Asheville -- April 30, 2026: Asheville's reputation as a premier brewing destination received significant international validation this week, as local breweries secured prestigious medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. Diatribe Brewing Company, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing were honored at the globally renowned competition, underscoring the city's brewing prowess on a world stage.
The World Beer Cup, often referred to as the "Olympics of beer competitions," held its ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. The event drew 8,166 entries from 1,644 breweries across 50 nations, with judging conducted by 255 experts.
Asheville’s Award-Winning Brews
Asheville's strong showing highlights the exceptional quality and innovation within its local brewing scene:
Diatribe Brewing Company earned a gold medal for its "Irish Extra Stout" in the Export Stout category, triumphing over 31 competitors. This marks the second consecutive year Diatribe has medaled at the World Beer Cup.
Wicked Weed Brewing secured a silver medal for its "Lime Drop" fruit lager in the Fruit Beer category, surpassing more than 85 entries.
Hi-Wire Brewing Co. received a bronze medal for its "10W-40 Coconut Candy Bar" in the Dessert or Pastry Beer category, besting 42 rivals.
Victory Across North Carolina
Asheville was not the only North Carolina city to win big. Several other breweries across the state walked away with medals, showcasing the depth of the N.C. craft beer industry:
Brewers at 4001 Yancey (Charlotte): Won gold for “Sunny Monkey” in the Berliner-Style Weisse category.
Armored Cow Brewing Company (Charlotte): Won gold for “Raspberry Rush” in the Fruit Wheat Beer category.
Olde Hickory Brewery (Hickory): Took home two medals—a gold for “Forest Hills” (Old Ale, Strong Ale, or Aged Beer) and a bronze for “Imperial Stout” (American-Style Imperial Stout).
Swells’a Brewing (Kill Devil Hills): Won silver for “Pea Island Park Pilsner” in the American-Style Pilsner category.
Little Brother Brewing (Greensboro): Won bronze for “Pleasing Tony Italian Pilsner” in the Kellerbier or Zwickelbier category.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company (Bryson City): Won bronze for “ALTeration” in the German-Style Altbier category.
These wins reinforce North Carolina's status as a global leader in craft brewing, fostering collective pride and signaling continued innovation to an international audience. For more local stories and daily updates, visit wnctimes.