In the first six months of 2018, Bellingham and Whatcom County breweries have brought home 44 medals from five 2018 beer competitions. Three additional awards bring the total to 47, making the region one of the most highly decorated craft beer destinations in Washington State.
The medal count includes 13 gold and 26 total at the 2018 Washington Beer Awards in June, which evaluated 1,297 beers from 181 breweries. Wander Brewing won six medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) at the event and was named 2018 Washington State Large Brewery of the Year. The 2017 Large Brewery title holder, Chuckanut Brewery won six medals at the event (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze.) Kulshan Brewing Company won four gold medals and a silver. Aslan Brewing won two gold medals and a bronze. Melvin Brewing Bellingham won a gold and a bronze. Atwood Ales won a gold and received the title Best Washington Malt Beer for its Triticale. The number of gold medals won by Bellingham region breweries at the event tied Seattle for most in the state.
Also in June, Bellingham breweries won 9 medals at the 2018 North American Beer Cup. Chuckanut Brewery won five medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze). Kulshan Brewing won one gold. Wander Brewing won a gold and a silver. Boundary Bay Brewery earned its 51st NABA award with a silver.