Ready to enter the 2026 AK Beer Awards Competition? REGISTER HERE
2026 AK Beer Awards Competition Frequently Asked Questions
Are homebrewers able to enter the AK Beer Awards Competition?
No, this competition does not accept homebrew entries and is for commercially produced beverages only.
How many products can my company enter?
Each competing company is allowed up to two entries per category. There is no limit on the number of categories that a company may enter. However, each entry can compete in only one category (i.e. you can't enter the same beer into multiple categories).
What volume of each entry is needed for the competion?
All beer and cider categories will require forty-eight (48) ounces of each entry. The mead category will require thirty-six (36) ounces of each entry.
When will winners be announced?
The winners of this year's competition will be announced at the competition award ceremony in Anchorage on Thursday, November 5 at 49th State Brewing Company in downtown Anchorage. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for each category.
Who do I talk to if I'm interested in judging?
Prospective judges for this competition must have extensive knowledge of beer styles, style parameters and off-flavors. BJCP-certified individuals and/or those with professional experience are required. Qualified individuals should reach out to Carey Fristoe at [email protected].
When and where do competition entries need to be submitted?
Competition entries must be submitted to the Odom Corporation in Anchorage between Monday, October 12 and Thursday, October 15. Entries submitted after this deadline will be disqualified and not refunded.
If I'm outside of the Anchorage area, what's the best way to submit my entries?
Alaska Airline's Club 49 Freight-for-Less program is recommended to those sending beer from outside of the Anchorage area, particularly entries from southeast Alaska. Contact Stephanie Haskins ([email protected]) for more information. Competitors are responsible for their own shipping.
How long do I have to request entry changes or request a refund?
Participants can request to change their entries or withdraw for a refund through the end of registration (11:59PM on Thursday, October 1). After this point, no change requests will be accepted and no refunds will be issued for withdrawn or disqualified entries.
When will judging take place?
Judging will take place on Saturday, October 17.
Is there a minimum number of entries required for a category to remain standalone?
Yes. A category must receive six (6) or more entries to remain a standalone category in this year's competition. Categories that receive five (5) or fewer entries will be eliminated from the competition and refunded. Low-entry categories will not be combined with similar categories.
The 2026 competition will include categories for beer, cider, mead and hard seltzer. Registration is open from Monday, September 14 through Thursday, October 1. Judging will take place in Anchorage in mid-October, and the results of this year's competition will be announced at an awards ceremony at 49th State Brewing in Anchorage on Thursday, November 5. Category sponsorships are available for all competition categories. Cheers, and best of luck in this year's competition!
Ready to enter the 2026 AK Beer Awards Competition? REGISTER HERE
Past Winners Click HERE to view the list of 2025 competition winners. Click HERE to view the list of 2024 competition winners. Click HERE to view the list of 2023 competition winners.
Thank you to our 2025 AK Beer Awards category sponsors!
