Rochester Beer Now One of the Best in the World

In this year's 'Olympics of Beer,' five Minnesota beers, including one from Little Thistle Brewing here in Rochester, were just rated as some of the best on the entire planet!

Even though I'm from Wisconsin, the state that's long been proud of its tradition of brewing beer, I've been saying for a while now that some of the best craft beers can be found right here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. And, specifically, right here in Minnesota's Med City. And now you don't just have to take my word for it, either.

Minnesota Brewers Gain Global Recognition at World Beer Cup

That's because an impressive lineup of five beers from four Minnesota breweries just won awards at the 2026 World Beer Cup. That's the international competition organized by the Brewers Association that highlights some of the best brews anywhere. It's even sometimes referred to as 'the Olympics of Beer,' which highlights the event's global scale, competitive rigor, and prestige. It’s one of the most respected beer competitions in the world.

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Inside the Massive Competition Behind the ‘Olympics of Beer’

This year's World Beer Cup, part of the Craft Brewers Conference, was held in mid-April in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to a release from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, there were a LOT of beers, judges, and awards involved in this year's cup:

The WBC had over 8,166 entries from over 1,644 producers from 50 different countries around the world. 255 professional beer judges, from 38 different countries, awarded medals to beers that met the highest level of quality and that perfectly exemplified their style.

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Rochester’s Little Thistle Among Minnesota’s Big Winners

And five Minnesota beers took home awards at the Cup this year, making them some of the best not just in our fair state, or country, but in the world. And one of them is from the gang at Little Thistle Brewing right here in Rochester! They won a bronze medal for their American Style Pilsner, 'Double Elbow- Tonks Tuesdays Pils.' An impressive honor for one of my favorite local breweries!

 And here's a shout-out to the other Minnesota 2026 World Beer Cup Winners:

Minnesota Gold Medals:

• Forgotten Star Brewing Company, Fridley: “Dark Skies Baltic Porter”- Strong Beer
• Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub, Minneapolis: “Eisbock”- German Style Eisbock or Doppelbock

Minnesota Silver Medals:

• Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub, Minneapolis: “Doppelbock”- German Style Eisbock or Doppelbock
• Canal Park Brewing Company, Duluth: “Night Trekker Baltic Porter- Aquavit Barrel Aged”- Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Congrats to all these brewers and breweries! You've made Minnesota proud! Now, in addition to these five, if you're looking to try some other incredible brews made right here in the Gopher State, keep scrolling to check out some of the highest-rated breweries from across the state!