Kiwi brewers toast Gold at World Beer Awards
Two New Zealand breweries are celebrating success at the prestigious World Beer Awards, with their beers ranked among the best in the world.
The medallists and global winner results were announced this week.
Sprig + Fern and Moa Brewing each received a Gold Medal and Country Winner title for their respective brews.
Sprig + Fern’s G.O.A.T Dopplebock was awarded in the ‘Lager – Strong’ category, while Moa Brewing’s Southern Alps Ultra won in the ‘International Lager – Light’ category.
Tracy Banner, Sprig + Fern Brand Owner and Master Brewer, said she and the team are incredibly proud of the recognition from the World Beer Awards and The G.O.A.T’s continued success.
“This beer has been on an incredible journey,” she says. “To see it build a record of nearly 30 awards and now achieve its biggest success yet is genuinely emotional for our team. It's a beer we love brewing, our customers love drinking, and we're thrilled to see it receiving recognition at the highest international level.”
Sprig + Fern’s Tracy Banner and team celebrate the World Beer Awards results.
Stephen Smith, Managing Director of Moa Brewing Company, said the success of Southern Alps Ultra shows that New Zealand breweries can compete alongside some of the largest brewing companies in the world. “To win Gold on the world stage against iconic international brands is an incredible achievement and a testament to the quality of our beer, our brewing team, and the outstanding ingredients sourced from New Zealand growers.”
World Beer Awards 2026 (see full results here)
World's Best Dark Beer
Harvey's - Lewes Castle Brown Ale (England)
World's Best Flavoured Beer
Microbrasserie Le Trou Du Diable - Le Coq - Brassin Spécial (Canada)
World's Best IPA
Landel - Atrás do Bloco (Brazil)
World's Best Lager
Bavik - Bavik Super Pils (Belgium)
World's Best Mid-strength Beer
Twice Brewed - Pitch Black (England)
World's Best No & Low Alcohol Beer
Maisel's Weisse – Alkoholfrei (Germany)
World's Best Pale Beer
Angelus – Blond (France)
World's Best Sour & Wild Beer
Brouwerij Westkwartier - Oud Bruin (Belgium)
World's Best Speciality Beer
Schneider Weisse - Tap 9 Eisbock (Germany)
World's Best Stout & Porter
Keller Holz - Imperial Stout (Republic of Moldova)
World's Best Wheat Beer
Fulu Fresh Beer - German Wheat Beer (China)
