Akronym Brewing’s Award-Winning Year: Celebrating the 2021 Medal Haul 🍻
For craft beer lovers in Downtown Akron, 2021 was a year that put Akronym Brewing firmly on the regional and national craft beer map. From bold IPAs and crisp pilsners to creative spiced ales, Akronym’s lineup earned top honors at some of the most respected competitions in the industry.
These awards are more than shiny medals on a shelf. They represent the passion, creativity, and brewing precision that define Akronym Brewing’s craft beer program. Judges from across the country tasted hundreds of beers, and Akronym’s brews consistently rose to the top.
If you’re searching for an award-winning brewery in Akron, these results explain why Akronym Brewing continues to draw craft beer fans from across Northeast Ohio.
2021 US Beer Tasting Championship Wins
The US Beer Tasting Championship is one of the most respected beer competitions in the United States, evaluating beers regionally before selecting national champions.
Akronym Brewing delivered an incredible performance with several standout beers.
🏆 Black Hat Dark Lager
Midwest Grand Champion
A smooth and balanced dark lager that impressed judges with its rich malt character and drinkable finish.
🏆 Hoppy Holidays Strong Ale
Midwest Grand Champion & National Grand Champion
This bold seasonal ale dominated the competition, winning both regional and National Grand Champion honors. Its layered hop profile and warming malt backbone made it a standout across the country.
🏆 Czech 123 Pilsner
Midwest Grand Champion
A beautifully crisp and traditional Czech-style pilsner brewed with precision. Clean, refreshing, and expertly balanced.
2021–2022 US Beer Tasting Championship Recognition
Akronym continued its winning momentum with another regional standout.
🥇 Spicer St. Fruit Spice Beer
Best of the Midwest
This creative beer captured attention with its vibrant spice profile and refreshing fruit character, earning top regional honors.
2021 Ohio Craft Brewer’s Cup Awards
The Ohio Craft Brewer’s Cup highlights the best breweries in the state, and Akronym Brewing made a huge statement with multiple medals.
🥇 Cold Truth Imperial IPA – Gold
A powerful IPA bursting with hop flavor and aroma.
🥉 Henry Hazy Pale Ale – Bronze
Juicy, smooth, and packed with tropical hop notes.
🥉 Sleight of Hand Stout – Bronze
A dark and rich stout with deep roasted complexity.
🥇 BBA Gold on the Ceiling (Wood-Aged Beer over 8%) – Gold
Barrel-aged to perfection, delivering bold flavor and smooth warmth.
🏆 Best NEO Brewery
🏆 Best Nano Brewery
Winning both titles highlighted Akronym’s growing reputation as one of the top craft breweries in Northeast Ohio.
National Honey Beer Competition
Akronym Brewing also found success in specialty beer categories at the National Honey Beer Competition.
🥇 Spicer St. Fruit Spice Beer – Gold
🥈 Spicer St. Best of Show – Silver
These awards recognize the beer’s exceptional balance of honey character, spice, and drinkability.
A Big Year for Akron Craft Beer
From national championships to statewide honors, Akronym Brewing proved that great beer is alive and thriving in Downtown Akron’s craft beer scene.
Every award represents countless hours of brewing, recipe development, and dedication to quality. Whether you’re a hop lover, stout fan, or pilsner purist, Akronym Brewing continues to push the limits of what a local Akron brewpub and brewery can achieve.
If you haven’t experienced these award-winning beers yet, stop by Akronym Brewing in Downtown Akron and taste why judges across the country are raising their glasses to this Northeast Ohio brewery.
Visit Akronym Brewing
Looking for award-winning craft beer in Akron?
Come visit Akronym Brewing, enjoy fresh pints brewed on site, and see why this Akron brewery and brewpub continues to earn recognition from the biggest beer competitions in the country.
Because great beer isn’t just brewed.
It’s earned. 🍺
