Special · Fruit, Spice, and Specialty · 67 Entrants in 2026
Style Definition
Lower-alcohol versions of classic styles judged on drinkability and style character.
Special categories are judged on an added ingredient, a process, or a nonstandard base, not on one classic style. Source: Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines (approximate ranges) (approximate)
| Entries | 2021 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Entries | 24 | 67 |
| Hops | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Soulhound | 3.2% | Not Found | Saaz | Geisthaus Brewing Co. | Sacramento, CA |
| Silver | Frequency of Expansion | 3.3% | Not Found | Not Found | The Big Friendly | Oklahoma City, OK |
| Bronze | Oblique & Bent | 3.7% | Not Found | Not Found | The Big Friendly | Oklahoma City, OK |
| Hops | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Stonefly Session Ale | Not Found | Not Found | Not Found | Three Creeks Brewing Co. (Production) | Sisters, OR |
| Silver | Natural Bridge: Vienna Lager | Not Found | Not Found | Not Found | Eppig Brewing | Vista, CA |
| Bronze | Tip the Calf | Not Found | Not Found | Not Found | SingleSpeed Brewing (Tap Room) | Cedar Falls, IA |