Icicle Brewing Co. wins international award for pilsner

LEAVENWORTH — Icicle Brewing Company’s Icicle Premium Pilsner received international recognition at the largest beer competition in Europe on Sept. 17.

The Icicle Premium Pilsner was awarded a Silver Medal in the International-Style Lager category at the 2025 European Beer Star Awards – a competition that featured more than 2,200 beers from over 40 countries across 74 categories.

The competition has earned a global reputation of challenge and prestige since its founding in 2004. Organized by Private Brauereien Bayern, the competition honors authentic, high-quality beers that demonstrate character and adherence to traditional styles.

The beers were judged by a panel of 150 international experts in a blind tasting in Munich, Germany. Icicle Brewing Company was one of only 15 breweries from the U.S. to win an award this year, and one of only two breweries from Washington state to earn recognition. Collin Christianson, Director of Brewery Operations at Icicle Brewing Company, accepted the award in Munich.

“Winning silver at the European Beer Star is an incredible honor,” said Christianson. “We’re especially proud that our Icicle Premium Pilsner, a beer you can find in grocery stores across Washington, stood out on the world stage. This award validates not only our entire team’s dedication to quality, but also the idea that our world-class beers aren’t just taproom exclusives.”

The local brewing company – whose values emphasize community, quality and sustainability – distributes its beer across Washington state, with select placements in Idaho and Alaska. It sources water from Icicle Creek, with other ingredients coming from not much further; according to the brewery website, Icicle uses a bulk of malted barley from Vancouver, WA, a majority of its hops from Yakima Valley, and yeast from the Columbia River Gorge. The brewery and taproom are located in downtown Leavenworth.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media