2026 ASBC & CIBD Poster Competition

Congratulations to the Poster Competition Winners!

The 2026 ASBC & CIBD Meeting showcased innovative brewing and distilling research through poster sessions that encouraged attendees to explore new ideas and connect directly with presenters. Part of the abstract submission process allowed authors to enter their poster into the 2026 ASBC & CIBD Poster Competition.

Submitted posters were pre-judged on visual design, clarity, and technical impact, with the top five finalists advancing to a speed presentation round that took place during the meeting on Wednesday, August 19. Here are the results of the competition!

1st Place

1st Place Poster Competition Brianna LopezBrianna Lopez

University of California, Davis

"Comparing Volatile Aroma Compounds in Mexican and California Agave Spirits via GCMS-SPME Paired with Multivariate Statistics"
Prize: Registration to the 2027 ASBC & CIBD Meeting + $250 for travel expenses

2nd Place

2nd Place Poster Competition Zackary LockhartZachary Lockhart

University of Kentucky

"Bourbon Barrel Char for Low-Cost Flavor"
Prize: $200 Amazon gift card & a signed copy of the Scientific Principles of Malting and Brewing, Second Edition

3rd Place

3rd Place Poster Competition Natalia SvedlundNatalia Svedlund

Technical University of Berlin

"Plantain as an Alternative Adjunct in Beer Production"
Prize: $50 Amazon gift card


People's Choice Contest

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore posters, connect with presenters, and vote for the research that stood out as especially engaging, accessible, and impactful. The People's Choice recognition reflects the voice of the ASBC and CIBD community.

2026 People's Choice Finalists

  • Grzegorz Rachon, Campden BRI
  • Andrew Maust, University of Arkansas
  • Easton Rupe, Sapporo-Stone Brewing

Grzegorz Rachon won the drawing of finalists and received free enrollment and accommodations to attend the CMBTC 1-Week Malt Academy.

Thank You, Volunteers and Sponsors

We want to extend a special thank you to the poster selection committee, Sherwin Santiano, Greg Rachon, and other on-site volunteers who managed the competition and tallied the votes for our People's Choice Contest.

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Thank you to the judges, who represented:

  • UC Davis
  • Campden BRI
  • University of Nottingham
  • Boortmalt
  • Oregon State University
  • Yakima Chief Ranches
  • University of Kentucky
  • Molson Coors
  • Sierra Nevada
  • Slant Six Consulting
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Florida State University
  • Windsor & Eton Brewery
  • Pringle-Scott LLC)