Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, a renowned brewery and restaurant located in Topeka, has secured another prestigious award at the 2025 World Beer Cup. The brewery won a Bronze Award for its highly acclaimed beer, “Smokey the Beer”, in the “Smoke Beer” category. This achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that Blind Tiger has received an award for this particular beer, further solidifying its reputation as a leading brewery. The brewery’s Brewmaster, John Dean, has played a crucial role in the success of the brewery, earning 31 national and international medals during his tenure. The beer, “Smokey the Beer”, is a German-style rauchbier with a 5.8% ABV and 11 IBUs. The beer’s unique flavor profile is attributed to the use of imported malt from Bamberg, Germany, smoked over a beechwood fire. Noble hops and German lager yeast are also used to craft the beer.
Medals and Awards Won by Blind Tiger
- 2025 World Beer Cup – Bronze Award – “Smokey the Beer” – Smoke Beer category
- 2025 World Beer Cup – Bronze Award – “Smokey the Beer” – World Beer Cup 2024
- 2024 World Beer Cup – Bronze Award – “Smokey the Beer” – World Beer Cup 2024
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Gold Award – “Munich Dunkles” – World Beer Cup 2024
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Bock Bronze Award – World Beer Cup 2024
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Brewer of the Year – 1001-2000 bbl / year
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Brewery of the Year – 1001-2000 bbl / year
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Bock Gold Medal – World Beer Cup 2022
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Gold Medal – “Smoke Follows Beauty” – Great American Beer Festival 2022
- Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Bock Bronze Award – World Beer Cup 2022
- Kansas Craft Brewer of the Year 2018
- Great American Beer Festival 2018 – Bock Bronze Medal – Great American Beer Festival 2018
- Great American Beer Festival 2014 – Gold Medal – “Basil Beer” – Great American Beer Festival 2014
- World Beer Cup 2014 – Champion Brewer – Large Brewpub Division
- World Beer Cup 2014 – Champion Brewery – Large Brewpub Division
- World Beer Cup 2014 – Gold Award – “Munich Dunkles” – World Beer Cup 2014
- World Beer Cup 2014 – Silver Award – “Maibock” – World Beer Cup 2014
- Great American Beer Festival 2012 – Gold Medal – “Capital City Kölsch” – Great American Beer Festival 2012
- World Beer Cup 2012 – Maibock – Gold Award – World Beer Cup 2012
- Great American Beer Festival 2011 – Bronze Medal – “Capital City Kölsch” – Great American Beer Festival 2011
- Great American Beer Festival 2010 – Bronze Medal – “County Seat Wheat” – Great American Beer Festival 2010
- World Beer Cup 2010 – Munich Dunkles – Bronze Award – World Beer Cup 2010
- Great American Beer Festival 2009 – Gold Medal – “County Seat Wheat” – Great American Beer Festival 2009
- World Beer Cup 2008 – Maibock – Silver Award – World Beer Cup 2008
- Great American Beer Festival 2007 – Gold Medal – “Smokey The Beer” – Great American Beer Festival 2007
- Great American Beer Festival 2007 – Silver Medal – “Java Porter” – Great American Beer Festival 2007
- Great American Beer Festival 2006 – Gold Medal – “Maibock” – Great American Beer Festival 2006
- Great American Beer Festival 2004 – Gold Medal – “Java Porter” – Great American Beer Festival 2004
- World Beer Cup 2004 – Tailwind Rye – Bronze Award – World Beer Cup 2004
- Great American Beer Festival 2003 – Silver Medal – “Tailwind Rye” – Great American Beer Festival 2003
- Great American Beer Festival 2002 – Gold Medal – “Raw Wheat” – Great American Beer Festival 2002
- Great American Beer Festival 2002 – Silver Medal – “Tailwind Rye” – Great American Beer Festival 2002
- Great American Beer Festival 2001 – Silver Medal – “Smokey The Beer” – Great American Beer Festival 2001
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is located at 37th St. and Kansas Ave. in Topeka, Kansas. The brewery has established itself as a leading destination for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide range of craft beers and a restaurant serving delicious food.
Key Statistics
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bronze Award | Smoke Beer category |
| 2024 | Bronze Award | World Beer Cup 2024 |
| 2022 | Gold Award | Munich Dunkles – World Beer Cup 2024 |
| 2018 | Bock Bronze Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2018 |
| 2014 | Champion Brewer | Large Brewpub Division |
| 2012 | Maibock – Gold Award | World Beer Cup 2012 |
| 2010 | Munich Dunkles – Bronze Award | World Beer Cup 2010 |
| 2009 | County Seat Wheat – Gold Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2009 |
| 2008 | Maibock – Silver Award | World Beer Cup 2008 |
| 2007 | Smokey The Beer – Gold Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2007 |
| 2006 | Maibock – Gold Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2006 |
| 2004 | Java Porter – Gold Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2004 |
| 2003 | Tailwind Rye – Silver Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2003 |
| 2002 | Raw Wheat – Gold Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2002 |
| 2001 | Smokey The Beer – Silver Medal | Great American Beer Festival 2001 |
The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following among beer enthusiasts. With its unique beers and delicious food, Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of craft beer.
Quote from Brewmaster John Dean
“I am thrilled that Smokey the Beer has won another award. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We are proud to be recognized as one of the top breweries in the country, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible with craft beer.”
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, quality, and innovation come together. With its impressive collection of awards and accolades, the brewery has established itself as a leading destination for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is a must-visit destination that is sure to delight.
