Awards – Akronym Brewing

Best of the Midwest Keeps Rolling In

Ryleigh Liber — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:36:00 +0000

“Best of the Midwest” has a nice ring to it.

The 2026 accolades just keep stacking up, and while the award-winning Spicer Street isn’t on tap this time of year, it’s a perfect reminder of what’s always brewing behind the scenes at Akronym.

The lineup is constantly changing, the creativity doesn’t take days off, and there’s always something new worth discovering.

We open at 3PM, with Happy Hour rolling until 5PM, so whether you’re chasing flavor, sunshine, or just a solid pint after a long day, we’ve got you covered.

Come grab a seat on the patio, settle in, and see what’s pouring.

#Akronym #DrinkBeerMadeHere #OhioBrewery #Ohio

Akronym Brewing Takes Silver at Stout It Out Loud with “DT” Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Ryleigh Liber — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:29:39 +0000

Akronym Brewing Takes Silver at Stout It Out Loud with “DT” Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

The stout world gathered once again for one of Northeast Ohio’s most anticipated dark-beer celebrations, the Stout It Out Loud Festival, hosted annually by The Butcher and The Brewer. The event, known for pairing incredible stouts with fresh oysters and showcasing some of the region’s most creative brewers, kicked off the 2026 Cleveland Beer Week Styles Series in unforgettable fashion.

Among a field of outstanding entries, Akronym Brewing proudly took home the SILVER medal with a powerhouse beer simply known as DT.

A Barrel-Aged Collaboration Built for the Podium

DT is not just another stout. This massive 16% ABV barrel-aged blend brings together two extraordinary beers:

Deimos from Akronym Brewing
Tunguska from The Brew Kettle Brewery & Pubs

After blending, the beer was aged for an incredible 36 months in bourbon barrels, allowing time, oak, and spirit character to weave together a deep and complex profile. The result is a stout layered with rich chocolate, dark roast, oak warmth, and the smooth intensity only extended barrel aging can create.

The judges clearly took notice. DT earned Silver and Second Best in Show, placing it among the elite stouts presented at this year’s festival.

A Unique Year for the Competition

This year’s competition had a surprising twist. While previous years were dominated by big adjunct-laden imperial stouts, the Gold Medal went in a completely different direction.

2026 Stout It Out Loud Medalists:

Gold – Great Lakes Brewing Company
Conway’s Irish Stout – 4.8% ABV
A classic, non-adjuncted Dry Irish Stout that impressed judges with balance and tradition.

Silver – Akronym Brewing
DT – 16% ABV
Blend of Deimos and Tunguska aged 36 months in bourbon barrels.

Bronze – Hofbräuhaus Cleveland
BBA Kaiser – 10% ABV
A bold stout aged in bourbon barrels.

Honorable Mention:
Forest City Brewery – Rye BA Quad du Diable (12% ABV)
A rye barrel-aged Belgian quad featuring notes of dark fruit, vanilla, oak, and caramel.

People’s Choice Award:
Eleventhree Brewing – The Burj (15% ABV)
An indulgent Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Imperial Stout that captured the crowd vote.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Try DT

Award-winning barrel-aged beers rarely stick around long, especially one with this level of craftsmanship and aging behind it. If you’re a fan of big, complex imperial stouts, DT is a glass worth seeking out.

With three years in bourbon barrels, every sip delivers layers of flavor that unfold slowly. It’s bold, rich, and exactly the kind of beer that makes festivals like Stout It Out Loud legendary.

If you see DT from Akronym Brewing on tap, grab a glass before it disappears. Beers like this don’t come around often, and when they do, they tend to vanish quickly.

2026 Ohio Craft Beer Awards

Ryleigh Liber — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:53:16 +0000

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!

Akronym Brewing Awards in 2022: Another Banner Year for Downtown Akron Craft Beer

Chris Filut — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:12:43 +0000

Akronym Brewing Awards in 2022: Another Banner Year for Downtown Akron Craft Beer

In the world of craft beer, medals are not just shiny pieces of metal. They are proof that a brewery’s creativity, consistency, and obsession with great beer are hitting the mark. In 2022, Akronym Brewing continued to build its reputation as one of the standout breweries in downtown Akron, earning multiple medals at prestigious competitions and showcasing the talent behind their brewhouse.

From hop-forward hazy ales to bold barrel-aged creations and unique honey beer recipes, Akronym Brewing’s beers impressed judges across multiple categories.

2022 Ohio Craft Brewer’s Cup Awards

The Ohio Craft Brewer’s Cup is one of the most respected beer competitions in the state, bringing together breweries from across Ohio to compete in a wide range of styles. Akronym Brewing made a strong showing with three medal-winning beers.

Henry Hazy Pale Ale – Gold Medal
This juicy and aromatic hazy pale ale captured the Gold Medal in its category. Known for its soft mouthfeel and vibrant hop character, Henry Hazy Pale continues to be a fan favorite in the taproom and a standout among Ohio craft beers.

BBA Gold on the Ceiling – Silver Medal
Akronym’s BBA Gold on the Ceiling, a bold barrel-aged beer over 8% ABV, took home the Silver Medal. Rich, complex, and layered with barrel character, this beer highlights the brewery’s ability to craft big, memorable beers that stand up to serious competition.

MAC European Pale – Bronze Medal
Rounding out the Brewer’s Cup awards, MAC European Pale earned a Bronze Medal, demonstrating Akronym’s versatility and precision when brewing classic European-inspired styles.

National Honey Beer Competition

Akronym Brewing also gained national recognition at the National Honey Beer Competition, a contest that celebrates beers brewed with honey and other complementary ingredients.

Spicer St. – Gold Medal (Herb & Spiced Beer Category)
Taking home the Gold Medal, Spicer St. impressed judges with its creative use of honey and spice, producing a layered flavor profile that balances sweetness, herbal character, and drinkability.

A Growing Reputation in Akron’s Craft Beer Scene

These awards reinforce what many local craft beer fans already know: Akronym Brewing is producing some of the most exciting and award-winning craft beer in Akron, Ohio. With a lineup that ranges from hazy hop bombs to barrel-aged specialties and experimental honey beers, the brewery continues to push boundaries while keeping quality front and center.

Whether you’re visiting the Akronym Brewing taproom in downtown Akron or searching for your next favorite craft beer, these medal-winning brews are proof that great beer is being brewed right in the heart of the city.

Stop in, grab a pint, and taste the beers that brought home the hardware in 2022.

Akronym Brewing Wins Major Craft Beer Awards in 2021 | Award-Winning Akron Brewery

Chris Filut — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:06:58 +0000

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.