Iowa breweries triumph at 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship
By Iowa News Now Staff
Six Iowa craft breweries have emerged victorious at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship, securing a total of 17 medals and the coveted "Brewery of the Year" award. The competition, held in Oxford, Ohio, featured 8,000 entries from breweries worldwide across more than 170 categories, making it the most diverse beer competition in the United States.
Among the Iowa winners, Confluence Brewing Company of Des Moines stood out, earning the prestigious "Brewery of the Year" title. The brewery also took home gold medals for its American IPA, Des Moines IPA, and its Dark Lager, 13 Degrees.
Full Fledged Brewing Co. from Council Bluffs garnered a gold medal in the American Pale Ale category with its 29-Eighty and a bronze for its British-Style IPA, London's Hoppin'.
Toppling Goliath Brewing Company, based in Decorah, received multiple accolades, including a gold medal for its Barrel-Aged Strong/Porter Extreme, Assassin, and its Barrel-Aged Breakfast Stout, Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout.
"From dark to light, from spicy to sweet, these medals represent a huge range of flavors and styles," said Noreen Otto, Executive Director of the Iowa Brewers Guild. "Our whole Iowa brewing community is celebrating these wins and one of our own being recognized as Brewery of the Year!"