Fall River Brewing wins gold and bronze at NABA awards

Redding-based Fall River Brewing Company took home a gold medal for Off Leash West Coast IPA and a bronze for Half Cocked Hard Root Beer at the 2026 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards. The results give the Northern California brewery national recognition in two very different beverage categories.

Why it matters: - The awards put Fall River Brewing Company in front of a national and international judging panel in a competition that drew more than 1,300 entries. - The gold medal for Off Leash West Coast IPA strengthens the brewery’s standing in one of craft beer’s most competitive styles. - The bronze for Half Cocked Hard Root Beer expands recognition for Fall River’s hard sodas and ready-to-drink cocktails.

What happened: - Fall River Brewing Company said Off Leash West Coast IPA won gold in the West Coast IPA category at the 2026 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards. - The Redding-based brewery also earned bronze for Half Cocked Hard Root Beer in the Hard Soft Drinks (Sodas) category. - The competition included entries from 36 states. - Fall River Brewing Company said the awards were announced for the 2026 NABA competition.

The details: - John and Amanda Hutchings, co-owners of Fall River Brewing Company, said the West Coast IPA style is a key part of the brewery’s story. - The Hutchings said the gold medal for Off Leash was an honor for the team. - Off Leash West Coast IPA is available at Fall River Brewing Company locations and through select retail and distribution partners. - The bronze medal adds national recognition for Half Cocked, Fall River’s lineup of hard sodas and ready-to-drink cocktails. - The North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards evaluates beers, ciders, meads, and sodas from producers across the country and internationally. - Fall River Brewing Company was founded by the Hutchings in 2011 in their garage. - The brewery has grown into a regional craft brewery with distribution across California, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. - Fall River Brewing Company ranks as California’s 20th largest craft brewery by production volume, out of 806 craft breweries reporting production volume to the Brewers Association. - Fall River’s brand leans into an outdoor lifestyle message tied to the Fall River Valley. - The company says its culture is Open To Adventure®. - The brewery says its beers and beverages are enjoyed trailside, riverside, fireside, and at its Northern California locations. - More information is available at Fall River Brewing Company.

Between the lines: - Winning in both beer and non-alcoholic-style beverage categories suggests Fall River is building recognition beyond its core IPA lineup. - The two medals may help the brewery reinforce its regional identity while competing in a broader, more crowded market. - The awards also give the brewery a credibility boost with retailers and distributors looking for proven products.

What's next: - Fall River Brewing Company is likely to use the medals in marketing, taproom promotion, and sales outreach. - The brewery’s broader distribution footprint gives it room to turn the awards into more shelf and tap presence. - Consumers can expect Off Leash and Half Cocked Hard Root Beer to be featured more prominently as medal winners.