The 2026 Maryland Craft Beer Competition brought together 243 beers from 42 Maryland breweries, competing across 20 categories for recognition as some of the best beer being brewed in the state.
On Saturday, September 26, 26 judges gathered behind the scenes at Oliver Brewing Company’s new Millersville home to evaluate this year’s entries. The Oliver crew generously opened their doors and made room for the competition even as work on their new facility continued around them.
“The Maryland Craft Beer Competition is about recognizing the incredible talent, creativity and craftsmanship happening in breweries across our state,” says Kelly Dudeck, Executive Director of the Brewers Association of Maryland. “At a time when small, independent breweries are facing real challenges, it’s more important than ever to shine a light on the quality of what they produce and celebrate the important role they play in our communities.”
The medalists will be revealed live on Friday, November 6 at Heavy Seas in Halethorpe.
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For Head Judge Charlie Harr, the competition offers a clear snapshot of what Maryland breweries are making and what local drinkers are asking for in taprooms across the state.
“I was probably anticipating more hazies,” Harr says. “It’s great to see a diversity in what’s being presented, and it’s good to know that Maryland drinkers are looking for a diverse catalog of styles.”
Evaluating 243 beers is no simple task. The entries are judged blind by an experienced panel, nearly all of whom are certified through the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), including several of the organization’s highest-ranked judges.
Judges evaluate each beer on appearance, aroma, flavor and mouthfeel, as well as how well it represents the style it was entered under.
“The tangible skill that comes from judging multiple competitions is the sensory analysis: ability to describe what they’re tasting, and being able to apply that to the styles,” Harr says.
After filling out individual scorecards, the judges discuss their evaluations and reach a consensus on which beers rise to the top.
“If I walk into a taproom and I see a medal on the wall or a badge on the menu, it’s probably going to draw me to that beer first,” Harr says. “It’s a big deal to win a competition, and at a state level, it’s even a bigger deal.”
At the top of the competition, the margin between gold, silver, and bronze can come down to razor-thin differences.
“They’re splitting hairs about why one beer is not as good as the other beers on the table, but they’re by no means saying it’s a bad beer,” Harr says. “I was very, very pleased with the quality of the beer.”
For beer drinkers (and judges alike), the competition results offer a chance to discover beers and breweries they might otherwise miss.
“This is a great opportunity for me to identify new places,” Harr says. “It’s like, ‘Well, this is some really good stuff. I need to make a weekend trip this direction to try this brewery.’”
Sometimes that means discovering a small brewery you haven’t heard of. Other times, it means seeing a familiar name rise to the top.
“I really enjoy when I see one of the Goliaths win awards, but I equally like seeing when one of the Davids win,” Harr says. “David was still a warrior.”
Harr’s advice for local beer fans? Try something new, and make some noise about what you like.
“If you’ve had something new that you enjoyed, share it with your friends and take them with you,” Harr says. “And if you’re hearing word of new places that you haven’t been, make a point to get out and visit those breweries as well.”
“Competitions like this are like that great shot in golf where you just can’t wait to get back out there again,” Harr says.
The results are (technically) in, but you’ll have to wait just a little longer to find out who’s taking home medals.
Join us at Heavy Seas in Halethorpe on Friday, November 6, as the winners of the 2026 Maryland Craft Beer Competition are revealed live.
The awards ceremony runs from 5-10 PM and brings Maryland breweries and beer drinkers together for the awards presentation, food, vendors and, of course, beer! Tickets are $30 and include two beers.
[Get Tickets to the Awards Ceremony]
Every ticket and T-shirt helps support the Brewers Association of Maryland and our work to promote and strengthen Maryland craft beer.
Wanderland 2026
Maryland beer, wine, spirits, cider, food and more come together October 24 at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.
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