Back, Brewing, and Already Award-Winning
2026 has already been extraordinary for Akronym.
This year began with our Spicer St. Christmas Ale earning a National Grand Champion title at the US Beer Tasting Championship, an honor that still feels surreal. While that beer has since left our taps, the momentum certainly hasn’t!
On Sunday, February 15th, at the 8th Annual Stout It Out Loud Stout & Oyster Celebration in Cleveland, our beer DT took home Second Best in Show. This was huge recognition among some incredible local breweries!
Then on Monday, February 16th, at the Ohio Beer Awards we had a night we’ll never forget. Akronym earned four medals and came within one single point of being named Small Brewery of the Year.
One point.
We are especially proud of our brewmaster, Shawn Adams. Shawn is newly retired as an Akron firefighter, and now brewing beer full-time. There’s no denying that his passion, discipline and attention to detail show up in every pint.
And The Winner's Are:
Henry IPA — GOLD Medal
Category: Sessionable Hoppy Beers | 6% ABV
One of our most popular beers, this New England IPA is double dry-hopped with Citra, Comet, and Simcoe hops. Expect bold aromas and notes of mango, orange, and apricot with a smooth, approachable finish. Named after the son of one of Akronym’s original founders, Henry IPA is as personal as it is flavorful.
Front Line Amber Lager — SILVER Medal
Category: Red Beers | 5.4% ABV
Brewed for the first time on March 16, 2020, the day our taproom temporarily closed due to the pandemic. Front Line is a tribute to those who show up for others in the hardest moments. This traditional Czech Amber Lager is smooth, balanced, and brewed with gratitude.
Daily Grind Coffee Cream Ale — BRONZE Medal
Category: Coffee Beers | 5.7% ABV
Now a year-round offering, Daily Grind is brewed with locally sourced Zoo Blend coffee beans from Akron Coffee Roasters. Light in color but bold in coffee aroma and flavor, it’s a beer that surprises in the best way.
Bag of Hammers Barleywine — BRONZE Medal
Category: Barrel-Aged Beers | 15% ABV
A carefully crafted blend of barleywines aged in bourbon barrels for up to 40 months, including BBA Pervasive from Akronym and three barrels of BBA Jackhammer from The Brew Kettle. Rich, complex, warming, this is a beer built for savoring.
We are proud of these new medals, and even more proud of what they represent. Hard work. Community support. A second chance. A brewery that’s just getting started again.
Come see us in downtown Akron, grab one of these award-winning beers and celebrate with us!
