WAITSFIELD — Lawson’s Finest Liquids earned international recognition earlier this month, winning Vermont’s only medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup, the world’s premier professional beer and cider competition. The brewery’s Fayston Maple Imperial Stout claimed a silver medal in the British-Style Imperial Stout category, celebrated for its robust flavor and strong Vermont roots.
The 10.1% ABV stout is brewed with a mix of roasted and black malts, plus over two gallons of Vermont maple syrup per barrel. That syrup is sourced from Purinton Maple in Huntington, making the beer as distinctly Vermont as it is bold in character.
“This beer is really special to me as it is a home brew recipe I created more than 30 years ago,” said Lawson’s founding brewer Sean Lawson. “It’s an honor to be recognized for such a uniquely Vermont beer.”
The beer’s name pays tribute to Paul Marble, a sugar maker from Fayston who helped inspire the original recipe. Lawson’s original version of the stout placed third in a 1995 homebrew competition. Today’s version remains true to its roots while gaining acclaim on the global stage.
The 2025 World Beer Cup, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, brought together 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries. A panel of 265 judges from 37 nations awarded 349 medals during the May 1 ceremony, which was hosted in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference.
“Being honored at the World Beer Cup is a proud moment for Lawson’s Finest and a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship that define our work,” said Lawson’s CEO Adeline Druart. “This award celebrates not only Vermont’s iconic beer and maple syrup but also the passion and dedication of our incredible brewery team.”
The Fayston Maple Imperial Stout is available in limited quantities at Lawson’s taproom and retail store in Waitsfield, alongside other exclusive small-batch brews.
For more information, visit: lawsonsfinest.com.
