Clubhaus Lager Crowned the World’s Best at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship
The craft beer world has spoken — and the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship has named Clubhaus Lager from Von Ebert Brewing in Portland, Oregon, as the best lager in the world. Outshining 1,426 entries from across the globe, this crisp, perfectly balanced brew has secured a new prestige both for its creator and for American lagers in general.
A Triumph for Von Ebert Brewing
Von Ebert Brewing, long respected for its commitment to high-quality, flavorful beers, struck gold in the American-Style Standard or Premium Lager category. In a competition where consistency, clarity, and clean flavor are paramount, Clubhaus Lager stood out to judges for its remarkable drinkability and harmonious flavor profile.
Described by beer enthusiasts as crisp, balanced, and subtly complex, this lager represents the perfect marriage between traditional brewing precision and the craft beer movement’s dedication to flavor and creativity.
American Breweries Dominate the 2025 Lager Rankings
This year’s results underscored the strength of the American brewing scene in the lager category. U.S. breweries claimed top honors across multiple lager styles:
- Clubhaus Lager (Von Ebert Brewing, Oregon) – American-Style Standard or Premium Lager (Gold)
- Helper Mexican – Latin American/Tropical-Style Lager (Gold)
- Saru Japanese-Style Lager – Helles Lager (Gold)
- Hel Good (Bear Brewing) – American Black Lager (Gold)
- Templ Family Capflue – American-Style Amber Lager (Gold)
The diversity of winners showcased the rising popularity of niche lager subcategories such as Latin American/Tropical-style lagers, dark lagers, and Asian-inspired lagers.
Why Lagers Are Back in the Spotlight
For years, the craft beer scene was dominated by hop-forward IPAs and bold experimental brews. But recently, lagers — particularly lighter and more sessionable styles — have made a major comeback.
Consumers are increasingly seeking refreshing, easy-drinking beers that still deliver on flavor. A great lager demands technical mastery; there’s little room to hide flaws, making the award-winning entries even more impressive. The 2025 Championship results point to a clear trend: breweries are perfecting lagers that are clean, crisp, and approachable, without sacrificing depth or nuance.
Global Competition, Local Pride
Though the U.S. stole the show in 2025, the event drew entries from breweries around the world, underlining the truly global nature of lager brewing. The international competition creates a stage not only for well-established breweries but also for smaller craft operations hoping to showcase their skills on a major stage.
In this edition, judges celebrated lagers that excelled in balance, clarity, mouthfeel, and finish — qualities that turn a simple beer into a world-class one.
The victory of Clubhaus Lager reflects both the talent of Von Ebert Brewing and the enduring appeal of the lager style. With craft brewers innovating within traditional categories, beer lovers can expect to see even more exciting takes on lagers in the years ahead.
Whether enjoyed in a Portland brewpub or at a beer festival halfway around the globe, the world’s best lager of 2025 proves that sometimes, nothing beats a cold, perfectly brewed pint of the simplest style done right.
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