At the prestigious World Beer Cup 2025 awards ceremony, our Weiherer Rauch was awarded the gold medal as the best smoked beer in the world – making it a WORLD CHAMPION. This makes us the most successful brewery in Germany.
“This is absolutely incredible!” exclaimed our brewmaster and head of the brewery Roland Kundmüller. His brother Oswald, managing director and beer sommelier, added: “After last year’s massive success, when our Weiherer Kräusen Hell was named the world’s best Kellerbier, we never dreamed we’d win such an award again. We are overwhelmed and want to thank our fantastic brewing team.”
A success story for more than 150 years
Our Kundmüller brewery was founded in Weiher in 1874. A lot has changed since then: from just one beer – Lager Hell – we now produce over 30 varieties, including classics, special brews, non-alcoholic, organic, and international specialties. Our output has more than tenfold increased, and the entire company shines in new splendor – with a renovated guesthouse and tavern, and a state-of-the-art brewhouse from Kaspar Schulz, Bamberg.
Challenge and quality at the World Beer Cup
The World Beer Cup is the world’s oldest and largest beer competition. Since its founding in 1996, it has been considered the global “Beer Olympics” for brewers. This year, 1,761 breweries took part, submitting 8,375 beers from 49 countries. Each of the 112 categories could award a gold, silver, and bronze medal. The 265 international judges assessed the beers in a strict, multi-day process.
Only quality prevailed
Tasting took place over several rounds, where each beer was judged on style accuracy, taste, aroma, and brewing technique. Weiherer Rauch impressed the jury with its perfect balance and authentic style, earning it the gold medal. According to the organizers, Weiherer Rauch is a world-class beer that precisely embodies the specified style and has the right balance of flavor, aroma, and appearance.
A reason to celebrate
“We’re absolutely thrilled about the gold for our Weiherer Rauch! Quality is our top priority, and this medal is confirmation from the highest authority. After winning silver three times – in 2014, 2022, and 2024 – finally achieving gold is simply overwhelming!” Roland said, still visibly excited. Oswald added: “The World Beer Cup is the biggest, most important, and toughest beer competition in the world, and this success leaves us speechless.” He continued, “We’re especially proud because we’ve brought the gold medal home to the birthplace of smoked beer.” Only four awards went to German breweries – and just this one gold medal.
Congratulations from around the world
Even during the awards ceremony on the night of May 2, Roland and Oswald received congratulations via WhatsApp and social media – among them from Markus Raupach, renowned beer expert from Bamberg and World Beer Cup jury member, who was present in Indianapolis. He congratulated them with the words, “Congratulations, you are now the spearhead of the German brewing guild.” Nothing more needs to be said.
.jpeg?resize=crop&w=400&h=400&pos=center)
.jpeg?resize=fit&w=1333&h=1000)
