On February 1, 2025, craft beer enthusiasts worldwide celebrated the 13th annual International Gruitday, a day dedicated to gruit beer. This unique style of beer, brewed with herbs instead of or alongside hops, is inspired by medieval brewing traditions. For the first time, an international jury recognized outstanding gruit beer breweries by awarding the title of “Gruit Beer Brewery of the Year.”
The selection process involved eight judges from five countries, who evaluated the gruit beer offerings of various breweries, known as “gruteries.” After careful consideration, the following breweries received top honors:
- 1st place: Brauerei Napf, Switzerland (with 83% of available points)
- 2nd place: Octo Microbrewery, Cyprus
- 3rd place: Brauerei Kaltenböck, Austria
Brauerei Napf’s Award-Winning Gruit Beer
The jury awarded Brauerei Napf for its exceptional contribution to the world of gruit beer. A standout entry, Wild Man Gruit, impressed with its creativity and distinctive flavor. Brewed in collaboration with Bierlab from Zürich, this gruit beer used a four-meter-high fir tree to infuse a unique botanical flavor. The beer, with a 7.5% ABV, was described as “gruitiful”—a blend of gruit and beautiful—offering a rich fig-like color and an earthy, forest-inspired aroma and taste.
Founded in 2005 by Martin Silvio Bühler, Brauerei Napf is located in Walterswil, near Bern, Switzerland. Known for both classic lager-style beers and innovative experimental brews, the brewery has developed a strong reputation for its gruit beers, which often feature a variety of herbs. Current offerings include Rose Gose, a beer brewed with rose blossoms, and Blowing in the Wind, a sour gruit featuring chicory and elderflower. Additionally, Brauerei Napf may have created the world’s first non-alcoholic gruit beer, Jeremias Napftrunk.
The recognition of Brauerei Napf reflects the growing popularity and innovation in the craft beer world, as brewers continue to explore traditional and experimental approaches to creating distinctive beer experiences.
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