The Brewers Association has created a special one-time category at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival® (GABF®) for beers brewed with craft malt, giving small, local malthouses and the brewers who work with them a chance to share the awards stage.

“Craft maltsters are in the unique position to be able to provide a link from growers to brewers all the way to consumers, while also creating opportunities for active collaborations in the supply chain which results in differentiation, innovation and ultimately new and exciting beers,” said Steve Clark, president of the Craft Maltsters Guild and co-founder of Troubadour Maltings in Fort Collins, Colorado. “This special GABF category provides the opportunity for craft maltsters and brewers to showcase their quality and craftsmanship.”

Category Details

Beers entered in this category are required to contain at least 50% of the grain bill produced at a craft maltster. A craft maltster as defined by the Craft Malt Guild produces fewer than 10,000 metric tons per year with over 50% of grains grown within a 500-mile radius of the malthouse. Brewers may choose to indicate an underlying/traditional base style for the beer. Color, clarity, aroma, flavor, and body may deviate significantly from a stated style in an effort to highlight character of craft malt(s) used.

Brewers are encouraged to collaborate closely with the craft maltster in the development and formulation of beer. Brewers will be asked to share information on the craft maltster so they are able to share in the accolades provided a medal-winning beer.

How To Enter

Registration for the 2026 Great American Beer Festival competition opens June 23, 2026. Join the Brewers Association to save $240 per beer entry and compete for a spot on the October awards stage.

A complete category description is available here.