On April 10th, 2026, within the framework of InnBrew and the Barcelona Beer Festival, the awards ceremony for the 11th edition of the Barcelona Beer Challenge 2026 took place. The competition once again put the spotlight where it belongs: on beer quality. With no gimmicks, the contest rewarded those projects capable of maintaining a consistently high level across different styles with precise execution.
This year, medals were widely distributed, and the four major awards were given to:
Basqueland Brewing — Best Brewery
Once again, they take the top spot. The Hernani-based brewery doesn’t surprise anymore, it confirms. When a brewery consistently gets it right, it stops competing in moments and starts competing on level. Zorionak.
Kosmonauta Cervecería — Best New Brewery
A strong debut at a high level. The Talavera de la Reina brewery starts with confidence, delivering a clean profile, precise execution, and no flaws. The kind of project that doesn’t need to exaggerate anything to stand out.
Hopalaa Brewery — Innovation Award (MR Malt)
Innovation, in this case, went to the Latvian brewery for integrating Catalan-origin hop terpenes with rigor and intention, developed through an international R&D collaboration between Latvia and Catalonia. Thanks to Mr Malt, this award promotes meaningful technical approaches aimed at improving aroma, texture, and balance.
Lo Vilot — Brewing Hope for a Better Future (MR Malt)
A farm-based brewery producing organic craft beer using ingredients they grow themselves, combining time and passion. It was the well-deserved winner of the award also promoted by MR MALT, aimed at recognizing and celebrating breweries leading the shift toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
