Iowa craft breweries collected nine medals across two international beer competitions in April, showcasing the depth of talent in the state’s brewing industry.
Four Iowa breweries medaled at the 2026 World Beer Cup in Philadelphia, which drew 8,166 entries from 1,644 breweries across 50 countries, according to a news release. Five more Iowa breweries were recognized at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in Oregon, billed as the fastest-growing international beer competition, which judged entries across 51 categories.
Cedar Rapids-based Lion Bridge Brewing Co. led Iowa’s haul at the World Beer Cup, taking gold for Olde 17 in the Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout category and bronze for Compensation in the English Mild or Bitter category. Field Day Brewing of North Liberty earned bronze for Czech Amber in the International Amber Lager category, and Big Grove Brewery of Iowa City took silver for Zero Eddy in the Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer category.
At the Best of Craft Beer Awards, Marto Brewing of Sioux City claimed gold for American Girl in the Golden and Blonde Ale category and silver for Fear of the Dark in the Cascadian Dark Ale category. Flix Brewhouse in Des Moines earned silver for Nebulas in the Hazy and Juicy Pale Ale category. Full Fledged Brewing of Council Bluffs picked up two bronzes — Floyd the Barbarian in Hop Forward Session Beers and Common Corn Star in Rare & Historical Beers.
“It’s been an amazing few weeks as the deserving hard work and craftsmanship of these small businesses was recognized on the world stage,” Iowa Brewers Guild Executive Director Noreen Otto said. “When one Iowa brewery wins, we all win.”
The Iowa Brewers Guild represents more than 100 member breweries across the state. More information is available at IowaBeer.org. Complete winners lists for both competitions can be found at WorldBeerCup.org and Bestofcraftbeerawards.com.
