belgian breweries, including Trappist and abbey-style ales, lambics, and Flemish sours. Attendees can enjoy unlimited 2oz pours, a commemorative tasting glass, and pizza slices, with local food trucks and live music enhancing the festive atmosphere. Tickets, priced at $25 for general admission, offer beer enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore Belgium’s diverse beer culture while connecting with brewers, importers, and fellow aficionados in a lively, community-driven setting.

 

 

 

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Eight months after Tropical Storm Helene unleashed 15 feet of floodwater on Hi-Wire Brewing’s Beer Garden and Distribution Center, the Asheville-based brewery proudly announces the reopening of its flagship location at 284 Lyman St. The community is invited to a grand reopening celebration from noon to 9 p.m. on May 24, 2025.

The event will pulse with live music, food trucks, visual performers, and a makers’ market showcasing local artists and vendors. Guests can enjoy Hi-Wire’s full lineup: 24 draft beers, including three silver-medal World Beer Cup winners, specialty cocktails, slushies, and 16-ounce canned beers for purchase to-go.

“After the storm, we faced uncertainty about reopening our River Arts District facility,” said Bryna Frosaker, co-owner of Hi-Wire. “The overwhelming support from our community over these past eight months has been humbling. We hope our reopening helps fuel the RAD’s recovery and encourages visitors to support the artists and businesses that make this district vibrant.”

Located steps from the French Broad River, Hi-Wire’s facility bore the brunt of Helene’s catastrophic floods. Raging waters scattered shipping containers in the beer garden and blanketed the brewery in toxic mud. The toll was immense: 1.3 million unfilled cans, 200,000 filled cans, merchandise, offices, and the taproom were lost. Neighboring businesses and buildings were swept away, amplifying the community’s grief.

To honor the River Arts District’s rebirth, Hi-Wire commissioned local artist XCVI to create a mural on a surviving shipping container in the Beer Garden. The artwork depicts Hi-Wire’s tightrope walker, reimagined as a symbol of resilience, striding from turbulent waters toward a blooming dogwood tree—North Carolina’s state tree—rooted in stone against a mountain backdrop. “The dogwood represents the strength of Western North Carolina and our state,” XCVI said. “In the wake of the hurricane, neighboring communities rallied to support us. Resilience and care are in our roots.”

About Hi-Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire Brewing, founded in 2013 in Asheville, North Carolina, is a craft brewery known for its approachable yet innovative beers and vibrant taproom experiences. With its flagship location in the River Arts District (RAD), Hi-Wire has become a cornerstone of Asheville’s craft beer scene, offering a diverse range of lagers, IPAs, and specialty brews. The brewery’s commitment to quality has earned it multiple awards, including three silver medals at the World Beer Cup. Beyond its RAD headquarters, Hi-Wire operates additional taprooms in Asheville, Durham, and other cities across the Southeast, alongside a robust distribution network. Its iconic tightrope walker logo embodies the balance of tradition and creativity that defines the brand.

Hi-Wire’s history is one of growth and resilience. Starting as a small operation, it expanded its RAD facility into a production hub and lively beer garden before Tropical Storm Helene devastated the site in September 2024. The storm’s destruction tested the brewery’s resolve, but community support and a determined rebuilding effort enabled its triumphant return. Hi-Wire’s reopening in May 2025 not only marks a milestone for the company but also symbolizes the broader recovery of the RAD, reinforcing the brewery’s role as a cultural and economic anchor in Western North Carolina.

Looking for a Beer  Festival?  Here are the Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more – CLICK HERE.

Cheers to the First National Homebrew Day: May 7th, 1988

Every year on the first Saturday of May, beer enthusiasts across the United States raise a glass to celebrate National Homebrew Day! This frothy holiday, established by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), is a tribute to the art, science, and community of homebrewing. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a curious newbie, National Homebrew Day is the perfect excuse to dive into the world of craft beer, experiment with flavors, and share the joy of a cold, homemade pint.  National Homebrew Day was created to honor the passion and creativity of homebrewers who craft their own beer from scratch. It’s a day to celebrate the DIY spirit, connect with fellow beer lovers, and showcase the endless possibilities of brewing at home. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, homebrewing lets you customize every sip to your taste. On the first Saturday in May, homebrewers nationwide will fire up their kettles, mix their malts, and participate in the AHA’s Big Brew event, a global toast where brewers make the same recipes or share their own. It’s not just about brewing—it’s about community, learning, and, of course, enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Why Homebrewing is So Awesome

Homebrewing is more than just a hobby; it’s a creative outlet that blends science, artistry, and a love for beer. Here’s why it’s worth celebrating:

• Endless Creativity: Want a chocolate stout or a mango-infused sour? With homebrewing, you’re the master of your flavors.

• Community Vibes: Homebrew clubs and events like Big Brew bring people together to swap recipes, tips, and tastings.

• Sustainability: Brewing at home can be eco-friendly, using local ingredients and reusable equipment.

• Learning Curve: From fermentation to carbonation, you’ll geek out on the science behind that perfect pour.

How to Celebrate National Homebrew Day

Ready to join the fun? Here are some ways to make the most of National Homebrew Day:

1. Start Brewing: Pick a beginner-friendly recipe like a pale ale or join the AHA’s Big Brew recipes. Kits are available online or at local brew shops.

2. Join a Local Event: Check with your local homebrew club or brewery for tastings, workshops, or group brews. Many host Big Brew watch parties!

3. Share Your Brew: Bottle up your latest batch and share it with friends (responsibly, of course). Nothing beats the pride of a homemade beer.

4. Learn Something New: Watch online tutorials, read up on hop varieties, or experiment with a new ingredient like fruit or spices.

5. Toast Virtually: Can’t make it to an event? Join the global toast at 1:00 PM ET, share your brew on social media with #NationalHomebrewDay, and connect with brewers worldwide.

Fun Facts About Homebrewing

• It’s Legal (Mostly): Thanks to a 1978 law signed by President Jimmy Carter, homebrewing is legal in the U.S. for personal use, though some states have specific rules.

• Ancient Roots: Beer brewing dates back over 7,000 years, with ancient Sumerians and Egyptians perfecting early recipes.

• Craft Beer Boom: Many craft breweries, like Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams, started as homebrew experiments.

• Big Brew Impact: In 2024, thousands of brewers participated in Big Brew, producing gallons of beer for charity and community events.

Tips for Homebrewing Newbies

Dipping your toes into homebrewing? Here’s how to get started:

• Invest in a Kit: Starter kits (around $50-$100) include essentials like fermenters, airlocks, and sanitizers.

• Keep It Clean: Sanitation is key—any bacteria can ruin your batch.

• Start Simple: Try a pre-made recipe kit before tweaking your own.

• Be Patient: Fermentation takes 1-2 weeks, and some beers need months to mature.

• Join a Club: Local or online homebrew communities offer advice, feedback, and camaraderie.

 Raise a Glass to Homebrewing!

National Homebrew Day is the first Saturday in May, is your chance to celebrate the craft, community, and creativity of homebrewing. Whether you’re brewing your first batch, joining a Big Brew event, or simply sipping a friend’s homemade IPA, this day is all about the love of beer. So grab your hops, sanitize your fermenter, and let’s toast to the joy of making something delicious from scratch.

Cheers to National Homebrew Day—here’s to great brews and good times!

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The 2022 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held October 6-8 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, marked a triumphant return to in-person festivities for its 40th anniversary, following virtual events in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by the Brewers Association, the festival welcomed over 40,000 attendees who sampled more than 4,000 beers from 800 breweries, showcasing the diversity and innovation of American craft brewing. The event buzzed with live music, costume contests, and the unique PAIRED experience, pairing craft beers with culinary creations from top chefs. The festival’s competition, the nation’s largest professional beer judging, awarded 300 medals across 98 categories, with 9,904 entries evaluated by 235 experts from seven countries, cementing GABF’s reputation as the pinnacle of brewing excellence.

Only a couple of weeks before the 2024 Great American Beer Festival announces the 2024 medal winners and breweries of the year. Let’s look at last year’s winners and reining champs.

2022 Great American Beer Festival Medal Winners
Category 1: American Wheat Beer – 65 Entries
Gold: Sunsphere, Balter Beerworks, Knoxville, TN
Silver: Canebrake, Parish Brewing Co., Broussard, LA
Bronze: Uinta Brewing Golden Spike Hefeweizen, Uinta Brewing Co., Salt
Lake City, UT

Category 2: American Fruit Beer – 118 Entries
Gold: Street Cart, Golden Road Brewing – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Silver: Big Sippin’, Odell Brewing Co. – Five Points Brewhouse, Denver, CO
Bronze: Lemonade, Surly Brewing Co., Minneapolis, MN

Category 3: Fruit Wheat Beer – 106 Entries
Gold: Guava Cart, Golden Road Brewing – Huntington Harbour, Huntington
Beach, CA
Silver: Inclusion Criteria, Relative Risk Brewing Co., Penn Yan, NY
Bronze: Tuava Guava, Laguna Beach Beer Co., Rancho Santa
Margarita, CA

Category 4: Field Beer – 69 Entries
Gold: King of Carrot Flowers, Ratio Beerworks, Denver, CO
Silver: Cucumber Crush, 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Bend, OR
Bronze: Heart Island, Grand Fir Brewing, Portland, OR

Category 5: Pumpkin Beer – 71 Entries
Gold: Pumpkin Ale, Blackstone Brewing Co., Nashville, TN
Silver: Gourd Darn-it, Third Eye Brewing Co., Sharonville, OH
Bronze: Pumpkinslayer, Royal Docks Brewing Co. – Brewhouse + Cannery,
Massillon, OH

Category 6: Chili Beer – 88 Entries
Gold: Chilis from the Grave, Family Business Beer Co., Dripping
Springs, TX
Silver: Green Chile Honey Kölsch, Bent Barley Brewing Co., Aurora, CO
Bronze: Hatch Nites, Lovelady Brewing Co., Henderson, NV

Category 7: Herb and Spice Beer – 90 Entries
Gold: Chai Eye Captain, Third Eye Brewing Co., Sharonville, OH
Silver: Hibiscus Lime Shandy, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – Santa
Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Bronze: Kha Point, Pathlight Brewing, Shawnee, KS

Category 8: Chocolate Beer – 43 Entries
Gold: Double Astral, Third Eye Brewing Co., Sharonville, OH
Silver: Midnight Hike, River North Brewery, Denver, CO
Bronze: Because You’re Mine, The Bruery, Placentia, CA

Category 9: Coffee Beer – 69 Entries
Gold: Cuppa Joe Coffee Brown Ale, Kulshan Brewing Co., Bellingham, WA
Silver: Kurt’s Mile High Malt, Wynkoop Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: Conditions of My Parole, The Empourium Brewing Co.,
Denver, CO

Category 10: Coffee Stout or Porter – 68 Entries
Gold: Lil Zoomie, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH
Silver: Super Tonic, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bronze: Venti is Large, Hop Dogma Brewing Co., Half Moon Bay, CA

Category 11: Dessert Stout or Pastry Stout – 49 Entries
Gold: Board Meeting, Corporate Ladder Brewing Co., Palmetto, FL
Silver: Mega Devil’s Teeth: Double Dutch S’mores Edition, Modern Times
Beer, San Diego, CA
Bronze: Chaos Grid: The Final Final Course, Modern Times Beer, San
Diego, CA

Category 12: Rye Beers – 52 Entries
Gold: No. 68 Red Lager, The Freehouse, Minneapolis, MN
Silver: Steamy Wonder, Proper Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT
Bronze: Rye Dawn, Breakwater Brewing Co., Oceanside, CA

Category 13: Honey Beer – 67 Entries
Gold: Smashing Honey Blonde, Hoppin’ Frog Brewing, Akron, OH
Silver: Jetty, Great South Bay Brewery, Bay Shore, NY
Bronze: Valhallale, Coney Island Brewing Co., Brooklyn, NY

Category 14: Non-Alcohol Beer – 70 Entries
Gold: Free & Easy Belgian-Style White, Karbach Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Silver: Juicy NA IPA, Two Roads Brewing Co., Stratford, CT
Bronze: Night Strike, Leader Brewing, Palm Bay, FL

Category 15: Session Beer or Belgian-Style Table Beer – 42 Entries
Gold: Oblique & Bent, The Big Friendly, Oklahoma City, OK
Silver: Guillaume, Pizza Port Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA
Bronze: Tip the Calf, SingleSpeed Brewing Tap Room, Cedar Falls, IA

Category 16: Session India Pale Ale – 82 Entries
Gold: Only Good Vibes, Halcyon Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
Silver: The Next Chapter, Original Pattern Brewing Co., Oakland, CA
Bronze: Micro Blaster, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA

Category 17: Strong Porter – 38 Entries
Gold: Barometer Drop, Ballast Point Brewing Co. – Little Italy, San
Diego, CA
Silver: Herd of Turtles, Bagby Beer Co., Oceanside, CA
Bronze: Midnight Rider Imperial Porter, Great American Restaurants –
Sweetwater Tavern Merrifield, Falls Church, VA

Category 18: Other Strong Beer – 33 Entries
Gold: Breakside LIFE, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR
Silver: Skate Juice, Hideaway Park Brewery, Winter Park, CO
Bronze: Random Acts of Greatness, HopSaint Brewing Co., Torrance, CA

Category 19: Experimental India Pale Ale – 106 Entries
Gold: Tropical Terps IPA, Belching Beaver Brewery – Oceanside
Brewhouse, Oceanside, CA
Silver: Forager IPA, Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant, Longmont, CO
Bronze: Pina Colada Milkshake IPA, 14er Brewing Co., Denver, CO

Category 20: Experimental Beer – 83 Entries
Gold: Hill & Hollow: Cayuga, Cinderlands Foederhouse, Pittsburgh, PA
Silver: Apple Pomace Puncheon, Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
Bronze: Small Batch – Intinction Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Brewing
Co. – Windsor, Windsor, CA

Category 21: Experimental Wood-Aged Beer – 32 Entries
Gold: Soul Shakedown Party, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN
Silver: Boathouse Reserve Imperial Stout, Crystal Lake Brewing, Crystal
Lake, IL
Bronze: Sugar Moon, Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Co., Ossipee, NH

Category 22: Historical Beer – 41 Entries
Gold: IZOLA Kvass, East Village Brewing Co., San Diego, CA
Silver: Derby Day, Roadmap Brewing Co., San Antonio, TX
Bronze: Grodziskie, Sketchbook Brewing Co., Skokie, IL

Category 23: Gluten-Free Beer – 47 Entries
Gold: It Came From The Haze, Ghostfish Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
Silver: Lander Lager, Ghostfish Brewing Co., Seattle, WA
Bronze: Scarlet Sunset, Buck Wild Brewing, Oakland, CA

Category 24: American-Belgo-Style Ale – 34 Entries
Gold: DOL, Longtab Brewing Co., San Antonio, TX
Silver: Whitewall Wheat, Crank Arm Brewing Co., Raleigh, NC
Bronze: Paper Game, Ozark Beer Co., Rogers, AR

Category 25: American Sour Ale – 32 Entries
Gold: Brilliant, 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Bend, OR
Silver: The Sauer House Project: Ellie’s Version, Dostal Alley Brewpub &
Casino, Central City, CO
Bronze: Fate Single Hop Sour, Fate Brewing Co., Scottsdale, AZ

Category 26: Fruited American Sour Ale – 160 Entries
Gold: Huckleberry pHin Sour, Lost Winds Brewing Co., San Clemente, CA
Silver: Poggers, Immersion Brewing, Bend, OR
Bronze: Fistful of Gummies, Second Chance Beer Co., San Diego, CA

Category 27: Brett Beer – 46 Entries
Gold: Tapestry From An Asteroid, The Big Friendly, Oklahoma City, OK
Silver: Druif Blanc, pFriem Cascade Locks Barrelhouse, Cascade
Locks, OR
Bronze: Neon Butterfly, Deschutes Brewery & Public House – PDX,
Portland, OR

Category 28: Mixed-Culture Brett Beer – 59 Entries
Gold: Loup et Renard Saison, Odd Breed Wild Ales, Pompano Beach, FL
Silver: Never Been Wrong, Thompson Island Brewing Co., Rehoboth
Beach, DE
Bronze: Silent Sounds, Monday Night Brewing – Garage, Atlanta, GA

Category 29: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer – 30 Entries
Gold: Ye Olde Ale, Banded Oak Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Silver: Barrel Aged Maibock, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: Bourbon Barrel Drafty Kilt, Monday Night Brewing – Garage,
Atlanta, GA

Category 30: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer – 122 Entries
Gold: Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Atom Smasher, Rock Bottom Brewery –
Bethesda, Bethesda, MD
Silver: 1314, Black Tooth Brewing Co., Sheridan, WY
Bronze: Amaro Barrel Aged Barleywine, pFriem Cascade Locks
Barrelhouse, Cascade Locks, OR

Category 31: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout – 121 Entries
Gold: Breakside The Trappings and the Suits of Woe, Breakside Brewery –
NW Slabtown, Portland, OR
Silver: Black Market Liver, Windmills Brewery & Restaurant, The Colony, TX
Bronze: Barrel Aged Count Chungus, Werk Force Brewing Co.,
Plainfield, IL

Category 32: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer – 28 Entries
Gold: Wet Hop Strata (2023), Barrique Brewing & Blending, Nashville, TN
Silver: Sea of Waves, True Anomaly Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Bronze: Speedy G, MAP Brewing Co., Bozeman, MT

Category 33: Fruited Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer – 53 Entries
Gold: I Don’t Want to Wait, 1840 Brewing Co., Milwaukee, WI
Silver: Passionfruit on Acid, Blue Mountain Barrel House, Arrington, VA
Bronze: Spring Reverb, HiDef Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA

Category 34: Kellerbier or Zwickelbier – 70 Entries
Gold: Copper Midge, Spearfish Brewing Co., Spearfish, SD
Silver: Chasing Trains, Formula Brewing, Issaquah, WA
Bronze: Light Hike, Topa Topa Brewing Co. – HQ, Ventura, CA

Category 35: Smoke Beer – 73 Entries
Gold: Ilaria, Whistle Hop Brewing Co., Fairview, NC
Silver: Helles Rauchbier, Double Clutch Brewing Co., Evanston, IL
Bronze: Schmoke Em’ Up, NewSylum Brewing Co., Newtown, CT

Category 36: Light Lager – 284 Entries
Gold: Nashville Light, Nashville Brewing Co., Nashville, TN
Silver: Mexican Lager, Lone Tree Brewing Co., Lone Tree, CO
Bronze: Legendary Lager, MadTree Brewing, Cincinnati, OH

Category 37: American-Style Lager – 123 Entries
Gold: Sonrisa, Common Space Brewery, Hawthorne, CA
Silver: Bendelo Especial, Bend Brewing Co., Bend, OR
Bronze: Saca La Bolsita, Villains Brewing Co., Anaheim, CA

Category 38: Contemporary American-Style Lager – 104 Entries
Gold: Scout, True Anomaly Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Silver: Shouganai, Blue Point Brewing Co., Patchogue, NY
Bronze: Blackberry Smoke American Lager, New Realm Brewing Co. –
Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

Category 39: American Pilsener – 141 Entries
Gold: Wibby Jibby, Wibby Brewing, Longmont, CO
Silver: Cerveza Mecanica, Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO
Bronze: Week 365, Industrial Arts Brewing Co., Beacon, NY

Category 40: International-Style Pilsener – 141 Entries
Gold: Little Wing, Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co., Chicago, IL
Silver: Ofrenda, Device Brewing Co., Sacramento, CA
Bronze: Tora!, Fall Brewing Co., San Diego, CA

Category 41: American Cream Ale – 124 Entries
Gold: 307, Black Tooth Brewing Co., Sheridan, WY
Silver: Cinco Cinco Cinco!, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA
Bronze: The Coloradan, Westbound & Down Brewing Co. – Westbound
Mill, Lafayette, CO

Category 42: Other Hoppy Lager – 68 Entries
Gold: Jet Lag Lager, Vacancy Brewing, Austin, TX
Silver: Juicy Pilsner, Cinder Block Brewery, North Kansas City, MO
Bronze: Day Beer, Trap Door Brewing – Whistle Stop Pub, Washougal, WA

Category 43: India Pale Lager or Cold India Pale Ale – 134 Entries
Gold: Sound Sail, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA
Silver: Orizaba Cold IPA, Cheluna Brewing Co., Aurora, CO
Bronze: Zero Degrees, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA

Category 44: American Amber Lager – 126 Entries
Gold: Hometown Lager, Second Pitch Beer Co., San Antonio, TX
Silver: Vecino, Balter Beerworks, Knoxville, TN
Bronze: Bell’s Brewery Octoberfest, Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, MI

Category 45: German-Style Pilsener – 228 Entries
Gold: Prodigal Pils, Lazarus Brewing Co. – Laz 2, Austin, TX
Silver: Prost Pilsner, Prost Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: Don’t Fear The Answer, Tenma Beer Project, Oakland, CA

Category 46: Bohemian-Style Pilsener – 158 Entries
Gold: Crazy Horse, Lazarus Brewing Co., Austin, TX
Silver: Daytonian Rhapsody, Eudora Brewing Co., Dayton, OH
Bronze: Tahoe Pilz, FiftyFifty Brewing Co. – Production Facility,
Truckee, CA

Category 47: Munich-Style Helles – 172 Entries
Gold: Prinz Crispy, Deschutes Brewery & Public House – Bend, Bend, OR
Silver: Templin Family Helles, Templin Family Brewing, Salt Lake City, UT
Bronze: Ein Helles, Counter Weight Brewing Co., Cheshire, CT

Category 48: Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest – 134 Entries
Gold: Dortmunder Export, Cooperage Brewing Co., Santa Rosa, CA
Silver: Thunder from Dortmunder, Marble Brewery – MavLab,
Albuquerque, NM
Bronze: Dorty Work, Cloudburst Brewing, Seattle, WA

Category 49: Vienna-Style Lager – 116 Entries
Gold: Oktoberfest, Port City Brewing Co., Alexandria, VA
Silver: Oktoberfest, Silver Branch Brewing Co., Silver Spring, MD
Bronze: Cape May Oktoberfest, Cape May Brewing Co., Cape May, NJ

Category 50: German-Style Maerzen – 162 Entries
Gold: Seedstock Maerzen, Seedstock Brewery, Denver, CO
Silver: Festbier, Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, Iowa City, IA
Bronze: Oktoberfest, Golden Road Brewing – Los Angeles,
Los Angeles, CA

Category 51: German Dark Lager – 122 Entries
Gold: Goodnight Munich, Liquid Gravity Brewing Co., San Luis Obispo, CA
Silver: Wunder Bier, Red Leg Brewing Co., Colorado Springs, CO
Bronze: Black Hill, Silver Reef Brewing Co., Saint Georg

Category 52: International Dark Lager – 79 Entries
Gold: Midnight Trucker, Rock Solid Brewing Co., Ball Ground, GA
Silver: Tmavé, Copper Furrow Brewing, Helena, MT
Bronze: Flek Me?? No Flek Ů!!, Brieux Carré Brewing Co., New
Orleans, LA

Category 53: Bock – 70 Entries
Gold: Hootenanny, Bankhead Brewing Co., Rowlett, TX
Silver: Breakline Bock, Rip Current Brewing, San Marcos, CA
Bronze: Ain’t Afraid of No Goats, Metazoa Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN

Category 54: German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock – 44 Entries
Gold: Execrator, Resolute Brewing Co., Centennial, CO
Silver: Co-Munichator, Deschutes Brewery & Public House – PDX,
Portland, OR
Bronze: Activator, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co., Hawley, PA

Category 55: Golden or Blonde Ale – 138 Entries
Gold: Fancy Lawnmower Beer, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Silver: Sunlight Cream Ale, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN
Bronze: Basecamp Blonde, Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. – Production
Facility, Chattanooga, TN

Category 56: German-Style Koelsch – 195 Entries
Gold: Kodiak Kolsch, Bear Chase Brewing Co., Bluemont, VA
Silver: Rise & Climb, New Terrain Brewing Co., Golden, CO
Bronze: Cruzer, Real Ale Brewing Co., Blanco, TX

Category 57: English Ale – 69 Entries
Gold: Elissa IPA, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Silver: House Ale, 1849 Brewing Co., Grass Valley, CA
Bronze: Prickly Pear Pale Ale, Lewis & Clark Brewing Co., Helena, MT

Category 58: International-Style Pale Ale – 123 Entries
Gold: Hand of Josh, Highland Park Brewery – Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA
Silver: Carlsbad Crush, Burgeon Beer Co., Carlsbad, CA
Bronze: Extra Pale Ale, Firestone Walker Brewing Co. – The Propagator,
Marina del Rey, CA

Category 59: New Zealand India Pale Ale – 104 Entries
Gold: Kiwi (The Bird), Rhinegeist Innovation Brewery, Cincinnati, OH
Silver: Spirit of the West, Westbound & Down Brewing Co. – Westbound
Mill, Lafayette, CO
Bronze: Docta-Ron, Russian River Brewing Co. – Santa Rosa, Santa
Rosa, CA

Category 60: American-Style Pale Ale – 149 Entries
Gold: Featherweight, Cannonball Creek Brewing Co., Golden, CO
Silver: Snow Crest, Outlaw Brewing Co., Bozeman, MT
Bronze: Double Nickels, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Category 61: Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale – 118 Entries
Gold: Cloudy Joose, New Belgium Brewing Co. – Mission Bay, San
Francisco, CA
Silver: Sneakbox, Kane Brewing Co., Ocean, NJ
Bronze: Lil’ Space Booties, MORE Brewing Co., Huntley, IL

Category 62: American-Style Strong Pale Ale – 123 Entries
Gold: Mai Tai, Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Silver: Chaos Erupts, Unsung Brewing Co., Tustin, CA
Bronze: Liquid Gravity IPA, Liquid Gravity Brewing Co., San Luis
Obispo, CA

Category 63: Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale – 140 Entries
Gold: PB Haze, TapRoom Beer Co., San Diego, CA
Silver: Modern Melody, Corn Coast Brewing Co., Lincoln, NE
Bronze: Tropical Mirage, Flix Brewhouse – ABQ, Albuquerque, NM

Category 64: American-Style India Pale Ale – 206 Entries
Gold: Head Hunter, Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon, North Olmsted, OH
Silver: Breakside IPA, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR
Bronze: Downtown Tom, Three Mile Brewing Co., Davis, CA

Category 65: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale – 365 Entries
Gold: Golden Goal, 1852 Brew Co., Visalia, CA
Silver: Juicy Mid-Tones, Corn Coast Brewing Co., Lincoln, NE
Bronze: Make it Rain, Side Hustle Brewing Co., Hilton Head Island, SC

Category 66: West Coast-Style India Pale Ale – 301 Entries
Gold: Westbound Select, Westbound & Down Brewing Co., Idaho
Springs, CO
Silver: Untold Prophecy, Slice Beer Co., Lincoln, CA
Bronze: Bright Side IPA, Uprise Brewing Co., Spokane, WA

Category 67: Imperial India Pale Ale – 130 Entries
Gold: Triple IPA, Claremont Craft Ales, Claremont, CA
Silver: Drama King, Liquid Gravity Brewing Co., San Luis Obispo, CA
Bronze: Double MO7, Del Cielo Brewing Co., Martinez, CA

Category 68: Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale – 135 Entries
Gold: DDH Pillow, Highland Park Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
Silver: X-Raying Flowers, North Park Beer Co., San Diego, CA
Bronze: Blue Quad Roller Skates, Wren House Brewing Co., Phoenix, AZ

Category 69: American Amber/Red Ale – 130 Entries
Gold: Blown Tire, Knuckle Puck Brewing, Longmont, CO
Silver: Night Sky Red Ale, Sound2Summit Brewery, Snohomish, WA
Bronze: Azalea City Amber, Georgia Beer Co., Valdosta, GA

Category 70: Strong Red Ale – 50 Entries
Gold: Wreak Havoc, Bootstrap Brewing, Longmont, CO
Silver: Say Hi To Your Dad For Me, Cloudburst Brewing, Seattle, WA
Bronze: Contemplation Time, Half Batch Brewing, Hendersonville, TN

Category 71: English Mild or Bitter – 66 Entries
Gold: Sawtooth Ale, Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, CO
Silver: Toasty, The Brew Brothers – Eldorado Scioto Downs Racino,
Columbus, OH
Bronze: Good Talk, Gusto Brewing Co., North Cape May, NJ

Category 72: Extra Special Bitter – 49 Entries
Gold: Velvet ESB, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland, OR
Silver: Railhead Red, Lumberyard Brewing Co. – Taproom & Grille,
Flagstaff, AZ
Bronze: Hooks & Dun, Wren House Brewing Co., Phoenix, AZ

Category 73: Scottish-Style Ale – 51 Entries
Gold: William Walrus, Metazoa Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN
Silver: Laughing Lab Scottish Ale, Bristol Brewing Co., Colorado
Springs, CO
Bronze: Glenlongbeach, Beachwood Brewing – Huntington Beach,
Huntington Beach, CA

Category 74: Irish-Style Red Ale – 87 Entries
Gold: Rock Hill Irish Red, Barley Naked Brewing Co., Stafford, VA
Silver: Megaphone, Inside the Five Brewing Co., Sylvania, OH
Bronze: Engine 402, Orange Hat Brewing Co., Knoxville, TN

Category 75: English-Style Brown Ale – 48 Entries
Gold: Classic Version, Agile Brewing, Baton Rouge, LA
Silver: Stone Fort, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Columbus, OH
Bronze: Nut Brown, AleSmith Brewing Co., San Diego, CA

Category 76: American-Style Brown Ale – 80 Entries
Gold: Restraint, Institution Ale Co., Camarillo, CA
Silver: Upside Brown Ale, Falling Sky Brewing, Eugene, OR
Bronze: Trabuco, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Category 77: American Black Ale or American Stout – 59 Entries
Gold: Breakside Cheat Codes, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR
Silver: Hoppa Emeritus, Beachwood Brewing – Long Beach,
Long Beach, CA
Bronze: Midnight Oil, Tustin Brewing Co., Tustin, CA

Category 78: German Sour Ale – 43 Entries
Gold: Riviera, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. – Bend Pub, Bend, OR
Silver: Restless Seas Gose, Narrow Path Brewing Co., Loveland, OH
Bronze: Athena, Creature Comforts – Production Facility At Southern Mill,
Athens, GA

Category 79: Specialty Berliner-Style Weisse – 42 Entries
Gold: Saft, Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant, MO
Silver: Jersey Vice, Bolero Snort Brewery, Carlstadt, NJ
Bronze: La Cabrona, Hound Song Brewing Co., Columbus, TX

Category 80: Contemporary Gose – 71 Entries
Gold: Citrus Snack, Flying Basset Brewing, Gilbert, AZ
Silver: In Bloom, Basin+Range, Tucson, AZ
Bronze: MexicAle, Shortleaf Brewing, O’Fallon, MO

Category 81: German-Style Altbier – 48 Entries
Gold: Alt 140, Sew Hop’d Brewery, Huntley, IL
Silver: Altbier, Four Generals Brewing, Renton, WA
Bronze: BierKraft Altbier, BierKraft, McAlester, OK

Category 82: German Wheat Ale – 24 Entries
Gold: Alpenglow, Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH
Silver: Weizenheimer, Grains of Wrath PDX, Portland, OR
Bronze: Der Hexenmeister, Magnanimous Brewing – Bradenton,
Bradenton, FL

Category 83: South German-Style Hefeweizen – 158 Entries
Gold: Goggle Fogger, Fat Head’s Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH
Silver: Kulshan Hefeweizen, Kulshan Brewing Co. – K2, Bellingham, WA
Bronze: Hoofer’s Hef, Bankhead Brewing Co., Rowlett, TX

Category 84: Belgian-Style Ale or French-Style Ale – 63 Entries
Gold: Vincianne, True North Ale Co., Ipswich, MA
Silver: DOMESTIQUE Blonde Ale, Rouleur Brewing Co., Carlsbad, CA
Bronze: LMM Belgian Amber, Lone Man Mountain Brewing Co.,
Driftwood, TX

Category 85: Belgian-Style Witbier – 68 Entries
Gold: White Rascal, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO
Silver: Allagash White, Allagash Brewing Co., Portland, ME
Bronze: White Goblin, Mathews Brewing Co., Lake Worth, FL

Category 86: Classic Saison – 62 Entries
Gold: Kal-El, Protagonist Beer, Charlotte, NC
Silver: Disco Elephant, New York Beer Project, Lockport, NY
Bronze: Saison Parfait, Little Beast Brewing, Clackamas, OR

Category 87: Specialty Saison – 63 Entries
Gold: Shadow Saison Ale with Hibiscus, Musings Fermentation
Underground, Newark, DE
Silver: Freedom Fries w/ Cherry, Call To Arms Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: 1710 Saison, Figurehead Brewing Co., Seattle, WA

Category 88: Belgian-Style Sour Ale – 51 Entries
Gold: All the Love You Won’t Forget, Autumn Arch Beer Project,
Newark, DE
Silver: Earth & Aether, Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers, Youngstown, OH
Bronze: Trois Années Cuvée, Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles, CA

Category 89: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale – 83 Entries
Gold: Quadrupel Donker, Evans Brewing Co., Corona, CA
Silver: Thor’s Hammer, Redwood Brewing Co., Flint, MI
Bronze: Delta Quadrant, The Tap Brewery, Bloomington, IN

Category 90: Belgian-Style Abbey Ale – 87 Entries
Gold: Tripel, Allagash Brewing Co., Portland, ME
Silver: Over There, Attic Brewing Co., Philadelphia, PA
Bronze: Hubble Dubbel, Apogee Brewing Co., Grover Beach, CA

Category 91: Belgian Fruit Beer – 52 Entries
Gold: Frambozen, pFriem Cascade Locks Barrelhouse, Cascade Locks, OR
Silver: Island Rascal, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO
Bronze: Raspberry Parliament, Alesong Brewing & Blending, Eugene, OR

Category 92: Brown Porter – 52 Entries
Gold: Dark Matter Porter, Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia, MO
Silver: Night Swim, Coppertail Brewing Co., Tampa, FL
Bronze: Old Normal, Bend Brewing Co., Bend, OR

Category 93: Robust Porter – 62 Entries
Gold: Foggy London Town, Rock Bottom Brewery – Denver, Denver, CO
Silver: Robust Porter, Reuben’s Brews – Production Brewery, Seattle, WA
Bronze: Tabula Rasa, Second Chance Beer Co., San Diego, CA

Category 94: Stout – 67 Entries
Gold: Slainte, Legion Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC
Silver: Shinobi, Byway Brewing Co., Hammond, IN
Bronze: Silent Neighbor, Atlas Brew Works, Washington, DC

Category 95: Sweet Stout or Cream Stout – 46 Entries
Gold: Scout, Vibrissa Beer, Front Royal, VA
Silver: Milk Stout, Waredaca Brewing Co., Gaithersburg, MD
Bronze: Moozie, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH

Category 96: Oatmeal Stout – 48 Entries
Gold: Mountain Moonlight, Wild Fields Brewhouse, Atascadero, CA
Silver: Wall of Sound, Stereo Brewing Co., Placentia, CA
Bronze: Buttons the Bear, Bear Chase Brewing Co., Bluemont, VA

Category 97: Imperial Stout – 67 Entries
Gold: Gatling Gun, BNS Brewing & Distilling Co., Santee, CA
Silver: Big Deluxe, Ritual Brewing Co., Redlands, CA
Bronze: Postcard from St. Petersburg, Bartlett Hall, San Francisco, CA

Category 98: Scotch Ale – 39 Entries
Gold: Real Heavy, Real Ale Brewing Co., Blanco, TX
Silver: Scottish Wildcat, Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., Castle Rock, CO
Bronze: Old Chub Scotch Ale, Oskar Blues Brewery & Tasty Weasel
Taproom, Longmont, CO

Category 99: Old Ale or Strong Ale or Barley Wine – 53 Entries
Gold: Ice Raptor, Ninkasi Brewing Co., Eugene, OR
Silver: Populator, Diebolt Brewing Co., Denver, CO
Bronze: Chris Barley in a Little Coat, Wichita Brewing Co. – Production,
Wichita, KS

Category : Pro-Am Competition – 50 Entries
Gold: She Fancies Herself A Little Bit French, CooperSmith’s Pub &
Brewing – Mark Pennick, Fort Collins, CO
Silver: Rob’s Baltic Porter, New Belgium Brewing Co. – Rob Hardisty, Fort
Collins, CO
Bronze: What Is That?, Decipher Brewing Co. – Joel Miller,
Charlottesville, VA

Category : Collab Competition – 96 Entries
Gold: Luna Nueva Mexican Export Lager, Cheluna Brewing Co. / Prost
Brewing Co., Aurora, CO
Silver: Mounds of Importance, Third Eye Brewing Co. / Narrow Path
Brewing Co., Sharonville, OH
Bronze: Two’s Daze, Attic Brewing Co. / Two Locals Brewing Co.,
Philadelphia, PA

2023 Brewery of the year awards:
0-250 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA
Zack Frasher & Amy Heller

251–500 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Beer Law Center
The Big Friendly, Oklahoma City OK
Will Quinlin & Joe Quinlin

501–1,000 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Prairie Malt
Balter Beerworks, Knoxville, TN
Balter Brewing Team

1,001–2,000 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by ABS Commercial
Third Eye Brewing Co., Sharonville, OH
Third Eye Brew Crew

2,001–5,000 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Brewers Supply Group
Liquid Gravity Brewing Co., San Luis Obispo, CA
Brendan Gough & Beau Sorenson

5,001–15,000 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Country Malt Group
Wibby Brewing, Longmont, CO
Team Wibby Brewing

15,001–100,000 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Houston, TX
Saint Arnold Brew Crew

Brewery Group Brewery and Brewer of the Year
Sponsored by Encompass Technologies
Allagash Brewing Co., Portland, ME
Team Allagash

About the Great American Beer Festival
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), hosted annually by the Brewers Association in Denver, Colorado, stands as the premier celebration of American craft brewing, drawing tens of thousands of beer enthusiasts from around the globe. This iconic event showcases thousands of beers from hundreds of breweries. GABF’s renowned competition, the largest of its kind, awards medals across diverse categories, judged by international experts, highlighting the creativity and quality of U.S. craft beer. With live music, culinary pairings, and a vibrant taproom atmosphere, GABF unites communities through a shared passion for exceptional brews and unforgettable experiences.

 

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The beer mile, a quirky yet grueling event that combines running and drinking, has captured the attention of athletes and spectators alike. This unique race requires competitors to chug a 12-ounce beer (355 ml, minimum 5% ABV) before each of four 400-meter laps on a standard track, testing both athletic prowess and gastric fortitude. The current world records for the beer mile showcase extraordinary performances that push the boundaries of human capability in this unconventional sport.

Men’s World Record: Corey Bellemore’s Blazing 4:28.1
Canadian runner Corey Bellemore holds the men’s beer mile world record with an astonishing time of 4:28.1, set on October 23, 2021, at the Beer Mile World Classic in Leigh Sports Village near Manchester, UK. This performance shattered his own previous record of 4:33.6, set in 2017 at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Bellemore, a professional runner for Adidas with a 3:57 mile personal best, has dominated the beer mile scene since 2016, when he first broke the 4:40 barrier. His 2021 record-breaking run saw him average under 67 seconds per lap, including the time to down each beer, a feat that blends elite-level running with an iron stomach.

Bellemore’s journey to the record hasn’t been without hiccups. In 2018, he ran an even faster 4:24.4 at the Beer Mile World Classic in Vancouver, but was disqualified for leaving slightly too much foam in his bottles, exceeding the rule that unconsumed beer must total less than 4 ounces across all four containers. Despite setbacks like losing a shoe during the 2023 World Classic and still finishing in 4:30, Bellemore’s consistency and speed have cemented his status as the beer mile’s greatest.

Women’s World Record: Shelby Houlihan’s Historic 5:43
On the women’s side, American runner Shelby Houlihan holds the world record with a groundbreaking time of 5:43, set on July 1, 2023, at the Beer Mile World Classic in Chicago. This performance obliterated the previous record of 6:16, held by Allison Grace Morgan, by 33 seconds and marked the first time a woman broke the 6-minute barrier. Houlihan, a professional middle-distance runner with a 4:25 mile split during her beer mile, consumed her four beers in roughly 1:18, showcasing remarkable chugging efficiency. Her final 400 meters, run in 63 seconds with four beers in her stomach, stunned onlookers.

Houlihan’s record came with some controversy, as she was 2.5 years into a 4-year track and field suspension for a failed drug test at the time. However, the Beer Mile World Classic determined her time was eligible for the record, as official beer mile rules rely solely on video evidence to verify compliance, not requiring drug testing. Houlihan raced in a non-championship heat, with approval from competing athletes and governing bodies, ensuring her record stood.

The Beer Mile: Rules and Challenges
The beer mile follows strict rules to ensure fairness. Competitors must drink four 12-ounce beers, each at least 5% ABV, from untampered cans or bottles within a 9-meter transition zone before each lap. Vomiting, or a “reversal of fortune,” results in a penalty lap. The total unconsumed beer left in containers must be less than 4 ounces, verified by video or measurement. These rules, outlined by BeerMile.com, maintain the event’s integrity while adding to its difficulty.

The physical challenge is immense. Runners must balance sprinting at near-elite speeds with chugging carbonated beverages under time pressure, all while fighting the urge to regurgitate. Bellemore has noted the difficulty of chugging while out of breath, and Houlihan’s ability to run a 4:25 mile with a stomach full of beer highlights the extraordinary fitness required.

A Growing Phenomenon
The beer mile has evolved from an underground pastime to a mainstream spectacle, with world championships and media coverage on platforms like ESPN and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Since James Nielsen broke the 5-minute barrier in 2014, the men’s record has dropped dramatically, and the women’s record has seen similar progress. The sport’s appeal lies in its blend of athleticism and camaraderie, drawing runners like Bellemore, who transitioned to triathlon in 2024, and Houlihan, who used the event to return to competition.

Looking Ahead
As the beer mile gains popularity, questions arise about how much faster times can get. Bellemore’s 4:28.1 is just 45 seconds slower than the men’s mile world record of 3:43.1, leaving little room for improvement unless chugging techniques or stomach capacities evolve. For women, Houlihan’s 5:43 is a significant leap, but the 5-minute barrier may be the next frontier. With events like the 2024 Beer Mile World Classic and the premiere of Beer Mile: The Film on YouTube, the sport continues to grow, promising more records and unforgettable moments.

For those inspired to try, heed Bellemore’s advice: learn to open your throat for chugging, stay fit, and follow the rules. But be warned—this is one race where speed and a strong stomach are equally vital.

Official Rules for the Beer Mile
The beer mile is pretty simple. Drink 4 beers and run 4 laps around the track in alternating fashion as quickly as you can. But just to be sure everyone is on the same playing field, here is the standard set of beer mile rules to follow.

1. Each competitor drinks four cans or bottles of beer and runs four laps around a standard running track (start with chugging a beer, then run a lap, then beer, then lap, then beer, then lap, then beer, then lap – finish).
2. Beer must be consumed before the lap begins within the transition area. The transition area is the 9 meter zone between the starting line for a mile race and the finish line of a 400m track.
3. The race begins with competitors lined up on the mile starting line, drinking the first beer in the transition zone described in the step above. This ensures competitors cover a complete mile. Competitors can walk/move in the transition area while drinking, but all beer must be consumed in the transition area before setting off to run a lap.
4. Women also drink four beers and run four laps (some past rule lists only required ladies to drink three beers).
5. Competitors must drink canned or bottled beer that is no less than 355mL (12 Oz) in volume, which is the standard can/bottle size in the USA and some other countries.
6. No specialized cans or bottles may be used that give an advantage by allowing the beer to pour at a faster rate (e.g. wide mouth bottles/cans).
7. Beer cans must not be tampered with in any manner. (e.g. no shotgunning, puncturing the can, squeezing the can, etc.). The same applies for bottles – no straws or other aids allowed that speed up the pouring process. The only action allowed is opening the can with the tab at the top or twisting off the bottle cap of a bottle.
8. Beer must be a minimum of 5% alcohol by volume. Hard ciders, hard sodas, and other alcoholic sugary drinks will not suffice. The beer must be a fermented alcoholic beverage brewed from malted cereal grains and flavored with hops.
9. Each beer can/bottle must not be opened until the competitor enters the transition zone on each lap.
10. Competitors who vomit before they finish the race must complete one penalty lap at the end of the race (immediately after the completion of their 4th lap). Vomiting more than once during the race still only requires one penalty lap at the end.
11. When attempting a performance for the official records, it is recommended to provide video evidence of the race and prove that all beer was sufficiently drank. This can be achieved by tipping the empty beer over your head after each chug to verify an empty vessel or by collecting the containers and pouring the contents into a measuring cup to prove there is less than 4oz of liquid/foam remaining total across all four beers. We recommend picking up a pack of disposable measuring cups for your next beer mile event. funds for police brutality reform and legal

 

Beermile.com – The official racing resource. Hosts a database of thousands of race results and official rules.

 

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