73 & Hazy IPA Wins Gold at the 2025 NC Brewers' Cup!
73 & Hazy, New England IPA — Gold Medal winner at the 2025 NC Brewers Cup, Hazy/Juicy Category
We’re raising a glass to celebrate something special. Royal Bliss Brewing has earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 NC Brewers Cup for our 73 & Hazy, New England IPA.
This is one of the most prestigious beer competitions in North Carolina, bringing together the best breweries across the state. Winning a medal here is an honor, and taking gold in the Juicy or Hazy IPA category makes it even more meaningful. It’s the first time we’ve won gold at the Brewers Cup, and we could not be more proud of our team.
This is not the first time 73 & Hazy has been recognized for excellence. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as one of our most celebrated beers, with multiple awards highlighting the quality and consistency our team puts into every batch.
73 & Hazy, New England IPA: A Local Favorite
73 & Hazy has long been a favorite here in Denver. Bursting with juicy hop character, balanced haze, and a smooth finish, it embodies everything people love about this style. With a growing list of awards to its name, it’s clear this New England IPA continues to stand out in a crowded field.
A Toast to Our Brewmaster
Chris Wertman, Brewmaster
None of this would be possible without our head brewer, Chris Wertman. Known around here as the Eternal Hoptimist, Chris has been with Royal Bliss since the very beginning.
Chris helped coordinate the construction of our brewery, assembled the brewhouse and cellar, and built our beer, cider, and seltzer programs from scratch.
He pours his heart into every beer, and 73 & Hazy is a shining example of that dedication. If you ever catch him in the taproom, be ready for more brewing knowledge than you bargained for. We’re grateful every day to have his energy and expertise at the heart of Royal Bliss.
About the NC Brewers Cup
Hosted by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, the NC Brewers Cup is the state’s largest beer competition. Hundreds of entries are judged by certified experts who evaluate each beer by style, quality, and craft. The competition highlights the creativity and dedication of North Carolina’s brewing community, and we’re thrilled to be recognized among them.
Celebrating North Carolina Beer
We also want to congratulate all of the incredible breweries who medaled this year. The competition showcases the best of North Carolina beer, and it’s an honor to be part of such a talented community. You can explore the full list of 2025 winners on the NC Brewers Cup Results page.
Thank You for Raising a Glass With Us
This win belongs to our entire community. From Chris and the brewing team to every guest who has ever ordered a pint of 73&Hazy, you’re part of this story.
Taste It for Yourself
You can find 73&Hazy on tap here at Royal Bliss Brewing and at your local grocery store. Come by, celebrate with us, and enjoy a pint of our latest award-winning beer.
🍻 Cheers to great beer, great people, and a gold medal moment for 73&Hazy.