Sky Dog Soars: WISEACRE Brings Gold & Silver Home to Memphis in 2025

The Memphis spirit runs deep, and nowhere is that more evident than in the communities that gather over a cold pint. This October, the heart of Memphis beat a little prouder as WISEACRE Brewing Company won not one, but two medals at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF)—America’s most prestigious beer competition. Their Sky Dog Amber, a new addition to the Sky Dog Family, snagged Gold in the International Amber Lager category, and perennial fan favorite Tiny Bomb held strong with Silver in the German-style Pilsener category. It’s not just about beer; it’s about Memphis excellence pouring out for the world to see.

Brewing Brilliance Recognized Nationally

Held every year in Denver, the Great American Beer Festival is where breweries from coast to coast put their best in the glass and hope to catch the discerning eye (and palate) of expert judges. In 2025, with over 270 breweries entering beers across 108 categories, the competition was steeper than ever, making WISEACRE’s double win an extraordinary achievement.

Sky Dog Amber’s Gold marks a triumphant debut for the beer in a field crowded with established favorites. This win puts Sky Dog Amber at the top of its class, and rightfully so—the beer quickly became a standout not just for its refreshing taste, but for the Memphis pride it bottles. Meanwhile, Tiny Bomb’s Silver is another jewel in its crown; already a past Bronze winner, Tiny Bomb continues to shine as a crowd-pleaser and critic’s choice alike. Last year, WISEACRE’s Sky Dog also won the title of America’s Best Light Beer, further solidifying the brewery’s legacy of lager excellence.​

Sky Dog: A Story of Surprise—and Skill

“Sky Dog Amber winning Gold is just a really nice surprise,” said Davin Bartosch, master brewer and co-founder of WISEACRE. “We knew we had something special, but it was the first time we had ever made that beer, and we were shocked to see it named the Best Amber Lager in the USA. The production team at WISEACRE deserves all the credit. We have an incredibly intelligent, talented and hardworking crew.”

WISEACRE’s approach isn’t based on luck, but rather on a commitment to excellence and innovation. Sky Dog beers, including this gold-medal Amber, capture the easygoing Memphis vibe without sacrificing complexity or flavor. Amber’s rich, malty backbone and smooth finish make each sip a toast to the city’s warmth and resilience.

Tiny Bomb: Memphis’ Pilsner Powerhouse

If Memphis has a signature beer, Tiny Bomb is it. The Silver win at GABF 2025 affirms what locals and beer aficionados nationwide have long known—Tiny Bomb is simply one of the nation’s best pilsners. “Tiny Bomb is the beer we make the most of, and it’s awesome to see that a panel of beer experts feels the same way we do about it,” said Davin Bartosch.

Tiny Bomb is the workhorse of the lineup: clear, crisp, and full of character, perfect for a Memphis summer day or a celebration of citywide pride. It’s a beer that doesn’t just represent a brewery; it represents the way Memphis does things—with quality, a touch of grit, and a lot of love.

A Taproom Celebration

To celebrate, WISEACRE is turning its OG location on Broad Avenue into the hottest spot for beer lovers this Friday. All award-winning beers, including the new Sky Dog Amber, the original Sky Dog, Tiny Bomb, and Oktoberfest, will be discounted. There’s more than beer—enjoy a bite from the new Panuzzo King pizza sandwiches, wine, batch cocktails, and even non-alcoholic beers, as DJ Leroy spins vinyl to keep the party going.

It’s both a thank you to the loyal local community and an invitation for newcomers to taste what all the recent acclaim is about. For those who want to talk beer, you’re invited—no ticket needed, just your thirst for Memphis excellence and a celebration of local craft mastery.

Memphis’ Lager Legacy

These GABF wins are not just trophies on a shelf; they’re a declaration. When WISEACRE opened its doors in 2013, the Bartosch brothers dreamed big. “My brother was set on making an amazing Pilsner and that quickly shifted to ‘Let’s be one of the best lager making breweries in the world,’” said Kellan Bartosch. With every medal—now five between national and international competitions for lagers—WISEACRE is living that dream.

The GABF medals matter because they set a brewery apart on a national and even global stage. “Earning a medal here, whether it’s gold, silver, or bronze, is an incredible, career-defining achievement that signifies a brew’s excellence against the most rigorous standards in the industry,” says Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. For Memphis, it means even more—a city historically known for soul and barbecue is now turning heads for beer innovation too.​

About WISEACRE Brewing Company

WISEACRE Brewing Company is a Memphis original, helmed by brothers Davin and Kellan Bartosch, both born and raised in the city. Their journey included extensive brewing training—including Davin’s time at Doeman’s Academy in Germany—and plenty of experience at breweries across the country and abroad. Since 2013, WISEACRE has been a hub of local pride, crafting over 170 beers with a team now more than 60 strong, distributing across 22 states, and operating two brewery and taproom locations.

Their creative range is broad, spanning German lagers, hop-forward American styles, barrel-aged Belgian ales, and beyond. Still, their heart seems to lie in lagers—a category now adorned with national gold and silver. WISEACRE isn’t just making beer; it’s making history and community, one glass at a time.

What’s Next?

With medals adding up and Memphis’ beer scene on the national radar, WISEACRE isn’t slowing down. The team promises more innovation, more community events, and, of course, more reasons to raise a glass. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer fan or just discovering the world of expertly brewed lagers, now’s the time to visit, taste, and toast one of Memphis’ finest.

So this Friday, whether you’re new to the scene or a long-time Tiny Bomb believer, join the WISEACRE family in celebrating what’s possible when Memphis dreams—and brews—big.