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One of the beer industry’s most prestigious competitions, the World Beer Cup took place in Minneapolis this week and awards were presented at the conclusion of Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America on Thursday night.
Considered by many to be the “Olympics of Beer” this biennial competition is a big deal.
Winning a World Beer Cup is like winning a Grammy or an Oscar…it brings the world’s attention to even the smallest brewery’s doorstep…and like a hit song or film, it can make a career.
Returning after cancellation in 2020 because of the pandemic, the 2022 World Beer Cup was the largest competition to date, with 10,542 entries from 2,493 breweries representing 57 countries.
226 Judges from 28 countries oversaw 307 awards this year – gold, silver and bronze in 103 different style categories. Competition judging took place in 18 sessions over nine days
And here are just some of the highlights from this year’s World Beer Cup…
Competition HIGHLIGHTS
Average number of beers entered per category: 102
Most entered style categories:
- American-Style India Pale Ale: 384
- Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale: 343
- German-Style Pilsener: 254
- Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout: 237
- International Pilsener or International Lager: 231
- Munich-Style Helles: 202
Number of countries represented: 57
Countries with the most awards:
- United States: 252
- Canada: 14
- Germany: 11
Country with the highest winning rate: Ireland (16.67%)
First-time country winner: Colombia, Pola Del Pub, Bogotá, for its “Saison Con Miel” Specialty Saison entry
“The World Beer Cup showcases the incredible breadth and talent of the global brewing community,” said Chris Swersey, competition director, World Beer Cup. “Winning an award at this extremely competitive event symbolizes one of the greatest accomplishments in the art of brewing. Congratulations to this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements.”
Historically a biennial event, the World Beer Cup competition will move to an annual event beginning in 2023.
Brewery registration for the 2023 World Beer Cup will open in October 2022, with the awards presented May 10, 2023 at the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
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(All image credits: Brewers Association)
