Great American Beer Festival names top breweries of 2026 across US

Dozens of beverage makers from across the nation earned top honors over the weekend in Alexandria, Virginia. The national contest recognized standout drinks across various production tiers and beverage styles.

Brewers entered drinks to face review by a panel of industry judges. The competition evaluated multiple styles along with businesses of different sizes.

Production volume determined the top honors across several distinct categories:

• Mieza Blendery of Alexandria, Virginia: 0 to 250 Barrels
• UPP Liquids of Bend, Oregon: 251 to 500 Barrels
• Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. of Golden, Colorado: 501 to 1,000 Barrels
• Craft Coast of Oceanside, California: 1,001 to 2,000 Barrels
• Morgan Territory Brewing of Tracy, California: 2,001 to 5,000 Barrels
• Fieldwork Brewing Company of Berkeley, California: 5,001 to 15,000 Barrels
• Breakside Brewery & Taproom of Milwaukie, Oregon: 15,001 to 100,000 Barrels
• Goose Island Beer Co. of Chicago: Over 100,000 Barrels
• Snow Capped Cider of Austin, Colorado: Cidermaker of the Year

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. won the same production category last year. That detail came from an earlier report by Nexstar television station KDVR.

Beverages from 38 states and the District of Columbia earned medals in the contest. Six entries from Breakside Brewery & Taproom secured medals during the weekend gathering.

Goose Island Beer Co. and UPP Liquids earned four medals each. Snow Capped Cider and Gowan’s Heirloom Cider of Philo, California, each took home five medals.

Independent panels evaluate submissions using strict style guidelines during organized beverage competitions. Judges review aroma, appearance, flavor and mouthfeel before assigning final scores to each entry.

Producers travel across the country to compete in Alexandria, Virginia, and showcase their craftsmanship.