Great American Beer Festival 2026 awards 336 medals

The 2026 Great American Beer Festival, held in Denver, saw 243 breweries and cideries earn a total of 336 medals. More than 200 judges evaluated 7,267 entries from across 49 states.

Colorado breweries performed strongly, securing 41 medals, including 16 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze, as well as a brewery of the year award. The festival also featured a move to an outdoor venue at Levitt Pavilion.

Other regional highlights included:

- Michigan: Three breweries won gold, including Mothfire Brewing Co. for its Panda (Juicy or Hazy Imperial IPA), Bearded Lamb Brewing Co. for Chugga Chocolate Milk Stout, and Founders Brewing Co. for its Hoppy Mood in the new hop water category. - Texas: Local breweries earned 15 medals. - California: 11 breweries took home 14 medals. - Firestone Walker Brewing Company: Earned three medals during its 30th anniversary year.

Other notable winners included Arizona and San Diego-based breweries, contributing to the diverse range of award recipients across the United States.