U.S. News
2023’s Top Beers and Breweries
By Matt De Vlieger · February 8, 2024
Best Beer in the World
Beer is something most of us can agree on. But THE BEST beer is a matter of taste. Luckily, many competitions do the "tasting" for us, so we don't have to wobble all over the world in search of the choicest beer.
World Beer Cup (WBC)
Organized by the Brewers Association, the World Beer Cup is one of the most prestigious international beer competitions (although it looks pretty American dominated based on the results of the competition). It takes place every two years and judges beers across numerous style categories. The competition attracts breweries from around the world, and winning a medal at the WBC is considered a significant achievement.
Taildragger 5G
In 2023, Saddle Mountain Brewing Co. from Goodyear, Arizona, USA, clinched the Gold medal in the American Wheat Beer category at the World Beer Cup with their brew, "Taildragger 5G." This accolade highlights the brewery's commitment to excellence and positions "Taildragger 5G" as a standout choice in the world of American Wheat Beers.
Great American Beer Festival (GABF)
Also organized by the Brewers Association, the Great American Beer Festival is one of the largest and most well-known beer festivals in the United States. It features a beer competition with a wide range of categories, including American-style ales, porters, stouts, and more.
Wibby Jibby
The Great American Beer Festival gives out gold medals per style and category, so there are actually dozens of them, making it hard to distinguish an overall winner. In 2023, Wibby Brewing from Longmont, Colorado, achieved Gold at the Great American Beer Festival with their acclaimed brew, "Wibby Jibby," in the American Pilsener category.
European Beer Star
This competition focuses on European beers and is organized by Private Brauereien Bayern e.V., an association of private breweries in Bavaria, Germany. Beers from European countries, as well as non-European breweries, are judged based on traditional beer styles.
Quality & Sustainability
Like others, they have gold, silver, and bronze in dozens of categories however, it's worth of mention that the European Beer Star Future Award 2023 honored three outstanding breweries for their exceptional quality and commitment to sustainability. Braucommune in Freistadt, Brauerei Schützengarten, and Plzeňský Prazdroj were recognized during the award ceremony held on November 29 at BrauBeviale in Nuremberg. Congratulations to these proud winners for their dedication to excellence and sustainability efforts!
Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA)
The AIBA is the largest annual beer competition in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the most prominent beer competitions globally. It attracts entries from breweries around the world and covers a wide range of beer styles.
Lindongjiangzhi Weizenbock
NBeer Craft Brewing Co., based in Sichuan, China, claimed the prestigious title of Champion International Beer at the Australian International Beer Awards. Their Lindongjiangzhi Weizenbock, Packaged, stood out among competitors. Established in 2013, NBeer Craft Brewing is a pioneer of China's craft beer scene and has earned numerous international accolades, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the global craft beer industry.
World Beer Awards
The World Beer Awards is an international beer competition that aims to select the best beers from around the world. Beers are judged blind and awarded based on style and region.
Touch Down Kiyosato Lager
The World Beer Awards recognized Yatsugatake Brewery from Japan for producing the World's Best International Lager with their Touch Down Kiyosato Lager. Judges described it as a vibrant beer with a well-balanced blend of floral and herbal hops, offering a pleasant maltiness followed by a lightly bitter finish. This accolade highlights Yatsugatake Brewery's commitment to crafting exceptional lagers and solidifies their position as a leading brewery in the global beer scene.
U.S. Open Beer Championship
This competition is open to both professional breweries and homebrewers in the United States and internationally. It features a wide range of beer styles and judges beers based on various criteria. Check out their humble banner design!
Toppling Goliath Brewing
Toppling Goliath Brewing from Decorah, Iowa, clinched the coveted title of 2023 Grand National Champion at the US Open Beer Championship by securing an impressive haul of four gold medals. Their outstanding brews, including Pseudo Sue Hazy Pale Ale, Seismic Sue Triple IPA, King Sue Hazy DIPA, and KBBS Reserve 2022
Brussels Beer Challenge
The Brussels Beer Challenge stands as an esteemed annual international beer competition primarily designed to facilitate professional evaluation among brewers. Serving as a platform for global brewers to network and actively promote their products, this competition also endeavors to nurture and support the rich culture of beer. Through its rigorous judging process and industry engagement, the Brussels Beer Challenge fosters excellence in brewing while celebrating the diversity and craftsmanship of beers from around the world.
Dance Rave Dance
Brasserie Surréaliste, situated in the heart of Brussels, clinched a Gold medal in the "Session IPA" category and secured the coveted title of Best Belgian Beer at the competition with their canned offering, Dance Rave Dance (Prik & Tik Trophy). Despite being established just three years ago amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, this brewery's success came as a surprise.
Rate Beer
RateBeer.com is a popular website and online community dedicated to beer enthusiasts and aficionados. It serves as a platform for users to explore and review various beers, breweries, and beer-related establishments from around the world. Users can rate and share their opinions on different beers they've tried, providing detailed feedback on aspects such as taste, aroma, appearance, and overall experience. Additionally, RateBeer.com offers rankings, lists, and ratings based on user reviews, as well as information on beer events, news, and industry trends. It's a valuable resource for both casual beer drinkers and serious enthusiasts looking to discover new brews and engage with the broader beer community.