Breweries earn medals in Ohio Craft Brewers Cup

Lockport Brewery in Bolivar and The Pilot Brewhouse in New Philadelphia have been awarded medals in the 2025 Ohio Craft Brewers Cup competition.

The Pilot Brewhouse, the newest brewery in Tuscarawas County, won a gold medal for Mount Crushmore, an American lager brewed with barley and rice. Lockport Brewery, the county’s first brewery since before Prohibition, earned a bronze medal for Big Debbie Imperial Stout.

The Ohio Craft Brewers Cup is an annual competition showcasing the best beers in the state. A panel of professional Ohio brewers awards bronze, silver and gold medals to the three highest-quality beers in each of 25 categories. Judging took place at the Dayton Beer Company from Oct. 7–18, with winners announced Oct. 19.

Andrew and Lauren Marburger, both graduates of Tusky Valley High School, opened Lockport Brewery in Bolivar in 2016. The couple expanded in 2025, opening The Pilot Brewhouse at the site of the former 5 Barrel Bullet Brewing Co.

This is not the first time Lockport Brewery has medaled at the Ohio Craft Brewers Cup. Gateway American Style Cream Ale won gold in 2019, bronze in 2021, and silver in 2022 and 2024. The brewery’s Kölsch German ale and Ruckus IPA have also earned medals in past competitions.

“We are extremely proud that both breweries won medals this year,” Andrew Marburger said. “Our brewers, Aaron Yoder and Nick Burgess, work very hard to craft exceptional beers for our customers to enjoy. Mount Crushmore is the first beer I ever brewed at The Pilot, making this gold medal extra special.”