According to the Brewers Association, there are currently almost 10,000 craft breweries throughout the United States. However, the question remains: which one is considered the best?
The U.S. Open Beer Championship revealed a winning spot in Ohio in its latest annual list of winners. In 2024, judges evaluated over 9,000 beers from 170 different styles, submitted by breweries from all around the United States, from Hawaii to Maine and everywhere in between.
In each category, including nine varieties of pale ales, 15 IPAs, five non-alcoholic options, two types of root beer, and countless others, the top three brews are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Third Eye Brewing, located in Hamilton, Ohio, was awarded the prestigious title of 2024 Grand National Champion, making it the only brewery to receive this honor. Prior to this, the brewery was also recognized as the Brewery of the Year during the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, where it amassed four gold medals, two silver, and two bronze. In 2022, U.S. Open Beer judging ranked Third Eye Brewing third overall, further solidifying its position as one of the top breweries in the country.
In addition to MadTree Brewing, Ohio boasts two other exceptional breweries that made it to the list of 2024’s top breweries. These include Urban Artifact located in Cincinnati and Sonder Brewing situated in Mason.
In this year’s competition, Feather Falls Brewing Co. of Feather Falls, California and last year’s Grand National Champion, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. of Decorah, Iowa, tied for the 8th position.
The judges of U.S. Open Beer have ranked breweries from seven different states among the top performers of 2024.
1. Third Eye Brewing — Ohio
2. Monday Night Brewing – Georgia
3. Sun King Brewery – Indiana
4. O.H.S.O. Brewery Gilbert – Arizona
5. Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon – Georgia
6. Urban Artifact – Ohio
7. Boulevard Brewing Co. – Missouri
8. Feather Falls Brewing Co. – California
8. Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. – Iowa
9. Sonder Brewing – Ohio
10. Burgeon Beer Co. – California
Head to the website of U.S. Open Beer to access the complete roster of medalists.
The U.S. Open Beer competition is a unique event that judges more beer styles than any other competition globally. One of its distinctive features is that it allows gold medalists from the American Homebrewers Association’s National Homebrew Competition to participate. This year, three homebrewers were recognized for their exceptional brews. Christopher Burgess, from Castle Rock, Colorado, won the gold medal for his i Brutt IPA, “Like Falling Off A Bike.” Lucas Orr, from San Diego, was also awarded a gold medal for his Strong Scottish Ale, “Kilt Dropper.” Mark Kunzelmann, from St Louis, Missouri, secured a bronze medal for his Belgian Pale Ale, making the competition one to remember.