The Brussels Beer Challenge recently recognized the top lagers and pilsners from around the world, with noteworthy entries from Germany, the U.S., Spain, Vietnam, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. The competition, held from November 5 to 7, showcased a total of 1,705 beers judged by 72 experts over three days.

The event convened at Saint Peter’s Abbey in Ghent, Belgium, a site rich in brewing history. This year’s results highlighted a wide array of geographic diversity among both entries and winning beers, particularly within the lager and pilsner categories.

Award-Winning Lagers

A variety of traditional and modern lager styles received gold medals. These include:

• German-Style Dunkel bock/Doppelbock: 1906 Black Coupage, Hijos De Rivera, Spain
• German-Style Eisbock: EKU 28, Kulmbacher Brauerei AG, Germany
• German-Style Lager: Mahou Maestra Doble Lupulo, MAHOU, Spain
• Vienna Lager: Oaktoberfest, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., U.S.
• German-Style Marzen: Oktoberfest, The Virginia Beer Company, U.S.
• Helles Lager: Bayreuther HELL, Bareuther Bierbrauerei, Germany

New styles such as hoppy lagers and Cold IPAs are emerging, demonstrating innovation in brewing:

• Light Lager: Bia Saigon Lager, Saigon Beer, Vietnam
• Hoppy Lager: American Jasper, Birrificio La Piazza, Italy
• Ice Lager: La Cristal Ice, Brasserie du Mont Blanc, France
• Cold IPA: Whoo Let The Dogs Out, Uiltje Brewing Company, Netherlands

Pilsners

Pilsners, a pale lager type known for their hop-forward profiles, also received recognition. Winning pilsners included:

• Bohemian-Style Pilsner: Bernard Celebration, Rodinny Pivovar Bernard a.s., Czech Republic
• International Style Pilsner: Japanese Lager, Pfriem Beer, U.S.
• German-Style Pilsners: Kulmbacher Edelherb, Kulmbacher Brauerei AG, Germany
• American-Style Pilsner: Pizzapils, Crak Brewery, Italy

The Brussels Beer Challenge continues to be a pivotal event in the world of brewing, celebrating traditional styles while fostering innovation across the globe. For more details, visit the Brussels Beer Challenge.