Oregon breweries and cideries have made a significant mark at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival GABF, claiming 38 medals and further solidifying the state’s status as a craft beer powerhouse.
In addition to this impressive haul, three breweries Alesong Brewing & Blending, Grand Fir Brewing, and Sunriver Brewing received top honors with brewer and brewery of the year awards.
For the first time ever, the cidermaker of the year award was introduced, and 2 Towns Ciderhouse of Oregon earned the inaugural title, bringing Oregon’s total accolades to 42.
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the GABF, a prestigious competition that evaluates the finest beers and, for the first time, ciders in the U.S.
The 2024 festival saw a controversial overhaul, incorporating themed play areas, admitting cideries into the competition, and introducing new elements like non-alcoholic beverage stations and canned cocktails.
For the first time, the national homebrew conference was also folded into the event.
The GABF is widely regarded as the premiere beer festival in the U.S., with a competitive edge beneath the festivities.
In collaboration with the American Cider Association, the competition expanded its reach to five new cider categories, reflecting the increasing consumer demand for craft cider.
Medals were awarded across 102 beer categories, including 170 subcategories, as well as the new cider categories. In total, 273 breweries and cideries earned 326 medals, with Oregon standing out as a major contender.