Crazy Norse Dethroned in Cincinnati Beer Bracket Upset

Three-time champion Crazy Norse falls to Vlad in shocking Sweet 16 matchup

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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For the first time in three years, Barleycorn's Brewhouse's Crazy Norse will not be crowned Cincinnati's Favorite Beer. The No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion was upset by No. 3 seed Vlad from Fretboard Brewing in the Sweet 16 round of the annual Cincinnati beer bracket tournament.

Why it matters

The Cincinnati beer bracket has become a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the city's thriving craft beer scene. Crazy Norse's dethroning marks a major shakeup, as the beer had dominated the competition in recent years. This opens the door for new contenders to claim the title of Cincinnati's Favorite Beer.

The details

After two years of dominating the competition, Crazy Norse was the heavy favorite to win its third straight title. However, the Fretboard brew Vlad pulled off the upset, defeating Crazy Norse 185 votes to 137. Vlad will now face another two-time champ, Bohemian Special Brew from Wiedemann, in the Final Four. On the other side of the bracket, No. 5 seed Dunkel from Hofbrauhaus defeated No. 3 Coast to Coast from Fifty West in overtime and will take on No. 1 Gettin' Twisted from Third Eye in the other Final Four matchup.

  • The Cincinnati beer bracket tournament takes place annually in March.
  • The Sweet 16 round was held on March 12, 2026.
  • The Final Four matchups will be voted on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Crazy Norse

A beer from Barleycorn's Brewhouse that was the two-time defending champion of the Cincinnati beer bracket tournament.

Vlad

A beer from Fretboard Brewing that pulled off the upset over Crazy Norse in the Sweet 16 round of the Cincinnati beer bracket.

Bohemian Special Brew

A two-time champion beer from Wiedemann that will face Vlad in the Final Four.

Dunkel

A beer from Hofbrauhaus that defeated Coast to Coast in overtime to advance to the Final Four.

Gettin' Twisted

A beer from Third Eye Brewing that will face Dunkel in the other Final Four matchup.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Final Four matchups will be voted on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to determine which two beers will face off for the title of Cincinnati's Favorite Beer.

The takeaway

The dethroning of the dominant Crazy Norse marks a major shakeup in the Cincinnati beer bracket, opening the door for new contenders to claim the coveted title. This annual tournament has become a beloved tradition that showcases the city's thriving craft beer scene and the passionate fans who support it.