American Craft Beer successful at international competitions

High level | The Brewers Association’s Export Development Programme (EDP) announces the global success of its American craft brewery members in three international beer competitions – the Brussels Beer Challenge, European Beer Star Awards and the Japan International Beer Cup.

Results are as follows:

Brussels Beer Challenge

Now in its 11th year, the Brussels Beer Challenge attracted 1,800 beers from 41 countries judged by 85 independent beer experts who awarded medals in 80 different categories. The competition took place in Eupen, Belgium over a three-day period from 1-3 November 2022

Participating beers were subdivided into categories based on origin, typology and style, and then tasted. 

The EDP members awarded 25 medals in total: seven gold, nine silver and nine bronze as well as Fremont Brewing Co’s Legend Cold IPA which was voted “Best American Beer of the Competition”.

European Beer Star

One of the most recognized beer competitions in the world, the European Beer Star Awards, took place for the 19th occasion in August 2022 and is committed to the traditional European art of brewing. It recognizes high quality, authentic beers that are genuine and distinctive, and is limited to beer categories that originate in Europe.

This year’s competition attracted 2,168 beers from 40 different countries judged by 140 beer experts. It took place at the Doemens Brewing Academy, in Gräfelfing, near Munich and judges awarded 213 beers with gold, silver or bronze in 71 categories. The EDP member breweries won 25 medals in total including eight gold, eight silver and nine bronze.

Japan International Beer Cup

Hosted by Japan’s Craft Beer Association, the International Beer Cup is Japan’s largest international beer competition and was established in 1996. It provides a valuable opportunity for members of the EDP to compete and gain awareness in one of the world’s fastest-growing craft beer markets.

The competition attracted 1,111 entries from 268 breweries in 16 countries and awarded medals in 118 categories judged by 69 beer experts. The American craft brewers won 35 medals including five gold, 14 silver and 16 bronze, and two best in category.

A reputation on quality

Success at international beer competitions helps raise awareness for American craft beer abroad and assists EDP member breweries with generating publicity for their brands in overseas markets. As part of its programming, the EDP helps facilitate U.S. brewery participation and performance in select competitions by covering entry fees and consolidated airfreight shipment to judging sites. 

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries.