The MBA is excited to host the inaugural Montana Beer Awards, our state’s first commercial, state-wide beer competition. This event will be a celebration and showcase of the incredible, unique, and passionate work of Montana’s craft brewers, and will be open to any commercially made beer produced in Montana. The competition will feature 19 award categories and will be judged using the 2023 Brewers Association beer style guidelines. 

Any commercial brewery may enter beers brewed entirely in Montana into the competition, whether they are an MBA member or not. The cost to enter the competition will be $45 per beer for MBA members and $65 per beer for non-members.

In addition, awards will be given to the Small (<500 bbls), Medium (501 – 2,000 bbls), and Large (>2,001 bbls) Brewery of The Year. To recognize the central role breweries play in communities across Montana, the Impact Award will also be given to a brewery working to improve their surrounding community. Check out the list of award categories, how to enter, and more information here. 

If you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns please email Loy Maierhauser – [email protected]

Schedule

December 18 – December 31, 2023: Early bird beer registration

• All beers must be registered online on the Beer Awards Platform.
• Entry fees are $45 per beer for MBA members and $65 per beer for non-members.
• No single beer may be entered more than once or in multiple categories.

January 1 – January 31, 2024: Standard beer registration.

February 12 – 16: Sample drop off window

• Samples must be dropped off at Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. at 1517 Dodge Ave. in Helena, MT between 8 AM and 5 PM on these dates only.

February 22 – 24: Judging takes place

February 24: Awards ceremony and celebration at Lewis & Clark Brewing Co., Helena, MT!