Credit: B. Meier, Private Brauereien Bayern

Credit: B. Meier, Private Brauereien Bayern

Germany: European Beer Star 2026 with a new look: registration now open

The European Beer Star is launching a new round of the competition. Breweries worldwide are invited to submit their beers for the prestigious beer competition from 1 April.

Since its first edition in 2004, the European Beer Star has steadily established itself as a global benchmark for quality.

The European Beer Star’s expert jury assesses the submitted beers solely on the basis of their sensory quality. The approximately 150 tasters from around the world bring together their expertise from the brewing industry, specialist journalism and the field of beer sommelierism. This ensures an independent assessment of all beers, consistently aligned with consumer expectations.

Just in time for the start of registrations, the European Beer Star is unveiling its new brand identity. The iconic star remains as the central symbol, but will appear on a golden-yellow background from now on. The design is complemented by the slogan “Where passion proves excellence”, which is intended to reflect the passion of the breweries and the high quality of the award-winning beers. The modernisation is intended to strengthen the competition’s visual identity and link its long-standing tradition with the future.

The Association of Private Breweries has once again revised the competition categories, with a particular focus on non-alcoholic beers. Five clearly defined styles are now intended to reflect the growing diversity in this segment. On 10 and 11 September in Nuremberg, the expert jury will judge beers across 75 categories – a clear indication of the international diversity of styles. In addition, beer-based mixed drinks will be tasted in two categories as part of the Beer Mix Champion.

With the Innovation Challenge, the European Beer Star 2026 opens up new opportunities for breweries: experimental drinks that are not yet ready for the market can be submitted. A specialist panel will assess sensory quality, degree of innovation and market potential. The most convincing product will receive an award, but simply taking part offers breweries valuable feedback and helps to highlight technological expertise and future market opportunities.

Further information at: www.european-beer-star.de

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

More articles