This is the world’s best lager according to the International Beer and Cider Awards 2025

The world of beer has a new champion: Clubhaus Lager from Von Ebert Brewing in Portland, Oregon has been named the best lager at the prestigious 2025 International Beer and Cider Awards. The announcement, made in early June in Idaho Falls, comes after a record-breaking year for the competition, which saw 1,426 entries from breweries around the globe vying for top honors across more than a dozen lager categories.

Lagers stole the show at this year’s event, reflecting a surging trend among craft beer fans for lighter, crisper, and more sessionable brews. “We have observed a general shift towards lighter, more sessionable beers throughout all categories, particularly in lagers,” said competition coordinator Harvey Hembree. He noted that lagers’ refreshing dryness and thirst-quenching qualities are driving their popularity, with craft brewers large and small embracing the style.

The 2025 competition highlighted the rapid growth of several lager subcategories:

• Latin American or Tropical-Style Lagers were a standout, with their low hop and malt aromas and use of adjuncts like corn, inspired by beloved beers from Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Dark lagers saw fierce competition, indicating rising demand for sessionable dark beers.
• Asian lagers, a relatively new category, also experienced a notable uptick in entries since their debut just two years ago.

Gold medal winners: The world’s best lagers of 2025

Judges awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in each category. US breweries dominated the gold medal list for lagers this year. Here are some of the top winners:

• Latin American/Tropical-Style Lager: Helper, Helper Mexican (Helper, Utah)
• Helles Lager: Saru Japanese-style Lager by Zeman Co. (Bozeman, Montana)
• American Black Lager: Hel Good by Bear Brewing (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
• American-Style Amber Lager: Templ Family Capflue by Templ Family Brewing (Salt Lake City, Utah)
  

What makes a winning lager?

Judges at the International Beer and Cider Awards look for balance, drinkability, and adherence to style. The winning lagers stood out for their clean profiles, subtle complexity, and refreshing finish—qualities that are increasingly resonating with both judges and consumers.