Ohio Breweries Set New State Record at Great American Beer Festival


DENVER – Ohio has once again proven itself as a beer destination and has the hardware to prove it. Eleven of Ohio's independent craft breweries brought home a combined 21 medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival competition. Ohio's best showing at the annual event was in 2023, when 12 breweries combined for 19 awards. Held annually, more than 1,550 breweries from across the country submitted 8,300 of their best beers in hopes of earning national recognition.

Fat Head's Brewery earned a Brewery of the Year award in the 15,001-100,000 barrel division, bringing home five medals — two gold, one silver and two bronze — adding to their impressive medal count from the Great American Beer Festival. Since 2009, the Middleburg Heights brewery has won a whopping 35 medals at the annual competition. Goggle Fogger hefeweizen won its third gold medal in the past six years, while Battle Axe strong porter followed up its 2025 World Beer Cup gold award with a gold medal at GABF as well.

Cincinnati's Third Eye Brewing also took home a Brewery of the Year award, earning the most medals among breweries in the 2,001-5000 barrel division. Making their best showing at the event, Third Eye earned  two gold medals and one silver medal, as well as two collaboration beer medals: a gold with Hamilton, Ohio's Municipal Brew Works and a bronze with Narrow Path Brewing of Loveland, Ohio. Higher Consciousness earned a gold medal in the Scotch Ale category after also winning in gold at the 2025 World Beer Cup, while Gourd Darn It! improved its 2023 silver showing with a 2025 gold in the Pumpkin Beer category.

Brink Brewing continued their medal streak at the Great American Beer Festival with gold medals for Moozie in the Sweet Stout or Cream Stout category and Lil Zoomie in the Coffee Stout or Porter category. Moozie continues to rack up awards, earning a total of four gold and two bronze medals at the annual competition, in addition to a World Beer Cup gold award earlier in 2025 and a bronze award in 2018. Lil Zoomie, a coffee infused cousin of Moozie, finished just ahead of Third Eye's coffee stout, Wired Euphoria, which earned silver in the category. Brink has won at least one medal in each year of Great American Beer Festival competition since the brewery’s founding in 2017.

Gemüt Biergarten in Columbus and Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati each made repeat trips to the medal stand at the 2025 competition, with each brewery taking home both a silver and a bronze. In addition to the collaboration bronze shared with Third Eye, Narrow Path Brewing earned their own silver medal for Polar Bear in the Coffee Beer category. 

Streetside Brewery in Cincinnati earned their second consecutive gold medal at the competition, this time for Sofa King, narrowly besting Bone Head from Fat Head's in the Strong Red Ale category.

Forbidden Root's Columbus brewery earned its first ever medal in the competition, a gold for Festhalle Munich-style Helles, just edging out crosstown friends Gemüt Biergarten in the category.

Northwest Ohio was represented on the medal stand by Inside the Five Brewing, earning a silver for Prepare for Glory English Ale. This is the Toledo brewery's second medal at the competition after winning a silver in 2023.

JAFB Brewery in Wooster earned their sixth GABF award, with their Hefeweizen bringing home a bronze medal in the same category for which Fat Head's earned gold for Goggle Fogger.

Since 1987, 65 Ohio craft breweries have combined to win 230 medals – 81 gold – at the Great American Beer Festival.

"This is a banner day for Ohio craft beer," said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. "Our breweries deserve so much recognition for the high-quality, world-class and award-winning beers they brew, as well as their innovation beyond beer and the ways they positively contribute to their local communities."
 
2025 medal-winning Ohio craft beers:
  • Fat Head's Brewery (Middleburg Heights)
    • Battle Axe — Strong Porter — Gold medal
    • Goggle Fogger — South German-Style Hefeweizen — Gold medal
    • Bone Head — Strong Red Ale — Silver medal
    • Excursion Journeyman — Specialty Non-Alcohol Beer — Bronze medal
    • Hop JuJu — Imperial India Pale Ale — Bronze medal
  • Third Eye Brewing (Cincinnati/Hamilton)
    • Gourd Darn It! — Pumpkin Beer — Gold medal
    • Higher Consciousness — Scotch Ale — Gold medal
    • Route 4 Revive-ALE — Collaboration Beer (with Municipal Brew Works) — Gold medal
    • Wired Euphoria — Coffee Stout or Porter — Silver medal
    • Mounds of Importance — Collaboration Beer (with Narrow Path Brewing) — Bronze medal
  • Brink Brewing (Cincinnati)
    • Lil Zoomie — Coffee Stout or Porter — Gold medal
    • Moozie — Sweet Stout or Cream Stout — Gold medal
  • Gemüt Biergarten (Columbus)
    • Helheim Helles — Munich-style Helles — Silver medal
    • Woden's Hunt — Munich-style Dunkel — Bronze medal
  • Rhinegeist Brewery (Cincinnati)
    • Ring of Kerry — Munich-style Helles — Silver medal
    • Ghost Pils — Classic Non-Alcohol Ale or Lager — Bronze medal
  • Forbidden Root (Columbus)
    • Festhalle — Munich-style Helles — Gold medal
  • Streetside Brewery (Cincinnati)
    • Sofa King — Strong Red Ale — Gold medal
  • Inside the Five Brewing (Toledo)
    • Prepare for Glory — English Ale — Silver medal
  • Narrow Path Brewing (Loveland)
    • Polar Bear — Coffee Beer — Silver medal
  • JAFB Wooster Brewery (Wooster)
    • Hefeweizen — South German-style Hefeweizen — Bronze medal

Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Photos below (credit to Ohio Craft Brewers Association)
1) Fat Head's wins Brewery of the Year honors (15,001-100,000 BBL)
2) Third Eye wins Brewery of the Year honors (2,001-5,000 BBL)
3) Mark and Molly Landers of Brink Brewing pouring Moozie milk stout at Great American Beer Festival







Fieldwork Named the Official Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer of the San Jose Sharks

BERKELEY, Calif., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fieldwork today announced a multi-year partnership with the San Jose Sharks making Fieldwork the Official Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer of the San Jose Sharks. The collaboration will bring Fieldwork's award-winning approach to non-alcoholic craft beer to San Jose's SAP Center and Tech CU Arena. The partnership also features a collaboration with Sharks' Right Wing Tyler Toffoli, who will support community initiatives, fan experiences, and exclusive content celebrating Sharks hockey and responsible enjoyment.

Beginning with the Sharks' home opener, fans can enjoy Fieldwork's non-alcoholic portfolio—including Headliner NA IPADay Money NA Grapefruit BlondeFieldwork Light NA American Pils, and Supertonic mocktailsalongside a rotating selection of Fieldwork's traditional beers at select concession stands and premium spaces across SAP Center and Tech CU Arena. This lineup delivers the flavor, aroma, and balance craft drinkers expect, offering options that fit seamlessly into game nights, celebrations, and the everyday moments in between.

"We're thrilled to welcome Fieldwork as a beverage partner and as our Official Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer," said Mike McCarroll, Vice President, Guest Experience San Jose Sharks. "Our fans asked for more inclusive beverage choices without compromising taste. Fieldwork's quality and Bay Area footprint make them the perfect partner to elevate the in-arena experience."

Founded in Berkeley, Fieldwork has grown to 10 Northern California locations, each one a community hub where craft beer & beverages are enjoyed among friends and neighbors. This partnership expands Fieldwork's presence to the South Bay while underscoring the brewery's commitment to innovation and hospitality.

"Hockey nights are about community," said Barry BradenCEO, Fieldwork Brewing. "We built our non-alcoholic program so everyone from die-hard supporters to designated drivers can raise a can together. Teaming up with the Sharks, and working with Tyler Toffoli, lets us share great beer, with and without alcohol, with more people in more moments."

As part of the agreement, Toffoli will appear in co-branded campaigns and limited-edition activations during the season.

"I'm excited to team up with Fieldwork," said Tyler Toffoli. "Their non-alcoholic beers taste amazing and give fans a true craft option whether they're at the game or celebrating after.

Partnership Highlights

  • In-Arena Availability: Fieldwork non-alcoholic beers at SAP Center concessions, clubs, and select premium suites starting October 9, 2025.
  • Limited-Edition Can Drops: Sharks-themed packaging at Fieldwork locations and participating retailers across the Bay Area.
  • Content & Fan Experiences: Watch parties, meet-and-greets, and fan giveaways throughout the season.
  • Responsible Enjoyment: Educational touchpoints created jointly by Fieldwork and the Sharks.

For more information on the Sharks partnership and all things Fieldwork, visit drinkfieldwork.com, and follow Fieldwork on Instagram @drinkfieldwork.

About Fieldwork

Founded in Berkeley, California in 2014, Fieldwork is known for crafting innovative beverages with a focus on quality and community. With eight taprooms and two more coming across Northern California, Fieldwork has become a go-to for drinkers seeking something fresh, bold, and unapologetically local.

About Sharks Sports & Entertainment

Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE) is the parent company of the San Jose Sharks of the NHL and San Jose Barracuda of the AHL. It oversees management of the city-owned SAP Center at San Jose, the premier sports and entertainment venue in Santa Clara County. SSE also manages three Ice facilities throughout the Bay Area: Sharks Ice at San Jose, which includes Tech CU Arena, Sharks Ice at Fremont, and the Oakland Ice Center operated by Sharks Ice. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the Sharks employ 300+ full-time employees and 1,250+ during events. Collectively, this group is known as Team Teal.

MICHELOB ULTRA ZERO TO MAKE ITS DEBUT IN CANADA

Labatt builds on portfolio momentum with another non-alcoholic beer, enhancing moderation options for Canadians

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's leading brewer, Labatt Breweries of Canada, announced the launch of Michelob ULTRA Zero, a non-alcoholic beer brewed for an active lifestyle. With 0.0% alc./vol. and 30 calories per can (355mL), Michelob ULTRA Zero is the newest addition to the rapidly expanding non-alcohol beer category, crafted to give adults of legal drinking age more choice in social occasions. With Corona Cero already ranked as the number one non-alcoholic beer in Canada*, this innovation expands Labatt's portfolio of moderation-driven choices.

"Labatt's commitment to Canadian consumers drives us to innovate and expand in categories where we see demand growing," said Doug Port, Vice President, Ready-To-Drink and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "With the non-alcohol beer segment continuing to gain momentum in Canada, this is the ideal time to debut another alcohol-free beer with Michelob ULTRA Zero."

In addition to building on Michelob ULTRA's core product offering, Michelob ULTRA Zero will also be included in the brand's marquee sports partnerships, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) in Canada, the PGA TOUR and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™.

"These partnerships showcase the brand on some of the world's biggest stages, creating more opportunities for fans to try and enjoy Michelob ULTRA Zero," continued Port. "By complementing these major cultural moments with non-alcoholic options, it further delivers on Labatt's commitment to offer meaningful brand experiences, while promoting choice and responsible consumption."

Michelob ULTRA Zero will be available at participating retailers across Canada starting at the end of October, in 6x355mL-pack and 12x355mL-pack can formats.

*Source: Data/claim comes from the published provincial sales source (Nielsen) using July YTD data.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries of Canada is one of Canada's most established businesses and its leading beverage company, with over 3,500 employees; an unmatched portfolio of more than 70 quality beers including Bud Light, Busch, Corona, Michelob Ultra and Modelo Especial, ready-to-drink products including Cutwater, Mike's Hard and NÜTRL, and non-alcoholic products including Budweiser Zero and Corona Cero; six key breweries; and four craft breweries from coast-to-coast. Our employees are the driving force behind our business – brewing the world's most loved beverages, building iconic brands and creating meaningful experiences for Canadians. Through 178 years of brewing excellence, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in our communities through a collective purpose of creating A Future with More Cheers.



John Mulaney Partners with Years, the Midwest-Brewed Non-Alcoholic Beer Changing the Game

Together, the comedian and non-alcoholic beer show that NA drinking can be full-flavor and uncompromising in taste and style

CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Years, the non-alcoholic beer brewed in the Midwest with a culture-first approach, kicked off Sober October today by announcing that comedian, writer and actor John Mulaney has officially partnered with the brand as it launches its first national creative campaign. Inspired by his own journey and his love for the non-alcoholic beer, Mulaney brings his signature humor and authenticity to Years at a pivotal moment of growth and expansion.

Mulaney's connection to the brand started simply: he got a sample from friends, tried it, loved it, and began drinking it regularly, even sharing it on set. That genuine enthusiasm made him a true partner, not just a spokesperson. Known for his wit and candor, Mulaney brings levity to a space that can often feel stigmatized, reframing non-alcoholic choices as ways to stay social, have fun, and enjoy life more fully.

"Years actually tastes like beer, which is a relief because that's kind of the point," said Mulaney. "Years feels like a beer you reach for in a cooler in a driveway, watching someone who won't get a gas grill try to light the coals. Like me, it's completely and totally Midwestern but might appeal to a fancy city crowd. Simply put, Years feels like the first beer you've ever had. It's authentic. And authenticity takes Years."

Years NA co-founder and Chicago-based brand builder Pat Corcoran, who is alcohol-free, sees the partnership as a natural fit: "I started Years to prove that alcohol-free living is about more, not less — more fun, more connection, more life, and zero hangovers. Years is about great beer, real connection, and celebrating a life well-lived. Partnering with John was an easy choice; his story is inspiring, and after getting to know him, I can say with confidence that he's the real deal. I couldn't be happier to be working together, and I'm excited for what we can build in the NA space alongside Pilot Project."

The brand was founded by Corcoran, who partnered with Pilot Project Brewing, a rapidly growing beverage accelerator, to bring the brand to life. Corcoran, an investor in Pilot Project because of its proven ability to help founders scale beverage companies, developed the vision for Years as a bold, celebratory take on non-alcoholic beer. With Pilot Project's track record of incubating and scaling standout beverage brands, and Corcoran's vision at the helm, Years NA launches as a design-forward, culture-driven brand redefining what non-alcoholic beer can mean.

"Having spent much of my career launching beer startups at Pilot Project Brewing, I've seen how much potential there is for innovation in this space," said Pilot Project co-founder Dan Abel. "With Years, we set out to make non-alcoholic beer that's every bit as bold, complex, and satisfying as the best traditional brews. From our Original Pils to the new Belgian Wit, every style is crafted to stand on its own—great beer, period. Years isn't about compromise; it's about raising the standard for taste and quality in NA brewing."

The new campaign, developed in collaboration with Mulaney, reflects this perspective with humor and personality, showing that non-alcoholic beer can be about joy, connection, and culture, not just sobriety. Supported by social content, paid media, and in-store activations, the campaign brings to life the brand's philosophy: it's not the years in your life, it's the life in your years.

Years is available across the Midwest, as well as on the West Coast and in Texas, with distribution rapidly expanding. For drinkers outside retail markets, the beer ships nationwide through YearsBeer.com and is available in three styles:

  • Pilsner: Zuper Saazer hops lend their noble character; floral, gently herbal, and delicately spiced that is balanced against a clean, lean malt profile. The result is a beer that finishes dry, refreshing, and refined, with just enough hop nuance to invite another sip.
  • Pale Ale: Cascade, Citra, and Centennial hops shine with bright grapefruit, citrus peel, and a touch of pine. Crisp, refreshing, and full of hop character, it's a throwback to the kind of beer that made people fall in love with hops in the first place, sans the alcohol.
  • Wit (Coming Soon!): This witbier pays homage to one of Belgium's most beloved styles with a faint haze and a soft, silky body. The flavor is led by a bright burst of orange, bringing zesty citrus aromatics that carry through each sip. Beneath that fruit-forward character, a delicate touch of coriander adds a subtle spice, giving the beer its familiar depth and balance. Light carbonation keeps the palate lively, and the finish is crisp, refreshing, and endlessly drinkable.

About Years

Years NA was founded by Chicago-based founder and brand builder Patrick Corcoran, who partnered with Pilot Project Brewing to bring the brand to life. Corcoran, an investor in Pilot Project because of its proven ability to help founders scale beverage companies, developed the vision for Years as a bold, celebratory take on non-alcoholic beer. With Pilot Project's track record of incubating and scaling standout beverage brands, and Corcoran's vision at the helm, Years NA launches as a design-forward, culture-driven brand redefining what non-alcoholic beer can mean. With flagship styles like Original Pils and Classic Pale, and new releases such as Belgian Wit, Years is crafted with the same care, character, and flavor as the best traditional beers. Rooted in the belief that "it's not the years in your life, it's the life in your years," the brand exists for people who want to stay in the moment, celebrate fully, and bring something great to the table—whether or not they're drinking. Years is available across the Midwest, West Coast, and Texas, and ships nationwide via YearsBeer.com.

About Pilot Project

Pilot Project Brewing is the country's first-of-its-kind beverage incubator. Launched in August 2019, Pilot Project was created to help support talented brewers in an industry with exceptionally high barriers. Modeled after the music industry, Pilot serves to launch and scale start-up beverage companies, offering assistance with fine-tuning recipes, production scaling, business development, marketing, distribution, and more. Since its inception, Pilot Project has launched 23 beverage brands (nine of which are women-led!),  including nationally recognized brands like female-founded Luna Bay Hard Kombucha and ROVM Hard Kombucha; Black-owned Funkytown Brewery; travel-inspired Brewer's Kitchen; Indian-led Azadi Brewing; Donna's Pickle Beer; and others. Pilot maintains breweries and tasting rooms in both Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. For more information, please visit www.pilotprojectbrewing.com or follow along on social media at @pilotprojectbrewing.




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