Colorado’s craft beer scene once again proved why it ranks among the nation’s best, and Boulder County had plenty to celebrate.

At the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship—one of America’s premier professional brewing competitions—Colorado breweries collected an impressive 30 medals. Among the standout performances, Boulder County breweries earned four medals, with two Lafayette breweries striking gold and a longtime Longmont favorite adding another national honor.

Statewide, Denver’s River North Brewery led Colorado’s charge, earning six medals—four gold, one silver and one bronze—to finish second overall while also being named Brewery of the Year in the 1,001–2,000 barrel production category.

For Boulder County beer lovers, however, the biggest news came much closer to home.

Boulder County’s 2026 Medal Winners

Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company – Lafayette

Liquid Mechanics continued its impressive streak of award-winning brewing by bringing home two national medals.

• Gold – Lucid AF (American Strong Pale Ale)
• Bronze – Creamy Fookin’ Pints (American Stout)

The brewery’s bronze-winning stout also earned another distinction—it landed at No. 8 on the U.S. Open Beer Championship’s annual list of the competition’s funniest beer names. Fortunately for beer lovers, the judges were just as impressed by what was inside the glass as they were by the name on the tap handle.

Liquid Mechanics has become one of East Boulder County’s most dependable craft breweries, consistently producing beers that compete with some of the nation’s very best.

Cellar West Brewery – Lafayette

Cellar West added another prestigious award to its growing reputation for exceptional small-batch brewing.

• Gold – Sasquatch Slobber (English Summer Ale)

Known for its thoughtful approach to traditional beer styles, Cellar West earned top honors with a balanced English Summer Ale that stood out among entries from breweries across the country. It’s another reminder that some of Colorado’s finest beers are being crafted right here in Lafayette.

Pumphouse Brewery – Longmont

Longmont’s iconic brewery also brought home national recognition.

• Bronze – Spotted Dog Stout (Foreign Stout)

For decades, Pumphouse Brewery has been a local favorite, and this latest medal reinforces its reputation for brewing classic styles with consistency and quality. Spotted Dog Stout proved it can compete with outstanding stouts from across the United States.

Why These Awards Matter

The U.S. Open Beer Championship attracts thousands of entries from professional breweries throughout the United States and internationally, making every medal a significant accomplishment. Winning gold or bronze against that level of competition reflects exceptional brewing skill, consistency and creativity.

For Boulder County, these results highlight the strength of its local brewing community. Lafayette’s Liquid Mechanics and Cellar West continue to elevate the town’s growing reputation as a destination for outstanding craft beer, while Longmont’s Pumphouse Brewery remains one of the region’s most respected names.

Whether you’re a dedicated craft beer enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering outstanding local breweries, these award-winning beers offer an excellent excuse to plan your next tasting adventure.

Raise a Glass to Boulder County

Colorado’s breweries once again demonstrated why the state remains one of America’s craft beer capitals, collecting 30 medals in this year’s championship. Boulder County may have earned four of those medals, but each one represents the passion, craftsmanship and innovation that define our local brewing scene.

Congratulations to Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company, Cellar West Brewery, and Pumphouse Brewery for representing Boulder County on one of the nation’s biggest beer stages.

Boulder County Medal Summary

• 🥇 Gold – Lucid AF — Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company, Lafayette (American Strong Pale Ale)
• 🥇 Gold – Sasquatch Slobber — Cellar West Brewery, Lafayette (English Summer Ale)
• 🥉 Bronze – Creamy Fookin’ Pints — Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company, Lafayette (American Stout)
• 🥉 Bronze – Spotted Dog Stout — Pumphouse Brewery, Longmont (Foreign Stout)

AboutBoulder-admin