North Carolina Breweries Shine at World Beer Cup

Assorted craft beers from North Carolina on wooden table

News Summary

Breweries from North Carolina made a significant impact at the World Beer Cup, winning a total of 11 medals including gold and silver awards. This year’s competition showcased contributions from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries. Notably, the diverse craft beer culture in North Carolina was highlighted with standout achievements from local breweries, including Diatribe Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada Brewing. The success at the event not only elevates the state’s brewing reputation but also strengthens the craft beer community in the face of industry challenges.

Indianapolis — Breweries from North Carolina achieved remarkable recognition at the 2025 World Beer Cup, winning a total of 11 medals during the prestigious competition held on May 1, 2025. This success underscores the state’s deep-rooted craft beer culture, with four breweries from the Western part of North Carolina earning either gold or silver medals.

The award ceremony was a part of the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, bringing together tens of thousands of industry professionals to celebrate the craft beverage community. The World Beer Cup, known as one of the most prestigious events for beer and cider enthusiasts globally, saw participation from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries, totaling 8,375 entries. A panel of 265 international judges, comprising experts from around the world, evaluated the submissions.

This year’s competition registered a slight decline in the number of participants compared to 2024, mirroring a stagnation trend observed within the craft beer industry. Notably, 338 breweries entered the competition for the first time, signifying a sustained interest in this competitive landscape. In response to the burgeoning cider segment, the organizers added five new cider categories to reflect the increasing production and popularity of cider.

The most popular beer category this year was various forms of India Pale Ales (IPAs), which traditionally attract high levels of competition. Among the standout achievements, the Chocolate Porter crafted by Diatribe Brewing Co. located in Asheville, NC, won a gold medal. Another notable winner was the South German-Style Weizenbock by Sierra Nevada Brewing from Mills River, NC, which also received a gold medal.

Besides the North Carolina breweries, winners hailed from various corners of the United States as well as international participants from countries such as Japan, China, and Brazil. The inclusion of a diverse range of breweries showcases the global appeal of the competition, as it presents a platform for both established and emerging labels to gain recognition.

The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, an advocacy group representing independent craft breweries in the state, commended the local brewing community for its resilience and resourcefulness, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The guild’s acknowledgment highlights the adaptability and responsiveness of the industry in facing external challenges.

With over 400 independent craft breweries and brewpubs operating in North Carolina, this award recognition not only boosts morale within the brewing community but also significantly enhances the sales efforts for the involved breweries. Winning a medal at the World Beer Cup is viewed as a mark of quality and excellence, providing a powerful endorsement for those in the competitive craft beer market.

The achievements at the World Beer Cup serve as a clear indicator of North Carolina’s growing reputation as a hub for high-quality craft beer. As breweries craft unique flavors and styles, they continue to contribute to the state’s vibrant and dynamic brewing landscape.