Santa Monica Brew Works (SMBW) has earned a prestigious bronze medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup®, one of the brewing industry’s most esteemed global competitions. The announcement was made on May 1 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, where top breweries worldwide were honored across 112 beer style categories.
SMBW’s award-winning beer, the Lemongrass Basil Gose, claimed the bronze in the highly competitive Gose category. This unique beer, crafted with fresh basil and an infusion of lemon zest, impressed judges with its vibrant citrus notes and herbaceous aroma, which were perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt and a lightly tart finish.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our beer recognized on the world’s biggest stage,” said Scott Francis, Co-Founder, President & CEO of Santa Monica Brew Works. “It’s an honor to be awarded alongside such exceptional breweries from around the globe.”
The Lemongrass Basil Gose is a twist on the traditional German-style Gose, known for its tartness, subtle spice, and saline notes. Brewed with more than 10 pounds of fresh basil and real lemon zest, it offers a bright, herbal aroma and a lively citrus twist, making it a hit among adventurous beer enthusiasts.
“This beer is a true labor of love,” said Avery Colomb, Head Brewer at SMBW. “We went all in on flavor – with fresh basil, real lemon zest, and finely chopped lemongrass. To have it recognized at the World Beer Cup is an unbelievable honor. We’re proud to represent Santa Monica as one of the best in the world.”
Currently, the award-winning Lemongrass Basil Gose is available in limited quantities on draft at the SMBW Tasting Room and Beer Garden, located at 1920 Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica.
The 2025 World Beer Cup, often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer,” attracted 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries. A panel of 265 beer experts from 37 nations served as judges for the competition. Founded in 1996 by the Brewers Association, the biennial event aims to recognize brewing excellence and encourage innovation in the beer industry.
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