2023 U.S. Open Director Award and the U.S. Open Judge’s Honorable Mentions – Can and Bottle Artwork
Because of the abundance of impressive labels, we also recognized 10 other highly meritorious works with an Honorable Mention. Finally, we awarded the “Director’s Award to The Explorium Brewpub’s Damn! That’s Good Double IPA can for their creative use of the US Open Beer Championship logo and their beer label design. Runner-up was Stormbreaker Brewing’s Mullets and Mohawks Scottish Export Ale’s can.

U.S. Open Director’s Award – Can Artwork

Runner-up

U.S. Open Judge’s Honorable Mention – Can and Bottle Artwork
Best cartoon humor – Meeting Over – 26 degrees Brewing

Clever use of stickers – Milasek – Fort Brewery

Best argument for expanding health insurance coverage – Smile Medication – Hop Dogma Brewery

Explanation for greatness unnecessary – Miniature Giant Space Hamster – Bullfinch Brewing

The world needs more fairies – Fairy Nectar – Kros Strain Brewing

Most likely to be consumed by Homer Simpson – Ruthie – Exile Brewing

Best duo from a single brewery – Phone Home – Ravenna Brewing
Best duo from a single brewery – Altered State – Ravenna Brewing

From he who unpacked them all – Frida Forever – Project Halo Brewing

#2 from the straw that stirs the drink – This is Fine – Barrel Chest Brewing

In addition to judging some of the world’s finest beers, in 2023 the US Open broke new ground by reviewing and recognizing excellence in label artwork. Over 500 breweries from across the globe submitted over 1000 beers to be considered for the 1st annual beer can art awards. The 15+ judges who accepted this challenge brought a diversity of expertise and credentials to the task, ranging from experienced beer lovers from the school of hard knocks; to high school art teachers; to design professionals; to Ph.D. faculty in marketing, entrepreneurship, and fine arts at Miami University. The judges selected the top 10 entries while awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals to the crème de la crème. Because of the abundance of impressive labels, we also recognized 10 other highly meritorious works with an Honorable Mention. Finally, we awarded the “Director’s Award” to the xxx brewery for their creative use of the US Open Beer Championship logo and their beer label design.

The art competition was so popular that it will now be a permanent fixture in the US Open Beer Championship. Keep an eye out for the tweaks and innovations we’ll roll out for 2024 as we continue our quest to identify and recognize the world’s best beers – and best label art.

Best Beer Label Artwork
Gold – Olvera Street Lager – Angel City Brewing

Silver – Keeping it Crispy – Tactical Brewing Co

BRONZE – Just Deal Wit It – The Dreamchasers Brewery
 
BRONZE – Shades of Black – Akademia Brewing

5th – Viva La Otter – Pontoon Brewing

6th – Trash Panda – Metazoa Brewing

7th – Mi Nombre Es Cerveza – Roadmap Brewing

8th – Pierre Delecto – Fullsteam Brewing

9th – Udderly Galactic – Launch Pad Brewing

10th – Ten Million Flowers – Discretion Brewing

10th – Swim Shady – Epidemic Ales

10th – Cryo Scape – Batson River Brewing

10th – Chupacatawbra – Twin Oast Brewing

 

 

 

 

           

           

 

On TV, Radio, Newspapers, Blogs, etc.

WISH-TV – Indy
Dave Colt (founder and brewmaster) talks about U.S. Open Beer Championship on Channel 8 WISH-TV – Indy
https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/sun-king-takes-top-honors-at-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

The Record Courier  – Nevada
Shoe Tree named second best brewer in U.S.
https://www.recordcourier.com/news/2022/jul/20/shoe-tree-named-second-best-brewer-us/

CarsonNow – Carson City, Nevada
Shoe Tree Brewing in Carson City, Minden bring home 6 U.S. Open Beer Championship medals
https://carsonnow.org/story/07/18/2022/shoe-tree-brewing-carson-city-minden-bring-home-6-us-open-beer-championship-medals

Pasadena Star News
Southern California craft breweries win gold in the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/07/18/southern-california-craft-breweries-win-gold-in-the-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

That’s So Tampa
Six Tampa Bay breweries win U.S. Open Beer Championship medals
https://thatssotampa.com/tampa-bay-brewery-winners/

Beer Connoisseur
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Wins Two Awards at US Open Beer Championship
https://beerconnoisseur.com/articles/wallenpaupack-brewing-co-wins-two-awards-us-open-beer-championship

Sacramento Business Journal
Moonraker Brewing Gets Big Honor at U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2022/07/18/moonraker-brewing-us-open-beer-championship.html

Fox 2 – Detroit
10 Michigan breweries pick up awards at US Open Beer Championship
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/10-michigan-breweries-pick-up-awards-at-us-open-beer-championship

Fox 59
Sun King Brewery named 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championships winner
https://fox59.com/indiana-news/sun-king-brewery-named-2022-u-s-open-beer-championships-winner/

WTHR – Channel 13 – Indianapolis
Sun King takes top honors at national beer competition
https://www.wthr.com/article/money/business/small-business/sun-king-brewery-takes-top-honors-at-national-beer-competition/531-5891cd25-5728-48cd-adf5-2c42ffcfb958

Hamilton County Reporter
Sun King Brewery earns Grand National Champion title at U.S. Open Beer Competition
https://readthereporter.com/sun-king-brewery-earns-grand-national-champion-title-at-u-s-open-beer-competition/

Texas Outdoor Odysseys –
Dallas/Fort Worth Medal Winners at the U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://do214.com/p/us-open-beer-championship-2022-dallas-fort-worth-medal-winners

Charlotte Observer
Charlotte brewery makes Top 10 at the U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article263351713.html

In Niagara – Ontario
Two Ukrainian-solidarity beers by Niagara College win silvers at U.S. beer championship
https://www.insauga.com/two-ukrainian-solidarity-beers-by-niagara-college-win-silvers-at-u-s-beer-championship/

The Denver Post
Colorado Breweries Win 15 Medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.denverpost.com/2022/07/12/colorado-us-open-beer-championship/

The Denver Gazette
Colorado Breweries Win 15 Awards at the U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://denvergazette.com/life/food-dining-beer/15-colorado-craft-beers-win-awards-at-us-open-beer-championship/article_9bb66d0b-74be-55bf-ad66-712e0cab8252.html

The Lincoln Star
Lincoln Brewery Wins Gold Medal at U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://journalstar.com/entertainment/dining/lincoln-brewery-wins-gold-medal-at-u-s-open-beer-championships/article_ee6e58d6-2431-59fc-a97e-34271a9bc4ee.html

The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati breweries dominate at US Open Beer Championship
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/nightlife/bars-and-clubs-news/2022/07/13/us-open-beer-championship-cincinnati-breweries-dominate/10031049002/

WDTN – Channel 2
Cincinnati’s Third Eye Brewing named one of top breweries in US
https://www.wdtn.com/nexstar-media-wire/us-open-beer-championship-names-best-breweries-funniest-beer-names-of-2022/

WISH-TV
Sun King earns Grand National Champion honors
https://www.wishtv.com/news/inside-indiana-business/sun-king-earns-grand-national-champion-honors/

Inside Indiana Business
Sun King earns Grand National Champion honors
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/sun-king-named-earns-grand-national-champion-honors

K2 Radio – Wyoming
Laramie Brewery Makes Top 10 at 2022U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://k2radio.com/laramie-brewery-makes-top-10-at-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

WBTCV – Charlotte
Charlotte brewery ranks in the top 5 in U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://qclife.wbtv.com/2022/07/13/charlotte-brewery-ranks-top-5-us-open-beer-championship/

KOIN Channel 6 Oregon
14 Oregon beers win medals in 2022 US Open Beer Championships
https://www.koin.com/local/14-oregon-beers-win-medals-in-2022-us-open-beer-championships/

Paper City Magazine – Texas
North Texas Breweries Win Big in the ‘Super Bowl’ of Beer — See the State’s Triumphant Brews
https://www.papercitymag.com/restaurants/north-texas-craft-beer-winners-super-bowl-beer/

Laramie Live – Wyoming
Laramie Brewery Makes Top 10 at 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://laramielive.com/laramie-brewery-makes-top-10-at-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

Triad Business Journal – Winston-Salem NC
Graham brewery wins gold at national beer competition; two others in Triad medal
https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2022/07/13/graham-brewery-wins-gold-medal.html

MYSA
San Antonio brewery wins 2 gold, 3 medals at 2022 U.S. Beer Open
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-brewery-US-Beer-Open-17299468.php

Boulder Daily Camera
Area breweries win medals at U.S. Open
https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/07/12/area-breweries-win-medals-at-u-s-open/

Loveland, CO
Loveland brewer earns medal in national beer competition
https://www.reporterherald.com/2022/07/14/loveland-brewer-earns-medal-in-national-beer-competition/

Breweries in PA
BRÜ DADDY’S Brewing Wins at US Open Beer Championship For 3rd Year In A Row
https://breweriesinpa.com/bru-daddys-brewing-wins-at-us-open-beer-championship-for-3rd-year-in-a-row/

Channel 8 Tampa
US Open Beer Championship names best breweries, funniest beer names of 2022
https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/us-open-beer-championship-names-best-breweries-funniest-beer-names-of-2022/

OutThere Colorado
15 Colorado craft beers win awards at US Open Beer Championship
https://www.outtherecolorado.com/news/15-colorado-craft-beers-win-awards-at-us-open-beer-championship/article_9fdfece8-02eb-11ed-b588-337f097949c1.html

Texas Craft Brewers Guild
Texas Craft Brewers Take Home 36 Medals at U.S. Open Beer Championship

Texas Craft Brewers Take Home 36 Medals at U.S. Open Beer Championship

Beer In the Big D
North Texas Hauls in 19 medals at the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.beerinbigd.com/2022/07/north-texas-hauls-in-19-medals-at-2022.html

Breweries in PA
Wallenpaupack Brewing Wins Two Awards at the 2022 US Open Beer Competition
https://breweriesinpa.com/wallenpaupack-brewing-wins-two-awards-at-the-2022-us-open-beer-competition/

2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship Winners From Pennsylvania
https://breweriesinpa.com/2022-u-s-open-beer-championship-winners-from-pennsylvania/

The Hill
US Open Beer Championship names best breweries, funniest beer names of 2022
https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/3558018-us-open-beer-championship-names-best-breweries-funniest-beer-names-of-2022/

Country 103.7
Charlotte Brewery Makes the Top 10 at U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://country1037fm.com/listicle/charlotte-brewery-makes-the-top-10-at-u-s-open-beer-championship/

Wellsvillesun.com
Model A Brewing Among Top Breweries Honored at The US Open Beer Championship
https://wellsvillesun.com/blog/2022/07/12/model-a-brewing-among-top-breweries-honored-at-the-us-open-beer-championship/

Washington Beer Blog
Washington Brewers win big at U.S. Open Beer Championship
http://washingtonbeerblog.com/washington-brewers-win-big-at-u-s-open-beer-championship/

Fox 8 – NC
North Carolina snags victories in US Open Beer Championship 2022
https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/north-carolina-snags-victories-in-us-open-beer-championship-2022/

NC Beer Guys
North Carolina Breweries Win 30 medals at the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.ncbeerguys.com/nc-breweries-win-30-medals-at-the-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

Daily Bulletin –  California
Southern California craft breweries win gold in the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.dailybulletin.com/2022/07/18/southern-california-craft-breweries-win-gold-in-the-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

Craft Brewing Business
Beers to know this week: Winners at the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/beer-of-the-month/beers-to-know-this-week-winners-at-the-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship/

Better on Draft
Michigan’s 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship Winners
https://www.betterondraft.com/articles/michigans-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship-winners

ESPN102.3 – Sioux Falls
U.S. Open Beer Champions of Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa 
https://espnsiouxfalls.com/u-s-open-beer-champions-of-minnesota-south-dakota-iowa

Third Eye Brewing wins third overall at 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
https://mmamckinney.com/2022/07/third-eye-brewing-wins-third-overall-at-2022-u-s-open-beer-championship.html

American Craft Beer
2022 US OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
https://www.americancraftbeer.com/2022-us-open-beer-championship-winners/

WJON FM95.3
Minnesota Beers Win Awards At U.S. Open Beer Championships
https://wjon.com/minnesota-beers-win-awards-at-u-s-open-beer-championships/ 

Southlake Style – Texas
Cowtown Brewing Co. Wins Silver Lager Award
https://www.southlakestyle.com/food/cowtown-brewing-co-wins-silver-lager-award/

The Patch – Dunedin, FL
Cueni Brewing Wins Big + Local Business Owners Love Tiki
https://patch.com/florida/dunedin/cueni-brewing-wins-big-local-business-owners-love-tiki

Abbeyfeale
Sun King takes top honors at 2022 US Open Beer Championship – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather
https://abbeyfealegolfclub.com/sun-king-takes-top-honors-at-2022-us-open-beer-championship-wish-tv-indianapolis-news-indiana-weather/ 

Biz West
Area breweries win medals at U.S. Open
https://bizwest.com/2022/07/12/area-breweries-win-medals-at-u-s-open/

News 4 – Oklahoma
US Open Beer Championship names best breweries, funniest beer names of 2022
https://kfor.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/us-open-beer-championship-names-best-breweries-funniest-beer-names-of-2022/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun King Crowned
Grand National Champion at the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship

(July 11, 2022)The annual U.S. Open Beer Competition returned to its normal schedule at its new event center in Oxford, Ohio following two years of pandemic-related schedule changes. Breweries sent more than 9,000 brews representing over 150 styles of beer to be judged, along with home brews that have medaled at the 2021 American Homebrew Association’s national competition.

U.S. Open Beer Competition president Dow Scoggins today announced all medal winners, and Sun King Brewery of Indianapolis took home the top recognition as Grand National Champion, which goes to the brewery earning the most winning entries, earning four gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

Sun King also earned Grand National Champion status in 2019, “an amazing accomplishment that demonstrates outstanding consistency in the quality of Sun King brews,” Scoggins said, adding that the U.S. Open is a blind competition where the judges only know the categories being judged, not the beers or their breweries. Sun King’s gold medal winners included Sunlight Cream Ale, Cherry Busey Belgian Fruit Beer, Barrel Aged Churrolicious, and Golden Girls Barrel-Aged Sour.

Shoe Tree Brewing in Minden, NV placed second overall, winning three gold medals and a silver. Their gold medal winners were Coco Burrito Porter, Taquito Burrito Porter, and Lahontan Brown Ale. Shoe Tree Brewing in Carson City, NV also won two medals.

Third Eye Brewing of Cincinnati took third place overall, earning two gold medals and three silver medals. Their Dark Aura Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout and Double Astra Imperial Chocolate Oatmeal Stout won gold in their respective styles. Third Eye is currently building a new production brewery in Hamilton, Ohio to help meet the demand for their beers.

The U.S. Open is the only major championship to allow gold-medal-winning beers from the AHA National Homebrew Competition to compete against professional breweries. This year, for only the second time in the history of the U.S. Open, Homebrewer Caleb Meinke of Cambridge, WI won a gold medal for his American Wheat Beer.

The Top Ten Breweries
1. Sun King Brewery, Indiana
2. Shoe Tree Brewing, Nevada
3. Third Eye Brewing, Ohio
4. Monday Night Brewing, Georgia
5. Pilot Brewing, North Carolina
6. Vallensons’ Brewing, Texas
7. Moonraker Brewing Company, California
8. Bonds Brewing, Wyoming
9. DC Brau Brewing, Washington, DC
10. Forgotten Star Brewing, Minnesota
10. Primeval Brewing, Indiana

For a complete list of medal winners: Click Here

What’s in a Name?
U.S. Open beer judges always enjoy the creativity behind the names that breweries choose for their products, and judge winners subjectively (based on laughter volume) at the competition’s conclusion. This year’s Top 10 on the laughs meter included:

Top 10 Beer Names
· Still Not as Bitter as Your Ex – N.E.W. Ales Brewing
· Up Schitt’s Kriek – Lost Province Brewing
· It Gose in Your Moutha – Spider Bite Beer Co.
· Kolsch Me if You Can – Pilot Brewing
· Who’s A Good Beer? – Streetside Brewery
· I Need More Cowbelgian – The Common Beer Company
· It’s Pronounced “Phrankensteen” IPA – Listermann Brewing
· There Gose my Pickle – Cueni Brewing Co.
· Tastes Like Flannel – Red Bear Brewing
· Julius Squeezer IPA – Elmhurst Brewing Company

Too Pure to be Pink is Pure Gold
The U.S. Open Beer Championship partnered with the Pink Boots Society, an organization that assists, inspires and encourages women in the fermented/alcoholic beverage profession through education, to create the Pink Boots Blend Category. The organization has partnered with Yakima Chief Hops for several years to sell a special hops blend to benefit the Pink Boots scholarship fund, and all beers developed using this hop blend were eligible to enter the category. Too Pure to Be Pink, brewed by Wild Leap Brew Co. in LaGrange, GA, brought home the gold medal. All entry fees for the category – more than $4,000 – will be donated to the scholarship fund.

Ukrainian Relief
Jon Downing, who sits on the U.S. Open Beer Competition board of directors, helped establish a brewery in Ukraine in the 1990s; the Competition added two new categories at his suggestion to benefit the Ukraine Red Cross: Resist Ukrainian Anti-Imperial stout and Ukraine Gold Ale. Midwest Coast Brewing won the gold for its Ukrainian Gold and Final Gravity Brewing the gold for its Ukrainian Anti-Imperial Stout. Entry fees or $1700 were donated to the fund.

1. Must be a licensed brewery or an invited Gold Medal winner at the AHA National Homebrew Competition
2.  Can not enter more than 2 beers/beverages in the same category
3.  An entry can only be entered in one category