A judge examines a beer during The International Brewing Awards.

The International Brewing Awards have been recognizing the world’s best beers since 1886—the oldest beer competition in the world. The International Cider Awards were added in 2013.

Judging for the awards is conducted only by working professionals in brewing and cider making and awards are given after discussion and consensus, rather than scoring and averaging. Most beer awards are judged by a mix of industry professionals and trained judges, making the International Brewing Awards unique in having the beverages judged by other brewers and cider makers.

For the 2024 awards, 31 beer judges and nine cider judges from 15 countries evaluated almost 600 beers and over 100 ciders. Judges were selected from small craft breweries and cideries to the largest brewing companies in the world.

Ruth Evans, director of the awards and CEO of the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers Association which runs the awards, mentioned in a video interview that the longevity of these awards makes them a good indicator of the global trend in the beer and cider industries. She pointed out that the number of entries was lower this year due to the difficulties faced by the beer and cider industries. Conversely, during favorable years, the number of entries could be twice as many.

“We saw an increased number of entries from Japan and a decreased number of entries from Australia,” remarked Evans, revealing the contrasting directions the beer industry is taking in these countries. “There was a noticeable increase in entries for Non & Low Alcohol, while Strong Beer decreased. The Specialty Beer category remained strong, thanks to the consistent outstanding performance by Japan.”

The International Brewing Awards and The International Cider Awards publicized their 2024 trophy winners on May 1. The winners were selected from the 30 gold-medal winning beers and 13 gold-medal winning ciders that were announced previously on March 22. Trophy winners are determined by the collective panel of judges, unlike the medals which are awarded by panels of six judges. The 2024 trophy winners include:

International Smallpack (cans or bottles) Lager Competition — Kirin Ichiban, Kirin Holdings Company of Japan

International Keg Lager Competition — Capital Dry Hopped Lager, Windsor & Eton Brewery of the United Kingdom

International Smallpack Ale Competition (two trophies awarded) — Barley Griffin, BentSpoke Brewing Co of Australia and Samuel Adams Wicked Hazy, Boston Beer Company of the United States of America

International Keg Ale Competition — Drovers Hazy Session IPA, Round Corner Brewing Ltd. of the United Kingdom

International Cask Ale Competition — WORK, Forest Road Brewing Company of the United Kingdom

International Non & Low Alcohol Beer Competition — Free Damm, Damm S.A of Spain

International Specialty Beer Competition — Jazzberry, Spring Valley Brewery of Japan

International Dark Beer Competition — NAMA-KADO Smoked Oyster Stout, Isekado Brewery of Japan

International Strong Beer Competition — Tsingtao Legend, Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd. of China

International Classic Cider Competition — Original Gold, Portland Cider Company of the United States of America

International Flavored Cider Competition — Ros, Stonewell Cider of Ireland

International Innovative Cider Competition — Phantom Of The Orchard LO-ALC 1% Cider, Cotswold Cider Company of the United Kingdom