Williamsburg-Area Breweries Score Big at 2025 Virginia Craft Beer Cup
RICHMOND, VA – Nearly 500 brewers and craft beer lovers gathered on August 11 for the inaugural Virginia Craft Beer Summit & Gala, capped off with the state’s largest craft beer competition — the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. Judged earlier this year at Hidden Wit Brewing Company, the event honored brewing excellence across 31 style categories and crowned new champions, including several from the Williamsburg area.
Big Wins for Local Breweries
St. George Brewing Co. (Hampton) stole the show, winning Best of Show (Gold) for Knight’s Respite in the American Wheat/German Weiss category, plus Gold in that category and Silver in Alternative Grains for Honey Lager, and Silver in Kölsch/Leichtbier for Morning Dew. Gloucester Brewing Company took Best of Show (Bronze) for Providence Pilsner — which also earned Gold in the Pilsner category — and Gold for Kolman (Kölsch/Leichtbier). Billsburg Brewery (Jamestown) earned Best of Show (Honorable Mention) for Tourist Trap (which also won Gold in Hazy IPA) and Gold in International Lager for Classic Lager. Caiseal Beer & Spirits Co. (The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery) (Hampton) was named Virginia Brewery of the Year with multiple medals, including Gold in British Bitters/Scottish for Red Ale and Gold in Strong Ale for Fifth Force Imperial Stout. Precarious Beer Project (Williamsburg) scored Silver in Hazy IPA for Kung Fu Kittens. Strangeways Brewing took Silver in European Sour for Uberlin and Silver in Monastic for Belgian Quad. The Virginia Beer Company (Williamsburg) won Silver in Brown Ale for Party Guy. Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News) brought home Bronze in Hazy IPA for Lil’ Tantrum and Bronze in Cream & Blonde Ale for Ameraucana.
Statewide Recognition
Other notable regional standouts included awards for Patch Brewing Co., Benchtop Brewing, Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, and Blue Mountain Brewery. In total, the competition awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in 31 style categories, plus the new Best Firkin Beer in Virginia™ title — won by Oak-Aged Germanna from Patch Brewing.
A Toast to All Our Local Brewers
While the medals are impressive, the Williamsburg beer scene’s real strength is its community. From experimental sours to crisp lagers, each local brewery — medalist or not — is helping put our region on the craft beer map. Cheers to Precarious, St. George, Strangeways, Vanguard/Caiseal, Billsburg, The Virginia Beer Company, Tradition, Gloucester Brewing, Alewerks, Frothy Moon, and every other local taproom that entered the competition and continues to brew exceptional beer.
About the Author
I’m John Womeldorf, better known as Mr. Williamsburg — a local ambassador and real estate agent who loves showcasing all the great things about living in Greater Williamsburg. From highlighting neighborhood gems to celebrating our thriving food and drink scene, I’m here to connect you with the people, places, and experiences that make this region special.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home — or you just want to know more about Williamsburg’s neighborhoods and lifestyle — you can call or text me at 757-254-8136, email me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com, or visit mrwilliamsburg.com.