Orange County GABF and World Beer Cup Medal Tracker

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Have you ever wanted to look up anything about OC’s Great American Beer Festival or World Beer Cup awards? Look no further! Check out the OCBeerBlog Medal Database!

Sort by GABF, WBC, or both! Check if you want extra results from OC-based breweries that made beers outside of OC. Want to see who was cleaning up in the great brewpub age of the 1990’s? Sort by decade! Also, simply click on a year to see who won in any particular year.

Note this is still in beta, and I’m sure there might be some missing data, so please reach out if you find anything incorrect/missing.

OCBeerBlog Medal Database

OCBeerBlog Medal Database

OCBeerBlog Medal Database

A Look at OC’s 2025 and 2026 GABF Competition Results

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2026 the great outdoors! credit Brewer’s Association

Earlier this year, this site was hacked, and I lost a few posts, including OC’s incredible 2025 results. The best ever, 18 medals. Here’s a recap of 2025 and 2026, as well as a shocking look at the overall number of entries at the competition:

2026: Five medals, three breweries

Gold

  • Doom Sludge, Green Cheek (Costa Mesa), Specialty IPA
  • Nueve Grados, riip beer co. (Huntington Beach), Mexican-Style Light Lager

Bronze

  • Zombi Shark Fight, Green Cheek (Costa Mesa), Italian-Style Pilsener
  • Chance Favors the Prepared Mind, Green Cheek (Orange), Imperial IPA
  • Pazifik Coast Highway, Beachwood Brewing (Huntington Beach), German-Style Pilsener

Made the final table: everywhere (Orange) in Juicy or Hazy IPA, a 260-entry category, and Brewing Reserve of California (Costa Mesa) in Maerzen, a 185-entry category.

2026 aha moments

  • Green Cheek took three of OC’s five medals across three different styles.
  • Our winners are proven. Doom Sludge took silver last year and moves up to gold. Zombi Shark Fight won gold in 2024. Chance Favors the Prepared Mind won World Beer Cup gold in 2024. Nueve Grados took World Beer Cup silver in April, and riip follows its 2024 Brewery of the Year win with a gold.
  • Lagers and pilsners had a good year. Three of the five medals are lagers or pilsners.
  • Beachwood keeps its medal streak going since 2012!

2025: Eighteen medals, fourteen breweries

Gold: 1886 Brewing (Record Beer, Brown Porter), everywhere (tracing the departed, Juicy or Hazy Imperial IPA), Left Coast (Trunk Box, Brown Ale), Pizza Port San Clemente (Way Heavy, Scottish-Style Ale), Unsung (Chaos Erupts, Strong Pale Ale)

Silver: Beachwood (Moooving On), Bottle Logic (Darkstar November), Docent (Pint of Soul), Golden Road Anaheim (Guava Cart), Green Cheek (Doom Sludge and Saison for Papa), Los Molinos (Coast Molinos), Radiant (Gaining Momentum), Tustin Brewing (Blimp Hangar Porter)

Bronze: Docent (Super Tonic), Green Cheek (DDH The Other Brian), Radiant (A Dark in the Light), Station Craft (Californios)

2025 aha moments

  • Eighteen medals is well above OC’s usual 5 to 12.
  • Dark beers had a big year. Seven of the 18 medals were stouts, porters, or black ales, plus a brown ale gold.
  • Green Cheek led with 3, and Docent and Radiant each took 2.

The bigger story: the GABF keeps shrinking

OC’s medals aren’t the only numbers that moved.

  • 2022: 9,904 GABF entries from 2,154 breweries
  • 2025: 8,315 GABF entries from 1,555 breweries and cideries
  • 2026: 7,267 GABF entries from 1,300 breweries and cidermakers

That’s about 27% fewer entries and 40% fewer breweries than 2022. Those 2025 and 2026 counts include cider (added in 2024), plus Collaboration and Pro-Am entries and, new this year, hop water. Beer-only entries have fallen further than the headline numbers show. The judging effort shrank too, from nine days in 2024 to seven in 2025 to six this year, with 225 judges.

My take: when a competition adds ciders and hop water while beer entries and the brewery count keep falling, the GABF is stretching to hold its size. The entry limit was also lifted this year, yet the field still shrank. OC’s brewers keep winning anyway, which says a lot about the beer being made here.

Congrats to every OC brewery that medaled, and to everyone who made the final table!

Introducing Greg’s List

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Greg’s List — OC Craft Beer Finder: What It Does
(click on Greg’s List above)

🗺️ Find Beer Near You
Tap “Find Beer Near Me” and the app uses your device’s location to surface breweries and craft beer bars within 5 miles. Results appear on an interactive map alongside a scrollable list — no app download required, works in any mobile browser.

⭐ Greg’s List Picks Always Rise to the Top
Curated spots hand-selected by Greg always appear first, sorted by Greg’s star rating (Local Gem · Worth a Detour · World Class), then by distance. Every GL pick includes Greg’s personal tasting note, a must-try beer recommendation, and a vibe descriptor.

🍺 Untappd Tap Lists, Direct
GL picks link directly to live Untappd tap lists so you know exactly what’s pouring before you walk in.

🏅 Award Medal Counts
Each GL brewery shows its cumulative GABF and World Beer Cup medal count — so you know you’re not walking into a fluke.

🚗 Uber & Lyft Deep Links
One tap drops a ride straight to any destination. Ride buttons are automatically disabled for spots that are closed or closing within the hour, so you’re never sending a car to a closed bar.

🍔 Food Ordering via Toast
Select GL spots support direct food ordering through Toast — linked right from the brewery card.

🟢 Open Now Filter
Filter the entire list to only spots currently open, so you’re never chasing a closed taproom.

🔍 Sort & Filter Bar
Sort by GL Rating, Distance, or Open Now. Filter by All, Open Now, or Greg’s List only.

🗺️ Splash Map on Load
Before you even tap “Find Beer Near Me,” a full map loads showing pins for every GL spot across Orange County — so you can browse the whole guide geographically at a glance.

📱 Mobile-First Bottom Sheet
On phones, tapping any card slides up a full detail sheet with photo, Greg’s note, must-try, medals, and all action buttons — no page navigation, no losing your place in the list.

🚫 Chain & Noise Filtering
Results automatically exclude chains (Yard House, BJ’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, etc.), liquor stores, wine bars, cocktail bars, and low-rated spots under 4.0 stars. What you see is craft, period.

📰 Press & Blog Links
Select picks include links to coverage from OC Weekly, Orange Coast Magazine, the LA Times, and OCBeerblog.

📍 Greg’s Photos
Original photography by Greg for select GL spots — not stock, not Google Street View.

Laguna Hills Just Got a Little Bit Cooler With This New Bar

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upon entry – photo greg nagel

I had so many questions before checking out Bardega, a new bar opening soon in Laguna Hills, right off the 5 at Alicia.

“Can I do lotto scratchers while drinking a margarita on a bowling alley-lane bar while waiting for takeout?” The short answer is yes, which is intriguing for a bar/bodega. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

margarita next to a real candle – photo greg nagel

Co-owners Matt Sharp and Corey Danger, friends since attending nearby Aliso Niguel High School, aimed to bring something completely different from every other bar in Orange County: Seventies nostalgia with modern twists at every turn…oh and there’s a store to buy booze, snacks, and sundries. Ooh, ooh, ooh…the drinks come in three octanes: regular, low-ABV, and N/A. Crazy.

“We wanted to create a place that feels instantly familiar yet completely unlike anywhere else,” added Matt Sharp, co-owner of Bardega. “From the design to the drinks, Bardega celebrates individuality and connection. Everyone can come in and have the same great experience, no matter what’s in their glass,” he continued.

Hoover manning the margarita fountain. photo greg nagel

It’s usually hard to comment on a new place that has a completely new menu that’s still working out the kinks. But the bar/kitchen has vets from the likes of Robert Hoover, Chef Kiel Anderson, and Chef Ted Fleury.

There’s a standard Old Fashioned with a clear as a bell cube, there’s a re-imagined Midori Sour. There are even spiked root beer floats. Beers weren’t in the forefront of what I experienced; however, I did see a few taps which will pour local craft, as well as Coors heavy, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and NA options.

spiked root beers with 101 and NA – photo greg nagel

On the bar snacks, think pickled eggs, dusted popcorn, several house dogs with even a vegan option (try the Danger Dog!). There’s a TV Dinner-inspired meatloaf with mashed potatoes better than mom makes. It’s all pretty ridiculous and fun, two adjectives that are sorely missed in today’s dining scene.

OF – photo greg nagel

midori sour w/faba – photo greg nagel

mushroom pot pie – photo greg nagel

skrimps – photo greg nagel

Once they open on Dec 12, I’ll swing back in to check out more of the menu. Bardega is at 24781 Alicia Parkway, Suite A, Laguna Hills.

Firestone Walker International Beer Festival’s 2025 First-Timers

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…plus seven breweries that have been every year.

Evan Price (Green Cheek) and Matt Brynildson (Firestone Brewmaster, Fest organizer) have a laugh at FWIBF 22. Photo Greg Nagel

Beer culture in 2025 feels different from every other year. Hardcore beer lovers from a decade ago have been distilled into a tight-knit family of old souls who appreciate what beer still brings to the table—and those still passionate and brave enough to stick their necks out to create beer at such a high level.

The best place to be among this (totally functional) family is one weekend in Paso Robles, usually late May or Early June at the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival (FWIBF). I used to say this festival is a greatest hits mixtape of the best and most interesting breweries and beers of the world…now I liken it to the beer version of the Louvre Art Museum in Paris, where international masters paint with bines of hops on canvases of malted grain. Lines of passionate and informed fans get to taste beers at their peak.

Besides the excellent food, live music, seeing local friends, and educational talks, my favorite thing about the fest is discovering something new…and this year has plenty to discover:

  1. Alma Mader (Kansas City, MO)
    A stone’s throw from Boulevard Brewery, this tiny midwest brewery focuses on award-winning hop-forward ales and lagers, mostly only available in their taproom.
  2. Bofkont (Belgium)
    Known for rare, high-quality Lambic and Gueuze blends, Bofkon is making its long-awaited West Coast debut. Bofkont translates to ‘lucky boy’, and you’ll be lucky to try them.
  3. Fiden’s (Albany, NY)
    Their hazy IPAs are widely regarded as among the best, and they rarely pour in California, making this a special opportunity to break out the measuring stick to see what the fuss is about.
  4. Grand Fir (Portland, OR)
    Whitney Burnside’s brewing prowess shines through her award-winning brewpub-made beers that stand out in Portland’s crowded beer scene.
  5. Hoppy People (Switzerland)
    If you’re ever been at an international beer festival, chances are you’ve stood in a Hoppy People line. Don’t let the name fool you! 
  6. Horus Aged Ales (Oceanside, CA)
    Operating without a traditional brewery, Kyle Harrop’s focus on blending and small-batch beers has earned widespread respect. How is this his first time at FWIBF?
  7. Lawson’s Finest Liquids (Vermont)
    Since 2008, Lawson’s has built a devoted following and continues to set the standard for East Coast craft beer. Shocking this is their first go! 
  8. Minoh (Japan)
    An all-female-owned brewery producing clean, sessionable beers.
  9. Moksa Brewing (Rocklin, CA)
    Every non-FWIBF festival I’ve been to with Moksa always has a line. Their pastry stouts and IPAs are festival favorites.
  10. Offset Bier (Park City, UT)
    Offset Bier specializes in award-winning hazy IPA and trad styles.
  11. Radiant Beer (Anaheim, CA)
    Co-founders Andrew Bell and Jonas Nemura have been to FWIBF in the past with The Bruery; this is their first go as Radiant.
  12. Tuju (Finland) – Wild blends and big beers hail from this sauna-hot brewery.
  13. Verdant (UK) – Sort of the kings of Hazy beers in the UK
  14. Uncharted (Antwerp, Belgium) Brews a wide range of simple classics.
  15. Single Hill (Yakima) – Known for insane wet hop beers.
What breweries have been to every FWIBF? Stay tuned…
Tickets go on sale 2/5. Info: firestonewalker.com/event/fwibf/

From French Lessons to Brunch Sessions: A Morning at Benny & Mary’s

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Debuting on the new menu soon, Winter Briii’s. Spiced Remy, brandy, Averna, lemon – photo-Nagel

After learning German, I switched to trying my hand at French, and I was shocked to see the words crème anglaise simply translate to English cream. While at brunch, a lightbulb went off in my 11am cocktail buzzed head…”Does hollandaise mean Dutch cream?”

My daughter, who speaks French, shakes her head as if I dropped another lame dad joke. “In fact, hollandaise doesn’t contain cream, so it just means Dutch,” she replies. “Then what the hell is mayonnaise, and why do the Dutch douse their fries in it,?” I spout back, taking a sip of my cocktail.

All that sauce talk aside, we’re at Benny & Mary’s in Irvine near John Wayne, and I’m sort of like the guy wearing the band’s T-shirt while seeing them live as I order a Benedict and Bloody Mary. If a place has food items in its name, it’s a personal rule that I always have to get that item.

Salmon Benedict with “Dutch.” photo-Nagel

I’ve been to this space many times over the years with different restaurants, and this is by far the classiest modern take. It looks and feels worthy of afternoon tea in London, with mid-afternoon light spilling in from the tall ceiling, reflecting back upon their black marble tables and blue fuzzy chairs. Candle-esque lighting accents the space with a large open kitchen and side bar. There’s also ample cushy outdoor seating and even a private “speakeasy-like” lounge for private events where you enter through a bookcase.

The kid’s fave: Fried chicken and waffles with boozy honey bourbon sauce – photo-Nagel

Somewhat odd, I notice I’m the only guy dining in the restaurant, where every table is filled with ladies popping corks for champagne mimosas while snapping photos of their dishes. The menu looks heavily brunchable, where various toasts like an avocado towers toast or pork belly with melted provolone compete with things like country-fried filet, chilaquiles, and even a shakshuka making a rare appearance.

The Old Cuban, a brunch cocktail worth trying. photo-Nagel

The real shocker for me are the inventive brunch cocktails, where a beer lover like myself can get a brunch box (fruit, lager, and Amaro) or a Michelada. However, I start the morning off with an Old Cuban (Royal Standard white rum, Prosecco, mint, lime) which is zippy, bright, and fresh served in a coupe.

Ben, the brunch bartender, mentions a new menu dropping soon, complete with winterized drinks, and drops a Winter Briii’s – somewhat of a drink one would serve as a holiday punch with spiced Remy, Aperol, brandy, pineapple, and lemon juice, cranberry bitters, and topped with smoking cinnamon and rosemary. It’s definitely something that got me in the mood for the holidays!

Iced Latte for the kid. photo-Nagel

 

Benny & Mary’s just started brunch a few months ago, and is still somewhat of a secret; so if you’re looking for a spot without a wait and fantastic drinks, service, and bites, definitely grab the gang and go.

Benny & Mary’s is at 18420 Von Karman Ave #100, Irvine. Parking was free on my visit. // bennyandmarys.com

OC Nabs Ten Medals at GABF 2024

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Everywhere Grabs their first GABF Medal – image BA Livestream

250ish judges took nine days to judge 9200 entries (including 230 ciders for the first time) from 1,838 breweries at the 2024 GABF. Orange County brewers took home a tenner of medals overall, down a couple from 2023.

At this year’s Alpha King hoppy beer challenge, Bearded Tang kept the coveted Yakima Chief hop helmet in OC, won last year by BreweryX and Radiant in 2022.

  • Riip Beer Co. Brewery of the year 2001-5000 BBLs
  • Everywhere Beer Co. Brewery of the year 1001-2000 BBLs

Here are the 2024 Great American Beer Festival Winners:

Gold

  • Pizza Port San Clemente – Dusk Til Dawn – Coffee Stout or Porter (Won Silver in 2016)
  • Green Cheek Beer Co. (Oceanside) – Jeff’s Baltic Porter
  • Green Cheek Beer Co. (Costa Mesa) – Zombi Shark Fight – Italian-Style Pils
  • Riip Beer Co. – Blackside Snap – Stout
  • Riip Beer Co. – Smells Like Purple Rain – Intl’ Pale Ale
  • Everywhere Beer Co. – Joyful Intuition – Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale

Silver

  • Green Cheek Beer Co. (Orange) – Josh’s New Tiny Shoes – Session IPA
  • Everywhere Beer Co. – Branching Out – Hoppy Lager (1st GABF medal)
  • Beachwood Brewing (HB) – Full Malted Jacket – Scotch Ale (Won Gold in 2022)
  • Riip Beer Co. – Wannabe Wallaby – New Zealand IPA

Bronze

  • Radiant Beer Co. – A Dark in the Light – Stout

Can Anaheim Three-Peat Alpha King?

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Every year at GABF, Yakima Chief Hops holds a little side competition to bestow the coveted “Alpha King” award to the brewer with the absolute best hoppy beer.

“I’ve certainly had beers that have won Alpha King,” notes Andrew Bell of Radiant Beer Co. “I feel like most of the beers that win are in the 8-9% ABV range and are incredibly aromatic.” he continued in a video with Yakima Chief. Having had some of the winning beers myself, I agree.

2022 went to Dig This Crazy Scene from Radiant Beer in Anaheim.

A few miles away in 2023, Trevor Walls with BrewerX took the golden hop crown with Slap & Tumble.

Alpha King is this weekend, who do you think will win?

Radiant Adds Kitchen

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photo – nagel

Making pizza isn’t casual. Just like a job interview at the French Laundry being asked to make an omelet, there are a million ways it can go wrong.

But this isn’t the French Laundry, and we’re outside of a brewery on Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim near the 5 freeway with cars buzzing by, and the pizza being made is from a food truck…Radiant’s first self-ran truck…well, tow a long thing called “Radiant Kitchen.”

photo – nagel

And the slice is….nice. Thin leopard underbelly crust, robust sauce, and fresh salty mozzarella cheese pulls with a satisfying balance of price, location, and freshness. I’m here for it. Ranch to dip? Oh man, this brings me back to my Isla Vista days hitting backyard band parties with Woodstock’s pizza and keg beer.

“We plan on adding sandwiches and lots of other sides,” says Christopher “Duke” Kent, Radiant’s tasting room manager and host of Craft & Arts paint nights.

As food trucks can be hit-or-miss at certain breweries, it’s nice to settle into a set menu on most nights with an expectation of consistency and quality with beer-friendly food.

photo – nagel

Radiant Kitchen just launched and is worth checking out. Hit them up at radiantbeer.com 1566 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim