Impressive success for American Craft Brewers

Competitions | The Brewers Association is proud to announce the success of its Export Development Programme (EDP) American craft brewery members at two prestigious international beer competitions - Brussels Beer Challenge and European Beer Star - where an impressive haul of medals was garnered on both occasions.

Brussels Beer Challenge

The 14th edition of the Brussels Beer Challenge was held in Marche en Famenne, Belgium, in early November 2025. Over three days, 1,701 beers from 36 countries were evaluated by a panel of 78 international judges. The beers were categorised by origin, specificity, and style, ensuring a comprehensive and fair judging process.

American craft breweries performed strongly in the competition, winning a total of 28 medals (up from 19 in 2024), including six gold, eight silver, and 14 bronze. Special mention goes to Firestone Walker Brewing Co for Union Jack which was awarded the title of Best American Beer in the competition.

European Beer Star

Held annually in Nuremburg, Germany, the European Beer Star Awards, took place in August 2025 for the 22nd time.  As one of the world’s most respected beer competitions, it celebrates authentic and high-quality beers rooted in traditional European brewing techniques. The competition received 2,202 entries from over 510 breweries across 43countries.  The competition was judged by 45 experts from 33 countries.

American craft brewers excelled once again securing 19 medals, five gold, three silver and nine bronze.

Lotte Peplow, Brewers Association’s American craft beer ambassador for Europe, comments: “Year after year, American craft brewers excel on the world stage winning top honours at prestigious European beer competitions.  Such success creates a point of difference and drives awareness helping to develop distribution opportunities in global export markets.  This year’s impressive medal haul is a true reflection of the skill and creativity of American craft brewers, the world class quality of their beers and their innovative, boundary-pushing approach to brewing.  Congratulations to all of the winners!”
See winners of both competitions here