The third-annual “Skunkworks Lounge 2026” competition from Abstrax Hops is once again putting brewing innovation front and center at the Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia. This year’s edition, set against America’s 250th anniversary, invites breweries across the country to submit bold, boundary-pushing beers for a live, attendee-judged showdown.
What’s Different This Year
- Open to all U.S. breweries: For 2026, Skunkworks expands eligibility—any U.S. brewer may submit, marking a departure from previous years’ more restricted entry pools.
- Streamlined format: The competition will proceed in two rounds: an initial submission phase followed by a live finals session at CBC where top finalists pour side-by-side before the industry crowd.
- Thematic focus — “Revolutionary Beers”: In honor of Philadelphia as the birthplace of American independence and the nation’s 250th anniversary, entrants are encouraged to think differently, reinterpret tradition and create beers that reflect innovation in flavor, aroma or process.
- Live audience voting: At the finale, CBC attendees will cast real-time votes to determine the winner, making this not just a panel judged event but one driven by immediate industry feedback.
How It Works
- Submission phase: Breweries must submit a beer using at least one Abstrax product by January 16, 2026.
- Finalist selection: A selection committee at Abstrax will choose five finalists based on creativity, use of flavor technology and alignment with the theme.
- Live finals at CBC: Finalists pour their beers at the Skunkworks Lounge during CBC. Attendees sample, vote, and crown the champion live.
- Winner announced: The champion earns cash prize and prestige—and a platform for visibility.
Submission & Event Details
- Entry deadline: January 16, 2026 (deliver beer and documentation)
- Venue: Skunkworks Lounge hosted during Craft Brewers Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
- Prize: $5,000 cash, the exclusive Skunkworks trophy, and elevated industry recognition.
- Theme: “Revolutionary Beers” — brewers are urged to leverage unconventional techniques, flavor vectors and bold hop/terpene combinations.
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