The Great American Beer Fest, one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the United States, has just concluded, and the winners of the best brew across the nation have been announced. This year’s festival saw thousands of entries from hundreds of breweries competing in numerous beer style categories.

The festival is known for its rigorous judging process, which involves a panel of experts including veteran brewers, beer industry professionals, and trained judges who conduct blind tastings to ensure impartiality. The highest-scoring beers are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, representing the pinnacle of brewing excellence.

Among this year’s standout winners is Hops & Dreams Brewery from California, which took home the gold medal for their ‘Sunset Saison’ in the French-Style Ale category. It’s a refreshing farmhouse ale known for its fruity notes and exotic spice blend that appeals to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Capturing the top prize in the IPA category was “Hop Havoc” by Boulder Hops Brewing, a Colorado favorite renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic hoppiness that defines American IPAs. The brewery’s dedication to quality hop selection has clearly paid off with this national recognition.

The American Stout category crowned Black Barrel Stout from Kentucky’s Coalfront Brewery as its champion. This robust stout boasts a rich taste with hints of chocolate and coffee that won over judges with its smooth finish and depth of flavor.

In an upset no one saw coming, newcomer Riveredge Brewery from Maine snagged a surprising win in the Belgian-Style Ale category with its “Monk’s Whisper”, a complex and balanced brew with subtle fruit esters that perfectly capture the essence of traditional Belgian beers.

This year’s Great American Beer Fest also put a spotlight on lagers, with Lagerhaus 99 from Minnesota winning big with their ‘Pristine Pilsner’, a testament to their mastery in brewing crisp and clean traditional German lagers with just the right balance of hops and malt.

Overall, this year’s winners showcase an outstanding range of styles and flavors that highlight America’s diverse beer culture. From hop-heavy IPAs to delicate saisons, these top-ranking brews reflect the craftsmanship and innovation that continue to drive the U.S. craft beer industry forward. The Great American Beer Fest not only celebrates these magnificent creations but also inspires brewers across the country to keep pushing the boundaries in pursuit of brewing perfection.