🍺When it comes to craft beer, California doesn’t just participate; it leads the pack. The 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held October 9 to 11 in Denver, once again proved that the Golden State’s brewers are among the best in the nation.

Out of more than 8,300 entries from all 50 states, California breweries captured some of the most prestigious medals in the competition, reinforcing the state’s reputation for innovation, precision, and bold flavor.

 

“California breweries continue to set the standard for innovation and quality,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “Every year we see incredible talent come out of the West Coast, and 2025 was no exception.”

🥇 Gold Medal Glory

Nine California breweries struck gold this year, showcasing the incredible range and talent of the state’s craft beer scene.

🍻 Trunk Box by Left Coast Brewing Co. Smokehouse & Distillery in Irvine
American-Style Brown Ale

🍻 Chaos Erupts by Unsung Brewing Co. in Tustin
American-Style Strong Pale Ale

🍻 Rector 2025 by Absolution Brewing Co. in Torrance
Belgian-Style Blonde Ale

🍻 Record Beer by 1886 Brewing Co. in Orange
Brown Porter

🍻 Brig Blonde by Ketch Brewing in San Diego
Golden or Blonde Ale

🍻 Tracing the Departed by Everywhere Beer Co. in Orange
Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale

🍻 Chepedelic by ISM Brewing in Long Beach
New Zealand India Pale Ale

🍻 O’Melveny Red Ale by San Fernando Brewing Co. in San Fernando
Other Strong Beer

🍻 Way Heavy by Pizza Port San Clemente in San Clemente
Scottish-Style Ale

From Orange County to San Diego, California breweries continue to define American craft beer, mastering both hop-forward styles and malt-driven classics.

🥈 Silver Success

Several California breweries earned silver this year, proving that consistency, creativity, and technical mastery remain at the heart of the state’s brewing culture.

🍺 Summon Ifrit by BattleMage Brewing Co. in Vista
American Amber/Red Ale

🍺 Doom Sludge by Green Cheek Beer Co. in Costa Mesa
American Black Ale / Stout

🍺 Saison For Papa by Green Cheek Beer Co. in Costa Mesa
Classic Saison

🍺 Guava Cart by Golden Road Brewing in Anaheim
Fruit Wheat Beer

🍺 Run Wild by Athletic Brewing Co. in San Diego
Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer

From the approachable, fruit-forward character of Guava Cart to the farmhouse depth of Saison For Papa, these brews highlight California’s ability to blend artistry and technical precision.

🥉 Bronze Brilliance

California’s medal run continued with several bronze wins, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of local favorites.

🍻 A Dark in the Light by Radiant Beer Co. in Anaheim
American Black Ale / Stout

🍻 Chairman’s Mexican Lager by 29 Brews in Coachella
American Cream Ale

🍻 Stone Lifeblood by Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Liberty Station in San Diego
American-Style Brown Ale

🍻 Super Tonic by Docent Brewing in San Juan Capistrano
Coffee Stout or Porter

🍻 Mosaic by Institution Ale Co. in Camarillo
English Ale

🍻 Pepper & Peaches by Claremont Craft Ales in Claremont
Experimental India Pale Ale

🌴 California Keeps Raising the Bar

From the beaches of San Clemente to the tasting rooms of Torrance and the neighborhoods of Anaheim, California’s brewers continue to push boundaries while honoring tradition. Their collective wins at this year’s Great American Beer Festival are a testament to the state’s enduring influence on the craft beer movement.

As the festival celebrated its 41st anniversary at Denver’s Bellco Theatre, one truth stood out: California isn’t just making great beer; it’s shaping the future of American brewing.

👉 See the complete 2025 winners list: Great American Beer Festival Winners Page