Cheers! Orlando's Brewlando brings home two medals at 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship

Belle Isle Blonde and Black Hammock Porter earn national recognition as Brewlando continues award-winning year

Brewlando is once again raising a glass to national recognition. The Central Florida craft brewery earned two bronze medals at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship, one of the nation's largest and most prestigious professional brewing competitions. Belle Isle Blonde received bronze in the Golden/Blonde Ale category, while Black Hammock Porter took home bronze in the Brown Porter category.

The latest honors continue an already standout year for Brewlando, which also earned four medals at the 2026 Best Florida Beer Championships earlier this year. Black Hammock Porter has now received bronze recognition at both the statewide and national level, further cementing its place as one of Brewlando's signature beers.

"Winning on a national stage with two very different beers is an incredible honor and a reflection of the passion and dedication our brewing team brings to every batch," said Shara Pathak, founder of Brewlando. "To see Black Hammock Porter continue its award-winning streak while Belle Isle Blonde earns national recognition for the first time makes this achievement even more special. We take great pride in brewing beers that not only represent our craft but also celebrate the communities and places that inspire them."

Belle Isle Blonde, a bronze medal winner in the Golden/Blonde Ale category, is a light summer brew inspired by Orlando's "City Beautiful." At 5.1% ABV and 20 IBU, the beer offers a refreshing escape with a mild sweetness reminiscent of a sun-kissed afternoon in Central Florida. The award-winning blonde ale is also available in cans at select Publix locations and inside Addition Financial Arena at UCF, making it easy for fans to enjoy a taste of Brewlando beyond the taproom.

Black Hammock Porter, which earned bronze in the Brown Porter category, was brewed in celebration of the Black Hammock Wilderness Area on the shores of Lake Jessup. Crafted with a blend of heritage malts, the 6% ABV porter delivers a smooth finish inspired by one of Central Florida's most iconic natural landscapes.  

The U.S. Open Beer Championship attracts breweries from across the United States and around the world, with beers judged across more than 150 style categories by an independent panel of industry experts.

As Brewlando continues to grow throughout Central Florida, the brewery is preparing to open its newest location at Orlando International Airport (MCO), where travelers from around the world will soon have the opportunity to experience its award-winning craft beers. The expansion marks another milestone for the hometown brewery as it continues sharing locally crafted beer with an even broader audience.



For more information about Brewlando, its award-winning beers, locations, or to find Brewlando near you, visit Brewlando.com or use the brewery's Beer Finder at Brewlando.com/find-us-near-you.

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