Brewers Association Honors Industry Leaders with 2026 Awards

Recipients include a pioneering Oregon brewer, a veteran Massachusetts innovator, and a renowned brewing scientist.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:22pm by Ben Kaplan

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring an arrangement of premium brewing equipment and ingredients, including a copper brewpot, a glass of craft beer, and freshly harvested hops, elegantly displayed on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting, symbolizing the passion and innovation that has defined the craft beer movement.A celebration of the craft, science, and artistry that has propelled the growth of the independent brewing industry.Eugene Today

The Brewers Association has announced the recipients of its prestigious 2026 Industry Awards, recognizing three individuals who have made significant contributions to the craft beer movement. Jamie Floyd of Ninkasi Brewing in Oregon, Tod Mott of Harpoon Brewery in Massachusetts, and Dr. Tom Shellhammer of Oregon State University were selected for their leadership, innovation, and impact on the industry.

Why it matters

The Brewers Association Industry Awards are considered one of the highest honors in craft beer, celebrating the visionaries, pioneers, and unsung heroes who have shaped the industry over the past decades. The 2026 recipients represent a diverse range of roles and achievements, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the craft beer community's growth and evolution.

The details

Jamie Floyd, founding brewer of Ninkasi Brewing, is recognized for his longstanding leadership and advocacy work, including over 30 years in professional brewing, 23 years on the Oregon Brewers Guild board, and service on key industry committees. Tod Mott, a veteran brewer who developed Harpoon IPA and founded Tributary Brewing, is honored for his career-long innovation and influence. Dr. Tom Shellhammer of Oregon State University is celebrated for his groundbreaking research in hop chemistry, beer flavor, and quality, as well as his efforts to translate complex science into practical knowledge for brewers.

  • The Brewers Association will officially honor the recipients at a special ceremony during the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia, April 20-22, 2026.
  • After 35 years in craft brewing, Tod Mott plans to retire later this year, transferring ownership of Tributary Brewing to his son.

The players

Jamie Floyd

Founding brewer of Ninkasi Brewing Co. and Great Frontier Beverages in Eugene, Oregon, recognized for his longstanding leadership and advocacy work in the craft beer industry.

Tod Mott

Veteran brewer who developed Harpoon IPA and founded Tributary Brewing, honored for his career-long innovation and influence on American craft brewing.

Dr. Tom Shellhammer

Nor'Wester Professor of Fermentation Science at Oregon State University, recognized for his contributions to brewing science, education, and industry collaboration.

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What’s next

The Brewers Association will officially honor the recipients at a special ceremony at the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC®) in Philadelphia, April 20-22, 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 Brewers Association Industry Award recipients represent the diverse range of roles and achievements that have driven the growth and evolution of the craft beer community over the past decades, from pioneering brewers and innovative mentors to groundbreaking researchers and industry advocates.