The largest state-level competition in the US.
NEW YORK STATE
CRAFT BEER
COMPETITION
presented by Ultimate Brew Service
Please review the updated Entry + Shipping Instructions
and Style Categories prior to entering.
You will be prompted to login or create an account on the NEW Beer Awards website to enter beers.
OVERVIEW
The NYS Craft Beer Competition presented by Ultimate Brew Service is the largest state-level competition in US.
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Open to all 500+ craft breweries, more than 1,300 entries were judged in 32 style categories by qualified industry professionals. In addition to gold, silver and bronze awarded in each category, judges will select the coveted Governor's Cup as the best beer in NYS.
2025 Governor's Cup Winner: Grimm Artisanal Ales (Brooklyn, NY)
KEY DATES
January 5
Online Beer Entry Open​
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February 6
DEADLINE: Online Beer Entry​
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February 17
DEADLINE: Beer Received by Raise a Glass Warehouse
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February 28 - March 1
Competition Judging (Rochester, NY)
Email emily@newyorkcraftbeer.com to apply to judge
March 20
Competition Celebration presented by Hart Print
at the Albany Capital Center
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5:30 - 6:30PM | NYS Craft Beer Competition Reception
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6:30 - 8:00PM | NYS Craft Beer Competition Awards Ceremony
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8:00 - 8:30PM | Competition Celebration After Party
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Cost Per Entry
NYSBA Member $60 | Non-Member $80
*Current NYSBA members receive one complimentary beer entry.
*Complimentary Medals / Trophies Awarded to Winning Beers!
Please note, if you enter beer at the membership price and you are NOT a current NYSBA member, you will be invoiced your 2024 membership dues. If you do not pay for membership dues, you will be billed the difference on your entry fees. If you do not pay the difference owed before the competition judging begins, your beers will not be judged.
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*All non-member entries will be ineligible for the top two awards, Brewery of the Year and the Governor’s Craft Beer Cup. Non-member entries will continue to be eligible for all bronze, silver, and gold medals.
PAYMENT TERMS
Payment is due upon your beer's arrival. If payment is not received before judging takes place, your beer will not be judged.
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RAISE A GLASS TO THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE NEW YORK STATE CRAFT BEER COMPETITION - ULTIMATE BREW SERVICE
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The Competition Awards Celebration presented by Hart Print will take place Friday, March 20th at the Albany Capital Center as the closing event of the New York State Brewers Conference. Admission to attend is $30 and free for Conference attendees. Click here to purchase tickets or click here to register for the Conference.
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The Awards Ceremony starts at 6:30PM and will streamed via YouTube Live.
Click here to register to host a watch party at your brewery.
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Celebration Schedule
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5:30 - 6:30PM | NYS Craft Beer Competition Reception
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6:30 - 8:00PM | NYS Craft Beer Competition Awards Ceremony
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8:00 - 8:30PM | Competition Celebration After Party
Raise a Glass
Foundation
The NYSBA partnered with the Raise a Glass Foundation for their expertise producing competitions held to the highest level of integrity. It is only with their support that the New York State Craft Beer Competition has grown to become the largest state-level competition in the US.
The Raise A Glass Foundation™ is a registered NY 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to help save and improve the lives of adults and children around the world.
They accomplish their mission by collecting and donating to deserving charities a valuable asset – thousands of award-winning bottles of wine, beer and spirits – which they use in their fundraising galas, dinners, auctions and other events.
Raise a Glass donates proceeds to charities like InterVol - a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the world's neediest to materials, people, and opportunities.
NYSBA
The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) is a non-profit organization that supports the craft beer industry through advocacy, education, and promotion.
Today, there are more licensed breweries in NYS than at any other point in history. The NYSBA works to unify the industry in order to have continued success legislatively, ensuring a positive economic environment for breweries to thrive.
Ranking #2 in the US for number of breweries, the NYSBA has more than 300 active members. NYS craft beer thrives because of our community of breweries, allied members, partners and craft beer enthusiasts. #thinkNYdrinkNY
