Cheers to the champions: 2025 World Beer Cup

Indianapolis | Last week, the Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers, announced the winners of the 2025 World Beer Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious professional beer and cider competitions. The awards ceremony was held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America.

Throughout 14 sessions spanning seven days, a panel of 265 judges from 37 countries methodically evaluated 8375 entries from 1761 breweries and cideries across 49 nations. Out of a total possible 336 awards in 112 beer style categories, 334 were awarded. Gold was not awarded in Category 78, Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale, and a bronze was not designated in Category 67, South German-Style Bernsteinfarbenes Weizen. Out of a total possible 15 awards in 5 cider style categories, 15 were awarded.

“The World Beer Cup competition continues to showcase the global industry’s dedication to innovative craftsmanship, diverse flavors, and technical excellence,” said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director. “This roster of 2025 winners represents the pinnacle of craft brewing and cideries, demonstrating what’s achievable through dedication and passion. Congratulations to this year’s award winners; they have once again helped set the standard for excellence in their craft, inspiring innovation and fostering healthy competition within the industry.”

Most entered style categories were

• Category 111, Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale, 290 entries;
• Category 112, West Coast-Style India Pale, 253 entries;
• Category 110, American-Style India Pale Ale, 208 entries;
• Category 43, German-Style Pilsener, 186 entries;
• Category 39, Hoppy Lager, 155 entries.

The 2025 World Beer Cup competition was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors: Fermentis, First Key, HAAS, Jenrey Ltd. Beverage Solutions, Rahr Malting Co., SAHM, and Siemens.

The complete winners list is available from the event website at www.worldbeercup.org.