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2025 Colorado Brewers Cup Brewery of the Year & Medal Winners

October 28, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

In the heart of the Rockies, where crisp mountain air meets creative brewing genius, the inaugural 2025 Colorado Brewers Cup turned into an epic hoppy showdown that had beer lovers raising their pints in triumph! Over 650 entries from 134 craft breweries battled it out in 26 categories, judged blindly by 58 pros who surely needed a designated driver after tasting all that liquid gold. Denver’s River North Brewery crushed it as Mid-Size Brewery of the Year with four medals (including golds for bold Belgian ales and decadent coffee-chocolate desserts), while Durango legend Carver Brewing Co. claimed Small Brewery of the Year honors with a trio of shiny awards. Westbound & Down dominated the hoppy scene with six medals total, proving Colorado’s IPAs and pilsners are basically unbeatable. From moonlit dunkels to cinnamon-roll blondes, this first-ever state-only competition celebrated the wild, innovative spirit of the Centennial State’s craft beer scene — cheers to more foam-filled victories in 2026!

Congrats to all the medal winners at the Colorado Brewers Cup. Especially the Carver Brewing and River North Brewery which won “Brewery of the Year” honors.

Colorado Brewers Cup 2025 Award Winners:
Brewery of the Year: Small (0-600 barrels) – Carver Brewing Co.
Brewery of the Year: Mid-sized (600+ barrels) – River North Brewery

Colorado Brewers Cup 2025 Medal Winners:

American & International Pale Lagers
Gold: Cerveceria Colorado (Denver) – Venga
Silver: Westbound & Down Brewing Co. (Idaho Springs) – Landing Gear Pils
Bronze: Ratio Beerworks (Denver) – Cityscapes

Pale Bitter European Lagers
Gold: New Image Brewing Co. (Wheat Ridge) – Classic Pilsner
Silver: Hideaway Park Brewery (Winter Park) – Dortmunder
Bronze: Seedstock Brewing Co. (Denver) – Seedstock German Pilsner

Hoppy Pale American & International Lagers
Gold: Hideaway Park Brewery (Winter Park) – Publik Skool Pilsner
Silver: Westbound & Down Brewing Co. (Idaho Springs) – Infinity Pils
Bronze: WestFax Brewing Co. (Lakewood) – Pillieve

Golden, Blonde, & Other Light Ales
Gold: Westbound & Down Mill (Lafayette) – The Coloradan
Silver: Bristol Brewing Co. (Colorado Springs) – Beehive Honey Wheat
Bronze: LUKI Brewery (Arvada) – Tuba Cheer

Kölsch
Gold: New Terrain Brewing Co. (Golden) – Rise and Climb
Silver: Liquid Mechanics Brewing (Lafayette) – Kölsch
Bronze: Joyride Brewing Co. (Edgewater) – Ice Cutter Kölsch

Pale Malty European Lagers
Gold: Fritz Family Brewers (Niwot) – The Boss
Silver: Carver Brewing Co. (Durango) – Lightner Creek Lager
Bronze: Resolute Brewing Co. (Centennial) – Front Porch

Amber Lagers
Gold: Eagle River Brewing (Eagle) – ERB Octoberfest
Silver: Eagle River Brewing (Eagle) – Free Stone Lager
Bronze: Seedstock Brewing Co. (Denver) – Seedstock Bohemian Dunkel

Dark Lagers
Gold: Wibby Brewing (Longmont)- Moondoor Dunkel
Silver: Seedstock Brewing Co. (Denver)- Seedstock Roggen Schwarzbier
Bronze: Fritz Family Brewers (Niwot) – Niwot After Dark

Fruit & Field Beers
Gold: Elevation Beer Co. (Poncha Springs) – Coconut Oil Man
Silver: Strange Brewing Co. (Denver) – Cherry Kriek
Bronze: Avant Garde Aleworks (Estes Park)- Harvest Saison

Session & Pale Ales
Gold: Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. (Golden) – Featherweight
Silver: Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. (Golden) – Trump Hands
Bronze: Comrade Brewing Co. (Denver) – Honeyman 64

Standard American-Style IPAs
Gold: Amalgam Brewing(Denver) – Modern West
Silver: Westbound & Down Mill (Lafayette) – Westbound Select
Bronze: Westbound & Down Mill (Lafayette) – Westbound IPA

Standard International & Experimental Hoppy Beers
Gold: Silver: Westbound & Down Mill (Lafayette) – Spirit of the West
Silver: Second Dawn (Aurora) – Tree Run
Bronze: Cerebral Brewing – Aurora Arts (Aurora) – Gasoline Rainbows

Standard Hazy Pale Ales & IPAs
Gold: Living the Dream Brewing Co. (Highlands Ranch) – Trailhead Fog
Silver: Beyond The Mountain Brewing (Boulder) – I Wish You More
Bronze: Aspen Brewing Co. (Aspen) – Excess In Moderation

Strong & Imperial Hoppy Beers
Gold: Station 26 Brewing Co. (Denver) – 11th Anniversary Double IPA
Silver: Cerebral Brewing – Aurora Arts (Aurora) – Cheat Code
Bronze: Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse (Denver) – Cloudship

Malty North American Beers
Gold: Telluride Brewing Co. (Telluride) – Face Down Brown
Silver: Carver Brewing Co. (Durango) – Old Oak Amber Ale
Bronze: Odell Brewing (Fort Collins) – 90 Shilling

Classic UK Amber & Brown Ales
Gold: Stodgy Brewing Co. (Fort Collins) – Scottish Ale
Silver: Bristol Brewing Co. (Colorado Springs) – Draft Project London Brown
Bronze: Carver Brewing Co. (Durango) – Colorado Trail Nut Brown Ale

Porters & Stouts
Gold: Banded Oak Brewing (Denver) – Paramount Porter
Silver: Stodgy Brewing Co. (Fort Collins) – English Porter
Bronze: Bent Barley Brewing Co. (Aurora) – Dry Irish Stout

Strong Classic UK & North American Ales
Gold: River North Brewery (Denver) – Mr. Sandman
Silver: Verboten Brewing (Loveland) – Grow Old With You
Bronze: River North Brewery (Denver) – Hello Darkness

Herb, Spice, & Smoked Beers
Gold: Liquid Mechanics Brewing (Lafayette) – El Poblano Borracho
Silver: Left Hand Brewing Co. (Longmont) – Mexican Hot Chocolate Milk Stout
Bronze: Incantation Brewing (Aurora) – Signals

Continental Rye & Wheat Beers
Gold: LUKI Brewery (Arvada) – Dunk On Em
Silver: Tres Litros Beer Co. (Salida) – Hamer Time
Bronze: New Terrain Brewing Co. (Golden) – Suntrip

Belgian and French Ales
Gold: River North Brewery (Denver) – River North White
Silver: Elevation Beer Co. (Poncha Springs) – Apis IV
Bronze: Windfall Brewing Co. (Westminster) – Windfall Saison

Sour Ales
Gold: Bruz Beers (Denver) – Ghost in the Wood
Silver: Diebolt Brewing Co. (Denver) – David Frambowie
Bronze: Berkeley Alley Beer Co (Arvada) – Pistachio Lemon Meringue

Coffee, Chocolate, & Dessert Beers
Gold: River North Brewery (Denver) – Nightmare Fuel
Silver: Verboten Brewing (Loveland) – Others in Darkness: Irish Coffee
Bronze: 300 Suns Brewing (Longmont)- Psychotic Balaclava Horchata Stout

Brett & Wild Beers
Gold: Crooked Stave Brewing Co. (Denver) – Spon
Silver: Cellar West Brewery (Lafayette) – Green Spur
Bronze: Primitive Beer (Lafayette) – Stable Of Stars

Wood & Aged Beers
Gold: Launch Pad Brewery (Aurora) – Magnificent Desolation (Russell 8 Year)
Silver: Cerebral Brewing – Aurora Arts (Aurora) – Here Be Monsters
Bronze: Locavore Beer Works (Littleton) – Black Pearl 4×3

Experimental & Specialty Beers
Gold: The Post Brewing Co. (Lafayette) – East County Fine Malt Liquor
Silver: Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales (Longmont) – Cinnamon Roll Blonde Ale
Bronze: Wonderland Brewing Co. (Broomfield) – Oily Oaf

The Colorado Brewers Guild
The Colorado Brewers Guild is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing independent craft breweries across the State of Craft Beer. Through advocacy, community building, education, and public outreach, we support a thriving craft beer culture. Our members include operating breweries, breweries in planning, and industry partners. Today, the majority of Colorado’s 400+ craft breweries are proud members of the CBG. Website: https://coloradobeer.org/

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The 25 Worst Beers in the World

October 27, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Determining the “worst” beers is inherently subjective, but based on aggregated user ratings from BeerAdvocate (as of mid-2025), RateBeer, and TasteAtlas—platforms where thousands of beer enthusiasts score brews on flavor, mouthfeel, and overall appeal—these light lagers, low-cal options, and malt liquors consistently rank at the bottom. Many are mass-produced adjunct lagers criticized for being watery, flavorless, or overly sweet, often prioritizing calories or price over taste. Ironically, some are top sellers like Bud Light. I’ve focused on beers still in active production and widely available in 2025, ranked from worst to least offensive among the bottom performers (average scores out of 5; lower is worse).

Top 25 Worst Beers in the World

Budweiser Select 55 – Ultra-low 55-calorie light lager with virtually no flavor, body, or hops; tastes like carbonated water with a faint beer afterthought.
Natural Light – Cheap adjunct lager loaded with corn sweetness and a metallic finish; a college staple critics call “liquid cardboard.”
Natural Ice – Higher-ABV version of Natty Light that amplifies the syrupy, boozy harshness and frozen-piss aroma.
Michelob Ultra – Marketed as a “fitness beer,” but its rice-heavy, 95-calorie profile is slammed as flavorless sparkling water.
Miller64 – 64 calories of absolute nothingness; reviewers say it vanishes on the tongue like hospital seltzer.
Milwaukee’s Best Light – Over-carbonated budget light lager with a stale, rusty aftertaste and zero depth.
Camo Genuine Ale – High-ABV malt liquor that smells like wet dog and tastes of skunky adjunct overload.
Keystone Light – Ultra-cheap “stone-skipper” beer; thin, corny, and frequently labeled “the devil’s urine.”
Busch Light – Watery adjunct lager with a faint grain bite that screams “beer was an afterthought.”
Bud Light – America’s top seller but bottom-rated for its skunky, flavorless profile—post-2023 backlash made it a punching bag.
Heineken Light – 99-calorie euro-lager that strips away any charm of the original, leaving only green-bottle skunk.
Coors Light – The “Silver Bullet” is ice-cold marketing but warm criticism: crisp, metallic, and depthless.
Olde English 800 – 7.5 % malt liquor that’s syrupy, harsh, and nicknamed “self-loathing in a bottle.”
Busch Ice – Frozen adjunct lager thicker than Busch Light but twice the chemical regret.
Keystone Premium – Slightly less offensive than Keystone Light yet still cheap corn water with no soul.
Labatt Sterling – Canadian light lager offering effervescent emptiness and a whisper of malt.
Bud Light & Clamato Chelada – Salty tomato-clam mixer that non-fans call “bloody Mary gone horribly wrong.”
Icehouse – 5.5 % “premium ice” lager that’s harsh, cheap, and tastes like freezer burn.
Milwaukee’s Best Ice – 6.9 % “The Beast” ups the booze but keeps the bland, icy mediocrity.
Old Milwaukee – Retro cheap lager that’s stale, forgettable, and occasionally nauseating.
Bud Ice – 5.5 % “cool” lager that’s sweet, watery, and reminiscent of a melted snow cone.
Corona Light – Thinner, skunkier take on the lime classic—loses whatever little charm the original had.
Heineken – Iconic green bottle routinely voted “skunked urine” by craft enthusiasts and X users alike.
Miller High Life Light – The “Champagne of Beers” lite version; bubbly disappointment with no payoff.
Sleeman Clear – Low-carb Canadian beer that’s crystal clear in appearance but opaque in flavor—tasteless at best.

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

National American Beer Day: A Toast to Tradition and Craft

October 27, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Celebrating National American Beer Day: A Toast to Tradition and and Craft
Every year on October 27, beer enthusiasts across the United States raise their glasses to celebrate National American Beer Day, a day dedicated to honoring the rich history, cultural significance, and vibrant craft of American beer. From the crisp lagers of the Midwest to the hop-heavy IPAs of the West Coast, this day is a tribute to the diversity and innovation that define the American beer scene. So, grab a cold one, and let’s dive into the story of National American Beer Day, its origins, and why it’s a beloved occasion for beer lovers everywhere.

The Origins of National American Beer Day
While the exact origins of National American Beer Day are somewhat hazy—like a good hazy IPA—the day is believed to have emerged in the early 21st century as a way to celebrate the resurgence of American brewing. The date, October 27, may not have a definitive historical event tied to it, but it aligns with the fall season, a time when breweries historically released their seasonal beers and communities gathered to enjoy the fruits of the harvest.
Beer has been a part of American culture since colonial times, with early settlers brewing their own concoctions using local ingredients like corn and molasses. By the 19th century, German immigrants brought their lager-making expertise, transforming the U.S. into a beer-loving nation. However, Prohibition (1920–1933) nearly wiped out the industry, leaving only a handful of large-scale breweries in its wake. The craft beer revolution of the late 20th century, led by pioneers like Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams, sparked a renaissance that gave rise to thousands of microbreweries and brewpubs, making American beer a global force.
National American Beer Day celebrates this journey—from humble colonial brews to the innovative craft beers that have put the U.S. on the map as a brewing powerhouse.

Why American Beer?
American beer is as diverse as the nation itself. The U.S. boasts over 9,000 breweries (as of recent data), ranging from small, family-run operations to industry giants. This diversity is reflected in the styles of beer produced, which include:
Lagers: Crisp, clean, and refreshing, lagers like those from Yuengling (America’s oldest brewery, founded in 1829) remain a staple at bars and backyard barbecues.
IPAs: The India Pale Ale, with its bold hops and bitter bite, has become the poster child of the craft beer movement, with West Coast, New England, and double IPAs dominating tap lists.
Stouts and Porters: Rich, dark, and often infused with flavors like coffee or chocolate, these beers showcase American creativity.
Sours and Wild Ales: A newer trend, these tart, funky beers highlight the experimental spirit of American brewers.
Seasonals and Specialty Brews: From pumpkin ales in the fall to fruity shandies in the summer, American brewers embrace local and seasonal ingredients to create unique flavors.

What sets American beer apart is its fearless innovation. Brewers experiment with everything from barrel aging to unusual ingredients like peanut butter, maple syrup, or even hot peppers. This creativity has earned American beers countless awards at international competitions, proving that the U.S. is no longer just a consumer of great beer—it’s a creator.
How to Celebrate National American Beer Day

National American Beer Day is all about appreciating the craft, community, and culture of American beer. Here are some ways to join the festivities:
Visit a Local Brewery: Support your local craft brewery by stopping by for a pint or a flight. Many breweries host special events, tap takeovers, or release limited-edition beers on this day. Check their social media or websites for details.
Host a Beer Tasting: Gather friends and sample a variety of American beers. Include a mix of styles—perhaps a crisp lager, a juicy IPA, and a velvety stout. Pair them with snacks like pretzels, cheese, or spicy wings to elevate the experience.
Learn About Brewing: Take a brewery tour or dive into the history of American beer. Many breweries offer behind-the-scenes looks at their process, from malting to fermentation.
Raise a Glass to History: Toast to iconic American breweries like Anheuser-Busch, Miller, or Coors, which have shaped the industry, or to trailblazers like Anchor Brewing, whose Anchor Steam Beer helped kickstart the craft movement.
Share on Social Media: Post about your favorite American beer using hashtags like #NationalAmericanBeerDay or #CraftBeer. Many breweries engage with fans online, and you might discover new brews to try.
Cook with Beer: Incorporate beer into your cooking—think beer-battered fish, stout-infused chili, or IPA-marinated chicken. The flavors of American beer can add depth to your dishes.

The Economic and Cultural Impact
The American beer industry is a powerhouse, contributing over $400 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supporting millions of jobs, from farmers growing hops to bartenders pouring pints. Craft breweries, in particular, have revitalized small towns and urban neighborhoods, turning taprooms into community hubs where people gather to connect and celebrate.
Culturally, beer is woven into the American fabric. It’s there at baseball games, tailgates, and holiday gatherings. National American Beer Day reminds us of the role beer plays in bringing people together, fostering creativity, and showcasing regional pride.

Fun Facts About American Beer
Oldest Brewery: D.G. Yuengling & Son, founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, is the oldest operating brewery in the U.S.
Craft Boom: The number of craft breweries has grown from just 89 in 1978 to over 9,000 today, according to the Brewers Association.
Hops Haven: The Pacific Northwest, especially Yakima Valley in Washington, produces about 75% of the nation’s hops, a key ingredient in many beers.
Beer Capitals: Cities like Portland, Oregon, and Asheville, North Carolina, are renowned for their high brewery-per-capita ratios.

A Toast to the Future
As we celebrate National American Beer Day on October 27, 2025, we look forward to the continued evolution of American beer. With sustainability efforts, new brewing techniques, and a growing emphasis on inclusivity in the industry, the future is bright for this beloved beverage. Whether you’re a fan of a classic Budweiser or a barrel-aged sour from a local microbrewery, there’s an American beer for every palate.
So, this National American Beer Day, head to your favorite taproom, crack open a cold one, or try brewing your own at home. Cheers to the brewers, the dreamers, and the beer lovers who make this day—and American beer—something to celebrate!

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

WISEACRE Brewing Company Shines with Two Awards at 2025 Great American Beer Festival

October 26, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

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

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

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

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

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

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The Lemp Brewery and Mansion – Most Haunted Brewery in America

October 25, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis stands as one of America’s most chilling haunted landmarks, tied to a tragic family dynasty that suffered seven deaths—five by suicide—within its walls between 1901 and 1949. Built in the 1860s alongside the massive Lemp Brewery, once the city’s largest beer producer, the mansion was home to brewing tycoon William Lemp Sr. and his heirs. Tragedy struck early with Frederick Lemp’s mysterious heart failure at age 28, followed by William Sr.’s suicide in 1904. After Prohibition crushed the brewery in 1919, despair deepened: Elsa Lemp died by gunshot in 1920 with no note and delayed police involvement, William Jr. took his life in the mansion office in 1922, William III died of heart failure at 42 in 1943, an illegitimate child perished in the 1940s, and Charles Lemp shot his dog before killing himself in 1949, leaving a note reading, “Blame no one but me.” The last survivor, Edwin, sold the mansion and lived to 90—many believe escaping the property saved his life.

Beneath the mansion and brewery lies a labyrinth of natural Caves of St. Louis, once used for aging beer and secret family passageways. Today, these 100-year-old underground tunnels host the Lemp Brewery Haunted House by Halloween Productions Inc., widely hailed as America’s only REAL haunted attraction. Visitors descend a century-old spiral staircase 50 feet below street level into 20,000 square feet of authentic gothic horror—damp stone arches, rusted machinery, and eerie silence broken only by state-of-the-art animatronics, zombie brewers, giant alligators, and swarms of bats. With real history soaked into every wall, this isn’t fake fog and plywood—it’s genuine terror. Escape means climbing “The Hole,” a final staircase back to daylight… if the spirits let you go. Open select nights in October—book now at lemphauntedhouse.com.

For More Information about visiting and touring the Lemp Brewery Haunted House – Click Here

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