Glendale’s own Bull & Bush Brewery has once again demonstrated that some of the finest craft beer in America is being brewed right in the heart of Glendale. The longtime Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce member captured a prestigious gold medal at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival, earning national recognition for its Pineapple 3 Way beer.

The brewery took home the top prize in the Belgian-Style Fruit Beer category, beating out a field of 31 entries from breweries across the country. The award further solidifies Bull & Bush Brewery’s reputation as one of Colorado’s most accomplished and respected craft breweries.

The Great American Beer Festival, organized by the Brewers Association, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the United States. This year’s competition featured 7,267 beer and cider entries from 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. A panel of 225 judges evaluated the entries, ultimately awarding 336 medals across the competition. 

For Bull & Bush Brewery, winning gold in the Belgian-Style Fruit Beer category rep­resents a significant achievement. The category recognizes beers that successfully combine traditional Belgian brewing characteristics with fruit flavors, requiring brewers to achieve a careful balance of aroma, taste, and overall drinkability.

According to the competition’s judging guidelines, a gold medal recognizes a world-class beer that exemplifies its particular style while demonstrating exceptional balance in taste, aroma, and appearance. 

Pineapple 3 Way earned the highest distinction in a category that included some formidable competition. Firestone Walker Barrelworks of Buellton, California, received the silver medal for Krieky Koelschip, while Beachwood Blendery of Long Beach, California, claimed bronze for Funk Yeah Montmorency Cherry. 

The victory adds another chapter to Bull & Bush Brewery’s impressive ­history of brewing excellence. At the 2024 Great American Beer Festival, Bull & Bush achiev­ed a remarkable feat by winning both gold and silver medals in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer category. Ghoul Fuel – Rum Diaries Edition captured gold, while Temporary Paradise – Rum Diaries Edition earned silver.

At the time, brewery owner Erik Peterson credited the dedication and craftsmanship of his brewing team, emphasizing the patience, passion, and skill required to produce award-winning beer. Head Brewer Gabe Moline also celebrated the ­achievement, which ended a multiyear medal drought for the brewery. 

Now, just two years later, Bull & Bush has returned to the winner’s circle with another gold medal, this time demonstrating its versatility in a completely different brewing category.

For the Greater Glendale Chamber of Com­merce, the latest honor is another rea­son to celebrate one of its longstanding members. Bull & Bush Brewery has become a recognizable part of Glendale’s identity, attracting beer enthusiasts and visitors from throughout the Denver metropolitan area and beyond.

While the craft brewing industry continues to evolve amid changing consumer preferences and increased competition, Bull & Bush has continued to distinguish itself through creativity, quality, and a willingness to experiment with different brewing styles.

The 2026 Great American Beer Festival also marked a new chapter for the event itself, with festivities moving outdoors to Levitt Pavilion in Denver’s Ruby Hill Park. The festival adopted a more intimate format featuring live music, food trucks, and opportunities for beer enthusiasts to interact directly with brewers. 

For Glendale residents and local craft beer enthusiasts, however, the biggest news from this year’s competition is much closer to home.

With another national gold medal to its credit, Bull & Bush Brewery has given Glendale something to toast and reminded the rest of the country that exceptional craft beer can be found in one of Colorado’s smallest cities.