In 2024, six Minnesota brewers made history at the World Beer Cup in Las Vegas. The competition, which attracts over 9,000 entries from 2,000 breweries competing in 110 categories, is widely considered the largest and most prestigious beer competition in the world by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild.
Two of the winners from Minnesota received bronze medals for their beers: Bent Paddle Brewing Co.’s German-Style Altbier “Little Dussel Do-Ya” and BeerClub Brewing’s German-Style Doppelbock or Fisbock “Doppel (doppel) Bock (bock).” Two others received silver medals: Excelsior Brewing Co.’s Fruit Beer “Big Island Citrus Blonde Ale” and Lupulin Brewing’s Dortmunder/Export of German-Style Oktoberfest “Dortmunder.”
But it was Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub’s German-Style Doppelbock or Fisbock “Dopplebock” that truly stole the show. This beer won a coveted gold medal at the competition. Similarly, Pryes Brewing Co.’s Mixed Culture Brett Beer “Idyll Forest – Soirée” also received a gold medal.
Bob Galligan, the director of government and industry relations for the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, couldn’t contain his pride as he expressed his admiration for these Minnesota brewers who showcased their world-class beer on a global stage.