Double Cheers to No Label Brewing: #1 in the World Cup, #2 in Fredericksburg Craft Beer Competition

Tom Paynter has every reason to boast. His brewery’s Perpetual Peace just claimed world gold at the World Beer Cup, yet there he was at Altstadt Brewery in Fredericksburg this June, raising a glass to silver medals with genuine enthusiasm. ‘Perpetual Peace — number one in the world, number two in Fredericksburg,’ said the No Label Brewing co-owner and marketing director. ‘We’re honoured either way.’

That’s the Texas craft beer scene in a nutshell. Where coming second among your peers carries its own distinct pride, separate from global accolades. No Label’s twin silver medals at the Fredericksburg Craft Beer Competition — one for their world-champion barrel-aged Scotch ale Perpetual Peace, another for their blonde ale Cali Boy — tell you everything about the culture that’s built around Texas brewing.

Quality Over Podium Position

Perpetual Peace aged more than 200 days in bourbon barrels delivers notes of toasted caramel, dark fruits and bourbon heat with a smooth, dry finish. It’s the kind of beer that pairs beautifully with slow-cooked Texas brisket or pecan pie — distinctly Texan flavours that complement the complex malt character. The fact that this world-beating beer took silver in a regional competition speaks to the calibre of brewing happening across the state.

Cali Boy, their San Diego-style West Coast IPA, represents a different approach entirely. Bold and aggressive with citrus-forward hop flavours, it demonstrates No Label’s range beyond their barrel-aging prowess. Both beers stood out among 180 entries from 39 breweries, judged by a panel that included 13 BJCP-certified experts.

‘This competition is a reminder of how strong and supportive the Texas craft beer community really is,’ Paynter added. ‘We’re proud to stand beside so many talented brewers who lift each other up and push the standard higher every year.’

Texas Brewing: Rivals Who Root for Each Other

The camaraderie runs deeper than polite competition pleasantries. No Label specifically congratulated fellow medalists including Frost Town Brewing in Houston’s historic neighbourhood, Talyard Brewing in Sugar Land and Senate Avenue Brewing in Jersey Village.

These aren’t just competitors sharing shelf space. Frost Town built their reputation on neighbourhood-focused, sessionable beers that honour Texas brewing history. Talyard opened as Sugar Land’s first major brewery with pickleball courts and a playground, designed specifically for community gathering. Senate Avenue started as a nanobrewery run by a former mayor who wanted to create a neighbourhood focal point.

Each represents a different approach to the same fundamental goal: creating spaces where people connect over well-made beer. That shared mission creates bonds that go beyond competition results.

Fredericksburg: More Than Just Awards

The Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival has become the de facto gathering for Texas brewing. Now in its fourth year, the event combines the town’s German heritage with its vibrant craft beer scene, featuring award-winning beers from more than 30 breweries at the historic Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg.

The awards ceremony and dinner at Altstadt Brewery creates an intimate setting where brewers, judges and enthusiasts build relationships beyond the competition. Between brewery tours, tastings and the festival kickoff party, there’s plenty of opportunity for the kind of conversations that lead to authentic business connections.

The community impact extends beyond brewing circles. Organised by the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg Foundation, the festival directs 80% of proceeds to local charitable initiatives and 20% to Frontera Healthcare, which provides comprehensive medical services to the community regardless of ability to pay.

Texas Brewing’s Unique Position

Texas ranks fourth nationally in craft beer barrels produced and third in economic impact, generating $5.08 billion in 2024. Yet the state ranks 47th in breweries per capita with just 1.7 craft breweries per 100,000 adults. That concentration means Texas brewers operate in a more focused market where reputation and relationships matter more than saturation.

The industry faces challenges. Texas saw 29 brewery closures against 22 openings in 2024, reflecting national contraction trends. Rising costs and shifting consumer preferences create pressure, but they also seem to strengthen bonds among brewers who understand they’re navigating the same headwinds.

The No Label Philosophy

Founded in Katy, No Label Brewing has built their reputation on beers that balance tradition with creativity. Their approach reflects what works in Texas brewing: respect for classic styles enhanced by local touches, whether that’s aging in bourbon barrels or brewing with rice for a cleaner finish on their blonde ale.

The Katy-based brewery embodies the collaborative spirit Paynter describes. They celebrate other brewers’ successes, participate actively in the community and maintain focus on quality over quantity. That philosophy resonates in a state where craft brewing culture values substance over flash.

In the right company, coming second can indeed be as rewarding as coming first — especially when you’re raising a glass of something genuinely well made. For Texas brewers competing for recognition, the real victory lies in the strength of the community they’ve built together, one pint at a time.