Ann Arbor brewery wins prestigious World Beer Cup medal

Mothfire Brewing Company is putting Michigan on the map following a big win at the prestigious World Beer Cup. The Ann Arbor brewery’s Panda hazy double IPA earned silver in the Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale category, beating out over 127 other entries.

“I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was literally jumping into doors, trying to dunk, and all sorts of things,” says Mothfire co-founder David Becker, recalling the moment head brewer Alexis Jorgensen notified him of their win. “Everyone just coalesced at Mothfire and congregated there. We partied and celebrated. … [There were] lots of hugs and cheers-ing and trying to open up any great beer we had.”

According to Becker’s research, Mothfire’s win is the first time a Michigan brewery took home an IPA medal at the World Beer Cup in 14 years. 

“I was most happy for our brewers who have worked at a few different breweries for so many years. To finally have this win for them was just so exciting,” he says. “It’s been such a collective journey – from the community and the stores that supported us, and the farmers.” 

Becker says he’s looking forward to promoting Panda and hopes drinkers will have “an experience they’ve never had before.” 

“The flavors have a big fruit explosion, but it’s not overly sweet. It’s still very beery,” Becker says. “Even though it’s a big style that’s overly hopped, when you’re done with that first sip, it still finishes and drinks like a beer and is not overly bitter.”

He also describes Panda as a well-rounded beer that “you could kind of chew your way through.” 

“It’s just this bright golden haze with a nice, thick head of foam on it, and just a big aroma of a lot of fresh tropical fruits,” Becker says. “Papaya, a touch of strawberry, and just some nice, golden orange, kind of citrus notes. Then there’s some slight resin from those hops, like a slight earthiness.”

Due to Panda’s popularity and the nature of the brewing process, it’s currently sold out and will be available again on June 5 at Mothfire’s tap room. 

Becker suggests pairing Panda with a cheese or charcuterie board, or one of Mothfire’s wood-fired pizzas. 

“If you allow yourself to sit with it, and give it the time and focus it warrants, I think you’ll definitely have a fun experience,” he says.