Cranbrook’s Encore Brewing Company is golden following the British Columbia Beer Awards (BCBA) held Friday, Oct. 16 in New Westminster.

Encore received a gold medal for American Pale Ale for its Retrowave West Coast Pale Ale, standing out among 60 entries.

Another regional brewery received a bronze medal for non-alcohol (under one per cent) beer, as Fernie Brewing Company’s LOGO Pilsner landed in the top three out of 14 entries.

The British Columbia Beer Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in craft brewing, held in New Westminster—just outside Vancouver. Hosted by the BC Craft Brewers Guild as part of the BC Brewers Conference during BC Craft Beer Month, this event recognizes the best of B.C.’s craft beer industry.

“There’s something pretty great about making something here in Cranbrook, sharing it across the bar, and then finding out it holds its own in a room full of some seriously good beer,” said Encore co-owner Jesse Roberts on social media.

“We’re proud of this one. Of the beer. Of our crew. Of the place we get to make it. And everyone who’s ordered a Retro Wave, brought a few home, or told a friend to try it — you’re part of this too. We’re pretty excited to see where this little gold medal takes it,” he said.

Learn more about the 2026 BC Beer Awards.

Lead image: Encore Brewing owners Fred Williams and Jesse Roberts posted this photo on social media, noting, “Apparently, this is what winning your first gold medal looks like! Our first beer award! We’re trying to be normal about it. As you can see, it’s going poorly.” Encore Brewing photo

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