The World Beer Cup recognizes brewing excellence in 103 categories but does not automatically award the top three entries in a particular category. When judges determine that a category contains three excellent examples of the style, they present gold, silver, and bronze awards for the first, second, and third place beers, respectively.

Judges may choose not to designate any awards in a category if all beers entered in that category are significantly out of style or have major defects. The Competition Director will cancel judging in any one category if fewer than three entries are received.

GOLD – A world class beer that accurately exemplifies the specified style, displaying the proper balance of taste, aroma and appearance.

SILVER – An excellent beer that may vary slightly from style parameters while maintaining close adherence to the style and displaying excellent taste, aroma, and appearance.

BRONZE – A fine example of the style that may vary slightly from style parameters and/or have minor defects in taste, aroma, or appearance.