CELEBRATING KEG CHAMPIONS

CHEERS TO THE STEEL KEG.

And all the breweries, bars and restaurants out there for embracing the remarkable benefits reusable steel kegs deliver:

SUSTAINABILITY
Keg Champions look for ways to operate sustainably and do a little good with every pull of a tap handle. That’s because kegs save over 6 BILLION single-use containers from waste streams each year! 

EFFICIENCY
Keg Champions tap into the economic benefits of kegs by featuring draft beer as an important part of their business. Kegs provide ~80% contribution margins to bars and restaurants! 

FRESH EXPERIENCE 
Keg Champions take pride in serving draft beer helping to create a fresh experience their consumers can’t get at home.

CONGRATULATIONS 2023 KEG CHAMPION RECIPIENTS

Thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination for our annual Keg Champion awards. With over 2,000 nominated breweries, bars and restaurants, it was a difficult decision. Every single entry deserves credit for supporting their customers and the planet by using reusable steel kegs. But we’re pleased to announce this year’s winners and the charities they have selected to receive a $1,000 donation! Let’s raise a glass to these amazing businesses and the reliable, shareable and sustainable steel keg!

NATIONAL RESTAURANT
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings sells more draft beer than any other chain in the world… they tap a keg every 35.7 seconds! Additionally, they and their parent company (Inspire Brands) have a deeply rooted commitment to sustainability. They are truly Good Citizens.
https://www.buffalowildwings.com

Selected Charity:
Inspire Foundation

REGIONAL RESTAURANT
Mellow Mushroom
For over 40 years, Mellow Mushroom has been serving up draft beer from reusable steel kegs to complement their fresh, stone-baked pizzas in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. Each Mellow is locally owned and operated and shares a common passion for quality and sustainability.
https://mellowmushroom.com

Selected Charity:
EarthShare Georgia

LOCAL RESTAURANT
Clyde’s Restaurant Group
With 11 iconic locations in the DC Metro area, Clyde’s Restaurant Group is a humble but undisputed leader in the hospitality industry. Known for their differentiated experience, impeccable quality, and pioneering sustainability programs, they are indeed a Keg Champion.
https://www.clydes.com

Selected Charity:
World Central Kitchen

LARGE BREWERY
Yuengling Drink Company
The most meaningful awards are those that celebrate our past and help us look ahead to the future. It’s only fitting that Yuengling, America’s Oldest Brewery, wins the inaugural Keg Champion Award. Not only have they been unwavering Keg Champions since 1829, they are continuing to demonstrate their commitment to embracing sustainability and the benefits of reusable kegs across their 26-state footprint.
https://www.yuengling.com

Selected Charity:
Tunnels To Towers Foundation

MID-SIZED BREWERY
Allagash Brewing Company
For a company that is not motivated by awards, Allagash Brewing continues to earn recognition globally. A certified B-Corp, Brewery of the Year at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival, James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional in 2019... and of course now the coveted Green Keg!
https://www.allagash.com

Selected Charity:
Sebago Clean Waters

SMALL BREWERY
Barley Brown’s
Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2023, Barley Brown’s ~5,000 bbls of beer production is exclusively in reusable steel kegs. They understand that not only are reusable steel kegs the most sustainable, they are the most effective way to further Barley Brown’s mission to help build communities. Nothing brings people together like draft beer!
http://www.barleybrownsbeer.com

Selected Charity:
Oregon Agricultural Trust

INNOVATION
The Golden Mill
To get a sense for the impact of The Golden Mill’s innovative approach to hospitality, just get within a ½ block of their Golden, Colorado, food hall. You’ll hear the sound of hundreds of people, gathered together, enjoying great food and fresh beer, in an awe-inspiring setting. Known for their use of new technologies like self-pour draft beer, The Golden Mill also understands the importance of sustainable business practices, including a commitment to eliminating single-use containers from their operations. The Golden Mill is paving the way for the future of draft.
https://thegoldenmill.com

Selected Charity:
Protect Our Winters

AWARD PRESENTATIONS

RECOGNIZE A KEG CHAMPION

While the 2023 Keg Champions have been awarded, we want to continue to recognize ALL the amazing Keg Champions out there. If you own, work for, or are a fan of a company you believe is a Keg Champion, fill out the form below and we’ll send them a FREE Keg Champion Recognition package to help share the power of kegs with everyone. (while supplies last)

FREE Downloadable Artwork & POS

  • Logo Package

  • Poster

  • Social Media Graphics

  • Sticker File

  • Window Cling File

LEARN HOW WE’RE HELPING BARS AND RESTAURANTS GET EVEN MORE OUT OF THEIR DRAFT PROGRAMS

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