In 2024, six Minnesota breweries were honored at the World Beer Cup in Las Vegas. The event, known as the “Olympics of beer,” attracted over 9,000 entries from 2,000 breweries competing in 110 categories. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild considers the competition to be the largest and most prestigious beer competition in the world.
Two Minnesota breweries won bronze medals for their beers: Bent Paddle Brewing Co. from Duluth for their German-Style Altbier “Little Dussel Do-Ya” and Lupulin Brewing from Big Lake for their Dortmunder/Export of German-Style Oktoberfest “Dortmunder.” Two other Minnesota breweries received silver medals: Excelsior Brewing Co. from Excelsior for their Fruit Beer “Big Island Citrus Blonde Ale” and Pryes Brewing Co. from Minneapolis for their Mixed Culture Brett Beer “Idyll Forest – Soirée.” Finally, two Minnesota breweries took home gold medals: Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub from Minneapolis for their German-Style Doppelbock or Fisbock “Dopplebock” that both won gold medals.
Bob Galligan, director of government and industry relations for the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, expressed pride in his state’s brewers for showcasing their world-class beer at the competition. These awards not only highlight the quality of craft beer produced in Minnesota but also serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of these talented brewers.