Tucson’s Barrio Brewing Co. Takes Gold At 2026 World Beer Cup

TUCSON, AZ — Raise a pint, Tucson — one of our own just made a splash on the world stage.

Barrio Brewing Co., located at 800 East 16th Street, brought home a gold medal at the 2026 World Beer Cup, one of the most prestigious craft beer competitions in the world.

The win was announced April 22 in Philadelphia during the competition’s 30th year. This year’s event drew more than 8,000 entries from nearly 1,650 breweries and cideries across 50 countries.

Out of 353 medals awarded, Barrio earned one of the top honors.

“Thirty years in, the World Beer Cup remains a powerful reflection of how far global brewing has come—and where it’s headed,” said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director. “Even in a year that challenged beverage alcohol producers to evolve, this year’s winners demonstrated that innovation, precision, and passion for craft are stronger than ever.”

The winning beer was Nolan’s Porter, a rich, dark brew Barrio has been making since 1994. It was first created by brewmaster Dennis Arnold to celebrate the birth of his son, Nolan. More than three decades later, the same beer is now an international gold medalist.

This isn’t Barrio’s first time on the podium. Last year, its English-Style Brown Ale, Rojo, won a bronze medal, continuing a steady run of awards for the brewery.

Founded in 1991, Barrio Brewing Co. has deep roots in Tucson. Founder Dennis Arnold grew up in the area, left for college, met his wife Tauna, traveled the West, and eventually returned home to start the brewery.

While Barrio has expanded with brewpubs at Phoenix Deer Valley and Mesa Gateway airports, its heart remains in Tucson.

So if you find yourself at Barrio, there’s an easy recommendation on tap: Nolan’s Porter — a gold medal winner.