Athletic Brewing Company has been recognized as the top large-size brewery of the year at the 2025 Best of Craft Beer Awards, marking a significant milestone for the rising nonalcoholic beer industry. The Connecticut-based brewery, known for its alcohol-free offerings, secured four medals at the prestigious Oregon-based competition. Its Run Wild IPA and Raspberry Espresso Stout earned gold medals, while Freewave Hazy IPA and Soul Sour claimed bronze.
The competition also highlighted other notable nonalcoholic brews. Best Day Brewing’s Electro Lim and Deschutes Brewery’s Fresh-Squeezed Nonalcoholic IPA each received silver medals in the nonalcoholic hop-forward beer category.
In total, 233 breweries participated in the event, entering 1,239 beers to be judged across various categories by a panel of more than 100 experts.
The Rise of Nonalcoholic Beer
Once overlooked and often dismissed for poor taste, nonalcoholic beer has significantly improved in quality, leading to a surge in popularity over the past decade. Breweries of all sizes are now developing alcohol-free options that appeal to traditional beer enthusiasts. Since its founding in 2017, Athletic Brewing has experienced rapid growth, aligning itself with outdoor sports events such as marathons and tapping into the health-conscious beverage market.
Younger generations embracing sober or “sober-curious” lifestyles, along with older consumers reducing alcohol intake, have contributed to the success of initiatives like Dry January and Sober October. In response, major breweries, including Guinness and Heineken, have invested heavily in marketing zero-alcohol alternatives.
Oregon Breweries Dominate the Awards
Beyond the success of nonalcoholic beers, this year’s awards highlighted the growing dominance of Oregon’s craft beer scene. The state’s breweries collected over 40 medals across multiple categories, reinforcing their reputation for excellence.
Sunriver Brewing Company, based in Sunriver, Oregon, was named Mid-Sized Brewery of the Year. The brewery, which won eight medals this year, is enjoying a streak of accolades; it was previously honored as Small Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. Operating five locations in Central Oregon, Sunriver Brewing has been recognized for its expertise in hazy and juicy pale ales, wood- and barrel-aged stouts, and hop-forward lagers.
Meanwhile, Terranaut Beer in Bend, Oregon, earned the title of Small-Sized Brewery of the Year. Despite opening in 2024, the brewery has quickly gained attention, winning three medals in the Kölsch, experimental beer, and coffee and smoke beer categories. Founder Byron Puka has also seen early success, securing a Great American Beer Festival medal for a brown ale from only the brewery’s third batch of production, as reported by Beervana.
Celebrating Craft Beer Excellence
Established in 2014, the Best of Craft Beer Awards has grown into one of the nation’s largest beer competitions, drawing entries from breweries around the world. In addition to its annual March awards, the organization hosts a wet and fresh hop competition each autumn, celebrating beers made with newly harvested hops from the Pacific Northwest.
Despite the craft brewing industry facing challenges such as declining sales and increasing competition from alternative beverages, these awards highlight the enduring innovation and quality within the sector. With outstanding beers being produced across the country, consumers have more opportunities than ever to support local breweries and enjoy fresh, flavorful craft beer.
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