North American Nonalcoholic Cup 2026

Introducing the North American Nonalcoholic (NANA) Cup—a professional, blind-judged competition celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship driving nonalcoholic beverages forward.

Whether you're pushing boundaries with new techniques or dialing in classic styles with precision, this competition is designed to spotlight producers who care deeply about quality, process, and flavor.

2026 Results: Winners & Best of Show

With 109 entries representing some of the most innovative nonalcoholic beverages in North America, the 2026 North American Nonalcoholic Beer & Beverage Cup showcased the remarkable growth and quality of the category.

Judging took place May 16 in Fort Collins, Colorado, with all entries evaluated blind by an expert panel of judges. Following category judging, the highest-scoring beverages advanced to the Best of Show round, where the competition's top honors were awarded.

Congratulations to this year's winners! Watch the official awards presentation and explore the complete results below.

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About the Competition

The NANA Cup brings together a diverse panel of experienced, trained, and certified judges—brewers, sensory experts, and industry professionals—to evaluate entries through rigorous blind tasting. Competitors receive detailed feedback to help refine their process and elevate their beers.

This is more than a medal run—it’s an opportunity to:

• Benchmark your beer against top-tier peers
  
• Gain meaningful, actionable feedback
  
• Showcase your brewery on a respected platform
  
• Earn recognition among a highly engaged brewing audience
  

If you don't currently have an All Access subscription, you can get one here for only $159.99.

Judging & Awards

Entries are evaluated based on:

• Style accuracy
  
• Technical execution
  
• Aroma and flavor balance
  
• Overall drinkability
  

Awards include:

• 🥇 Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in each category
  
• 🏆 Best of Show honors
  
• ⭐ Editorial and promotional features for standout entries
  

Built on the same rigor and credibility as Craft Beer & Brewing’s beer review process, competition entries will be judged blind and ranked within style categories by qualified judges to ensure fairness and consistency.

Join us on Thursday, June 18th, for a special video presentation announcing this year's winners. The full list of medal-winning entries will be published online.

Who Should Enter

The NANA Cup is open to:

• Professional breweries
  
• Pilot and R&D programs
  
• Experimental and specialty projects
  

If you’re proud of it—we want to taste it.

Why Enter the NANA Cup?

Unlike massive global competitions, the NANA Cup focuses on quality over quantity—giving each entry the attention it deserves.

Expect:

• Thoughtful judging, not rushed scoring
  
• Constructive feedback you can actually use
  
• Visibility through Craft Beer & Brewing’s audience
  

Key Dates

• Registration Opens: March 30, 2026
• Entry Deadline: May 8, 2026
• Sample Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026
• Winners Announced: June 18, 2026

Join us on Thursday, June 18th, for a special video presentation announcing this year's winners. The full list of medal-winning entries will be published online.

How to Enter

1. Register your entries online
   
2. Select the appropriate style/category
   
3. Ship or deliver your samples by the deadline
   
4. Sit back, relax, and let the judges do their work
   

Questions? Email us at competition@beerandbrewing.com

FAQ

What is the maximum number of entries? You can enter up to 12 NA beverages.

How many samples per entry do I need to send? Please ship or deliver 4 cans or bottles per sample entered. Make sure each sample is labeled with your brewery name and sample name.

What is the deadline to enter? Entries must be submitted by May 8, 2026. Samples must arrive by May 15, 2026.

Final Pour

The best nonalcoholic beverages deserve to be celebrated—and that’s exactly what the NANA Cup is for.

We can’t wait to see (and taste) what you’ve been brewing.