About the 2026 Brewing Categories

The Brews

Selected for this year's competition, the three categories of "brews" will be a return of Porters,  Festbier, and Mead.

Porter

Porter originated in London, England, during the early 18th century and became one of the world's first mass-produced beer styles. Named after the porters who transported goods throughout the city, it was prized for its rich, roasty malt character and smooth drinkability. 

Festbier

Festbier is a traditional German lager style that originated in Bavaria as the celebratory beer served at autumn festivals.  Today, Festbier has become the standard beer served at Oktoberfest in Munich and is enjoyed around the world as a symbol of German brewing tradition and celebration. 

Mead

Mead is one of the world's oldest alcoholic beverages, with evidence of honey fermentation dating back more than 8,000 years. Mead has been enjoyed by cultures across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and was especially important in the traditions of the ancient Greeks, Celts, Vikings, and medieval societies. Although its popularity declined with the rise of beer and wine production, mead has experienced a modern revival.