The United States of America has once again demonstrated its dominance in the global beer industry by claiming the majority of top prizes at the 2025 World Beer Cup, often dubbed the ‘Olympics of beer.’ This year’s competition saw a strong performance from West Coast states, particularly California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, which collectively accounted for the bulk of the medals awarded. Oregon’s 2 Towns Ciderhouse stood out as a standout in the new cider categories, earning six awards, including three golds. The event attracted entries from 49 countries and featured evaluations across 112 categories, with judges assessing beer and cider based on style, color, aroma, and flavor. California emerged as the top-performing U.S. state, securing 76 medals, while Oregon, Washington, and Colorado followed closely. The competition saw the debut of cider categories, with 2 Towns Ciderhouse, which launched in 2010, claiming gold in three categories and tying for the most medals among all entrants.
The World Beer Cup, with its global appeal and rigorous judging process, has become a vital platform for craft breweries and cideries to showcase their skills and innovation. The 2025 edition, hosted in May, featured 1,761 breweries and cideries participating, highlighting the growing interest and investment in the craft beverage sector. The competition’s emphasis on quality, diversity, and technical excellence has set a new benchmark for the industry, encouraging continued innovation and attention to detail among producers. This year’s results underscore the United States’ continued leadership in beer and cider production, as well as the growing role of the West Coast in shaping the future of these beverages.
The competition also highlighted the resilience of American craft breweries, which have navigated rising costs without passing significant price hikes to consumers. This economic challenge has not deterred brewers from maintaining high standards and investing in quality, further solidifying the U.S. position as a leader in the global beer market. The success of 2 Towns Ciderhouse in the cider categories signals a promising future for the cider industry, which is gaining traction with consumers worldwide. As the World Beer Cup continues to evolve, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping trends, standards, and the overall growth of the craft beverage sector globally.