Cheers to BC’s Best: 2025 BC Beer Awards

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Cheers to BC’s Best: 2025 BC Beer Awards Celebrate Craft,
Community and Creativity

Langley’s Camp Beer Co. Crowned “Brewery of the Year” as Brewers from
Across British Columbia Take Home Top Honours

The energy was high and the beer was flowing as brewers, beer lovers and industry leaders gathered in New Westminster to celebrate the 2025 BC Beer Awards last Friday. The annual showcase of craftsmanship, creativity and community spirit is at the heart of British Columbia’s thriving craft beer scene.

This year’s top honour, Brewery of the Year, went to Camp Beer Co. of Langley, while Smithers Brewing claimed Best in Show with its Smithersbräu Festbier. In total, 61 breweries from across the province were recognized, with 90 awards presented across 30 categories. The results reflect a vibrant, evolving community that continues to raise the bar for craft beer in Canada.

“The BC Beer Awards are more than just a competition. They’re a celebration of the innovation, collaboration and community that define our province’s craft beer culture,” says Ken Beattie, Executive Director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild. “Every brewery recognized plays a part in shaping the story of craft beer in British Columbia.”

Brewery of the Year: Camp Beer Co. (Langley, BC)

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Since opening in 2019, Camp Beer Co. has built a loyal following for its inventive beers and welcoming community hub. The Langley brewery took home five medals this year, including one gold and four silvers, for its standout lineup of beers:

  • Gold: Barrel Aged Flannel Pyjamas 2025 (American Porter and Stout)

  • Silver: Camp Light (American Light Lager)

  • Silver: S’mores Milk Stout (Amber and Dark British Beer)

  • Silver: Merchants of Barley (Strong American Ale)

  • Silver: Tequila Sunrise (Alternative Fermentables Beer)

Camp’s win is another milestone for a brewery that embodies the BC Ale Trail spirit of local pride and connection. In 2022, it also received the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery Experience Award. Explore more on the Langley Ale Trail. 

Best in Show: Smithers Brewing (Smithers, BC)

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Fresh off being named Brewery of the Year at the Canadian Brewing Awards earlier this year, Smithers Brewing once again proved that northern BC is home to exceptional beer. Its Smithersbräu Festbier, a festival-strength Bavarian-style pale lager, took top honours, alongside two additional medals:

  • Gold: Hipster Fuel IPA (American IPA)

  • Bronze: Let’s Get Ready to Crumble (Specialty and Historical Beer)

Explore more on the Northwest BC Ale Trail.

Rising Stars and Industry Legends

In a field that continues to grow and evolve, the Rookie Brewery of the Year title went to Checkerhead Brewing from Shirley on southern Vancouver Island. Founded and operated solo by a professional comedic juggler turned brewer, Checkerhead’s story is one of persistence, creativity and community connection — the true essence of BC craft.

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The evening also honoured Paul Hadfield, co-founder and longtime publican of Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria, with the Legend Award. A pioneer of the craft beer movement in Canada, Hadfield helped shape beer tourism and local food culture in BC, championing sustainability and local partnerships long before they became industry norms. His leadership continues to inspire brewers and beer lovers alike. 

Explore more on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.  

Across the Province, a Toast to Excellence

From the northern peaks to the southern coast, breweries across British Columbia shone brightly at this year’s awards.

Every medal represents a story of creativity, craftsmanship and connection that makes BC’s beer community one of the most dynamic in the world.

Celebrating BC’s Craft Beer Community

The BC Beer Awards are part of BC Craft Beer Month and take place alongside the BC Craft Brewers Conference, a time when the province’s brewers come together to share ideas, inspiration and of course, a few pints. Each year, certified beer judges evaluate hundreds of entries, recognizing both technical excellence and bold experimentation.

As the night’s cheers and clinking glasses faded, one thing was clear: BC’s craft beer scene continues to thrive, driven by passion, collaboration and a shared love of good beer.

For the full list of 2025 winners, visit bcbeerawards.com.

About the BC Ale Trail

The BC Ale Trail serves as a comprehensive guide to exploring British Columbia’s craft beer culture, linking over 220 craft breweries across 21 self-guided Ale Trails. Each trail combines BC’s distinctive craft breweries with the province’s breathtaking natural landscapes, providing a complete experience for beer enthusiasts and adventure seekers. In partnership with Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild, the BC Ale Trail showcases the finest of BC’s brewing scene through thoughtfully curated itineraries. Whether a local resident or a visitor, the BC Ale Trail offers an ideal way to plan a brewery tour holiday and discover why BC’s craft beer scene is world-class.

To learn more visit bcaletrail.ca, and connect socially at @bcaletrail on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

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