Oxford, Ohio (July 23, 2025) — The 2025 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship, held in Oxford, Ohio, solidified its position as the premier hard seltzer judging event in the United States, drawing an unprecedented number of entries from producers nationwide. The competition highlighted the creativity and growth within the booming hard seltzer industry.
Medals were awarded across 35 diverse categories, reflecting the innovation driving the production of hard seltzer. A standout winner, Barn Town Brewing’s “PBJ-Grape,” secured both a Gold Medal and the prestigious “Director’s Award” for the most memorable seltzer, as selected by the newly appointed Hard Seltzer Director, Julia Kamp.
The event also saw a record number of THC seltzer entries, prompting the creation of seven distinct categories. Mountain Doom Seltzers earned the coveted Founder’s Award, chosen as the favorite by U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Founder, Dow Scoggins.
The Grand National Champion’s Cup was awarded to Barn Town Brewing, last year’s runner-up, for their outstanding commitment to quality and innovation in hard seltzer and THC seltzer production. Their gold medal-winning entries included “PBJ-Grape” in the Anything Goes category, “Frozen Dreams” in the Orange Seltzer category, “Blue Raspberry Lemonade Lit” in the Flavored Lemonade category, and “Caramel Apple Pie Drips” in the Cake, Pie & Pastry category, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
As the largest hard seltzer competition in the U.S., the 2025 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship continues to push the industry forward, fostering innovation and honoring exceptional achievements from producers across the country.
Listing of medal winners at the 2025 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship – Click Here
Top 10 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Brewers
1. Barn Town Brewing, Des Moines, Iowa
2. Boulevard Brewing Company, St. Louis, Missouri
3. Crow and Wolf, Clovis, California
4. Ope Brewing Co, West Allis, Wisconsin
5. Coastalo, Cincinnati, Ohio
6. Penrose Brewing Company, Geneva, Illinois
7. Vermont Hard Seltzer Company, Lyndonville, Vermont
8. Sugar Creek Brewing, Charlotte, North Carolina
9. NewGrav, Kernersville, North Carolina
10. Inside The Five Brewing Company, Toledo, Ohio
2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship
2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship Registration is now open for the 2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship. Ciders must be registered by October 17th. This year, American and importers’ entries will be sent to Oxford, Ohio(Just outside of Cincinnati). Canadian entries will be sent to Niagara College, Ontario. These entries will need to arrive between October 14th – 24th. Winners will be announced on November 18, 2025. Register now at www.usopencider.com.