Lagers are witnessing a resurgence, even amidst a challenging period for the craft beer industry. Despite a reduction in overall consumption and increasing brewery closures, lagers have consistently gained popularity among both brewers and consumers. This trend was highlighted at the recent World Beer Cup in Indianapolis, a leading international beer competition that saw over 8,375 submissions from 49 countries, including more than 1,000 lagers across various categories.

Judged by over 200 experts through 14 tasting segments, the World Beer Cup awarded gold medals to standout entries, focusing not only on traditional styles but also on innovative interpretations of lagers. Here’s a look at some of the notable winners that showcased the versatility and craftsmanship in this beer style.

The Best Lagers of 2025

• Classic Non-Alcohol Ale or Lager

  • Gold: Tsingtao Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer, Tsingtao Brewery Co., Qingdao, China

• Kellerbier or Zwickelbier

  • Gold: Broumy, Pivovar Matuška, Broumy, Czech Republic

• American Light Lager

  • Gold: Clubhaus Lager, Von Ebert Brewing, Portland, OR

• International Light Lager

  • Gold: Solveza, Peaceful Side Brewery, Maryville, TN

• International-Style Lager

  • Gold: Yamagata, Original Pattern Brewing, Oakland, CA

• Hoppy Lager

  • Gold: Cold IPA, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR

• Munich-Style Dunkel

  • Gold: G.G., Exile Brewing Co., Des Moines, IA

• International Dark Lager

  • Gold: Late Czech Out, Pilot Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC

• Munich-Style Helles

  • Gold: Construct Of Quality, Cinder Block Brewery, North Kansas City, MO

• Dortmunder/Export or German-Style Oktoberfest

  • Gold: The Cushman, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA

• Vienna-Style Lager

  • Gold: Vienna, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM

• German-Style Maerzen or Franconian-Style Rotbier

  • Gold: Follow the Lederhosen, Moontown Brewing Co., Whitestown, IN

• German-Style Schwarzbier

  • Gold: Schwarz Bear, Gatlinburg Brewing Co., Sevierville, TN

• German-Style Bock or Maibock

  • Gold: Cold Front, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO

• German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock

  • Gold: Curse The Goat, Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City, IN

• American-Style Lager

  • Gold: Vacancy Classic, Vacancy Brewing, Austin, TX

• Contemporary American-Style Lager

  • Gold: El Pato Loco, Able Baker Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV

• American-Style Amber Lager

  • Gold: 40 Mike Mike, Free Roam Brewing Co., Boerne, TX

Finding the Best Lagers of 2025

Many of these award-winning lagers come from breweries with limited distribution; however, some may offer shipping options. To find out if these beers are available near you, check individual brewery websites. Additionally, the World Beer Cup results page provides access to search for other medalists by state.