This Is the No. 1 American Beer, Says Major International Competition

There's no shortage of American-brewed beers to choose from, and the honor of the best beer in the United States is really in the eye, or taste buds, of the beholder.

However, according to one recent international competition, Firestone Walker Brewing Company in California has the bragging rights to the No. 1 beer in America, its Union Jack IPA. The renowned West Coast IPA, which debuted in 2008, won top American beer honors at the recent 2025 Brussels Beer Challenge.

Firestone Walker Union Jack took down 35 other breweries to finish No. 1 in America at the Brussels Beer Challenge, which has been in existence since 2012 and is one of Europe's top international beer competitions.

“The Brussels Beer Challenge is a top world-class competition that draws some of the very best,” Firestone Walker brewmaster Matt Brynildson said, via Food & Wine. “It means a lot to win.”

Big year for Union Jack, Firestone Walker

Firestone Walker has been has been a favorite among beer aficionados since its launch in 1996, and Union Jack (7.0% ABV) remains one of its most popular brews.

"Huge flavor that packs a punch. This is Union Jack—an icon of the West Coast IPA style, for those who like their beer loud and proud," says the official Firestone Walker website.

Union Jack, which won back-to-back gold medals in the American IPA category at the Great American Beer Festival in 2008 and 2009, also took home gold at the World Beer Cup and Brussels Beer Challenge this year, where it competed in the Pale & Amber Ale: English IPA category.

Two other Firestone Walker beers--Double Barrel Ale (DBA) and Pivo Pils--also medaled in Brussels.

“It’s pretty cool that we were awarded medals in three major International Competitions this year. World Beer Cup, European Beer Star, and now Brussels Beer Challenge," said Brynildson. "DBA won in all three and Pivo and Union Jack both won in two. I’m just happy that our core line-up of beers are still recognized by judges around the world, but most of all proud of the brewing team and their accomplishments."