Forgotten Road Ales Named Among Top 5 Breweries at 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship & awarded Brewery of the Year (201-500 barrels)!
by M. Colunga | Jul 21, 2026
Forgotten Road Ales is proud to represent North Carolina in the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Competition as the 2026 Brewery of the Year (251-500 barrels) and the top 4th overall brewery.
GRAHAM, NC — July 21, 2026 — Forgotten Road Ales (FRA) just wrapped up its biggest year yet at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship. The local crew took home the title of Brewery of the Year for the 251–500 barrels category and ranked as the 4th best overall brewery in the entire competition.
This event marks the fourth consecutive year that FRA has medaled in the highly competitive U.S. Open Beer Championship that evaluates thousands of beers across more than 170 style categories. This year, the brewery took home a total of seven medals across gold, silver, and bronze tiers.
The complete list of 2026 award-winning beers include:
GOLD
- Ammo Can: Nahvi Bravo (Wood/Barrel-Aged Fruit Beer)
- MRE Menu 5 Canadian Cake (Near Gluten Free/Gluten Reduced)
SILVER
- GSO Barrel Select (Barrel Aged Strong Stout / Porter)
- M 3rd 25th Uneasiness of Normal (Barrel Aged Strong Stout / Porter – Extreme)
- Nick’s Winter Ale (Barrel-aged Quad)
- MRE Menu 6 Dubai Chocolate (Nut Beer)
BRONZE
- February Drill Maple Leaf (Barrel Aged Barleywine – Specialty)
Ben Farrar, owner, Marine veteran, and head brewer, is the creative force behind the award-winning portfolio. His purpose and passion are crafting beers that not only wow the connoisseurs but bring people together and encourage community.
"I’m really happy with this year’s results," said Farrar. "It’s an awesome feeling seeing beers created for and loved by our followers recognized on such a huge platform. It’s validating for sure, and we’re going to keep doing what we love."
The brewery credits its continued growth to its loyal base of supporters, affectionately known as the "FRAmily"—a term reflecting the brewery's belief that family is not defined by blood but the people we chose along life’s journey.
Select quantities of the award-winning cans, alongside current seasonal draft options, are available at all three Forgotten Road Ales locations.
About Forgotten Road Ales
Founded in 2019, Forgotten Road Ales specializes in barrel-aged beers, NE IPAs, sours, and wild ales. The brewery operates three distinct locations in North Carolina: the original small-town craft brewery and beer garden in Graham; a chic taproom featuring cocktails and a curated bourbon selection in Greensboro; and a newly opened bottle shop and taproom in Pittsboro. For updates, follow @forgottenroadales on Facebook and Instagram.
