Charlotte’s Best Beers – 2026

Organized by the Brewers Association, the Great American Beer Festival brings together breweries from across the country to compete in a wide range of beer styles. This year, Charlotte brought home multiple medals, proving that our local beer scene has plenty to brag about.

Charlotte-Area Winners

Hell Yeah – by Armored Cow Brewing Co. (Hoppy Gluten-Free Beer) - Gold

Raspberry Rush – by Armored Cow Brewing Co. (Fruit Wheat Beer) – Bronze

Broyhans Bock – by Gilde Brewery (German-Style Strong Beer) – Bronze

Broyhan 500 – by Gilde Brewery (Historical Beer) – Bronze

Hops Mirage – by Primal Brewery (Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer) – Bronze

Other North Carolina Beer Winners

Charlotte wasn’t the only part of the state bringing home medals. North Carolina breweries also earned recognition for beers including:

  • Lime Drop – by Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville (American Fruit Beer) – Silver

  • Citrus Wheat – by Beech Mountain Brewing Co., Beech Mountain (Fruit Wheat Beer) – Silver

  • Hi-Wire Lager – by Hi-Wire Brewing, Asheville (International-Style Pilsener) – Silver

  • Weather Re-Porter – by Riverside Rhapsody Beer Co., Asheville (Robust Porter) – Silver

  • The Gatekeeper – by Little Brother Brewing, Greensboro (Strong Porter) – Gold

  • Vinland Honey Lager – by Local Time Brewing, Holly Springs (Honey Beer) – Silver

  • Baltic Porter – by Riverside Rhapsody Beer Co., Asheville (Strong Porter) – Bronze

  • Imperial Stout – by Olde Hickory Brewery, Hickory (Imperial Stout) – Bronze

B Holladay