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Third Eye Brewing Co. became the first Ohio brewery to win the Grand National Champion Brewery title at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship. The Greater Cincinnati brewery earned the overall championship after accumulating the highest point total through medal-winning beers across multiple categories.
The award recognizes consistent performance across more than 140 beer styles judged through blind tastings. Third Eye Brewing operates locations in Sharonville, Hamilton, and Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati region has another national champion to celebrate.
This, after Third Eye Brewing Co. earned the top overall honor at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship.
The recognition marks the first time an Ohio brewery has won the competition’s prestigious Grand National Champion Brewery award, highlighting the continued growth of Greater Cincinnati’s craft beer industry.
Third Eye Brewing Co., which operates locations in Sharonville, Cincinnati, and Hamilton, secured the championship by earning medals across multiple beer categories. The U.S. Open Beer Championship awards points based on medal finishes, and the brewery accumulated the highest total among hundreds of participating breweries from across the United States.
The annual competition is one of the largest professional beer contests in North America, featuring more than 140 beer style categories. Brewers submit entries that are evaluated by certified judges through blind tastings.
Cincinnati brewery makes Ohio history
Third Eye Brewing’s victory represents a milestone for both the brewery and Ohio’s craft beer industry.
The Grand National Champion Brewery title is awarded to the brewery that earns the most points from medal-winning beers during the competition. Rather than recognizing a single beer, the award reflects consistent excellence across multiple styles.
According to the official U.S. Open Beer Championship results, Third Eye Brewing earned enough medals to finish atop the national standings. The achievement makes it the first brewery from Ohio to capture the overall championship.
Third Eye Brewing has steadily built a national reputation since opening in 2020. The brewery has expanded beyond its original Sharonville location with additional taprooms in Hamilton and Cincinnati while continuing to compete successfully in national beer competitions.
The brewery is known for producing a wide range of beer styles, including:
- India Pale Ales (IPAs)
- Stouts and porters
- Lagers
- Belgian-style ales
- Seasonal specialty beers
- Barrel-aged selections
Industry observers have increasingly recognized Ohio breweries for producing award-winning craft beer, but this marks the state’s biggest accomplishment at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.
According to the U.S. Open Beer Championship, the competition judges breweries solely through blind taste testing, ensuring entries are evaluated without knowledge of the brewery’s identity.
Cincinnati brewery reflects growth of the local craft beer industry
Greater Cincinnati has become one of the Midwest’s strongest craft beer markets over the past decade.
Dozens of independent breweries now operate throughout Hamilton County, Butler County, Warren County, and Northern Kentucky. Many have expanded distribution while attracting tourism through taprooms and beer-focused events.
Third Eye Brewing’s national championship adds another achievement to Cincinnati’s growing reputation as a destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
According to The Cincinnati Business Courier, Third Eye Brewing has expanded its footprint in recent years while continuing to invest in new brewing capacity and customer experiences. Local expansion has allowed the brewery to serve customers throughout the Greater Cincinnati region while maintaining a strong production schedule.
National recognition can provide several benefits for breweries, including:
- Increased tourism
- Expanded wholesale distribution
- Stronger retail demand
- Higher brand recognition
- Greater opportunities for collaboration
Industry awards often influence purchasing decisions among craft beer consumers seeking nationally recognized breweries.
National competition highlights brewing excellence
The U.S. Open Beer Championship attracts entries from breweries across the United States and internationally.
Judges evaluate beers in more than 140 style categories using established industry standards. Breweries receive gold, silver, and bronze medals before championship points determine the overall Grand National Champion Brewery.
Unlike many competitions that emphasize one flagship product, the championship rewards breweries demonstrating consistent quality across multiple beer styles.
According to organizers, breweries accumulate points for each medal earned. The brewery with the highest overall point total receives the Grand National Champion Brewery designation.
Third Eye Brewing’s performance demonstrates depth throughout its brewing program rather than success from a single product.
The accomplishment also raises the profile of Ohio breweries nationally, showing that independent breweries from the Cincinnati region can compete successfully against established producers from larger craft beer markets.
Consumers interested in learning more about the competition can review the official results through the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Additional information about Third Eye Brewing’s locations and beer offerings is available on the brewery’s official website.
The award comes as Cincinnati’s food and beverage scene continues receiving increased national attention. The city’s expanding collection of breweries, restaurants, and entertainment districts has helped attract visitors while supporting local economic development.
For local beer enthusiasts, the championship offers another reason to explore Cincinnati’s growing craft brewing community and support independent businesses that continue earning recognition on the national stage.
FAQs
What did Third Eye Brewing win?
Third Eye Brewing won the Grand National Champion Brewery title at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship. The award is presented to the brewery that earns the most points through medal-winning beers across multiple competition categories.
Why is this award significant for Ohio?
Third Eye Brewing is the first brewery from Ohio to receive the Grand National Champion Brewery honor. The achievement marks a milestone for the state’s craft beer industry at one of the nation’s largest professional beer competitions.
How is the Grand National Champion Brewery selected?
Breweries earn points based on gold, silver, and bronze medals won in individual beer style categories. The brewery with the highest total point score is named Grand National Champion Brewery.
Where is Third Eye Brewing located?
Third Eye Brewing operates taprooms in Sharonville, Hamilton, and Cincinnati. The brewery has expanded its presence in Greater Cincinnati since opening and produces a variety of beer styles.
