World Beer Cup: Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ Fayston Maple Imperial Stout Medals

Vermont craft brewer recognized on the international World Beer Cup stage 

WAITSFIELD, VT (May 5, 2025) – The Sunshine-makers at Lawson’s Finest Liquids earned Vermont’s only medal yesterday evening at the 2025 World Beer Cup, the world’s most prestigious professional beer and cider competition. Lawson’s Finest’s Fayston Maple Imperial Stout (10.1% ABV) received a Silver Medal in the British-Style Imperial Stout category. 

The Brewers Association announced the winners of the 2025 World Beer Cup, the world’s most prestigious professional beer and cider competition at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis on May 1 in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference. Throughout 14 sessions spanning seven days, a panel of 265 judges from 37 countries methodically evaluated 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries and cideries across 49 nations and bestowed 349 awards.

Lawson’s Finest’s Fayston Maple Imperial Stout is brewed with loads of roasted and black malts and a hefty dose of Vermont maple syrup, synonymous with authentic Vermont flavor. Lawson’s Finest Liquids brews Fayston Maple with Purinton Maple Syrup made in Huntington, Vt. The result is a rich and complex beer perfect for sipping by the fire or with a chocolatey dessert. 

"This beer is really special to me as it is a home brew recipe I created more than 30 years ago. It's an honor to be recognized for such a uniquely Vermont beer,” said Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ Founding Brewer Sean Lawson. 

Fayston Maple Imperial Stout dates back to Sean’s home brew days and was inspired by his time with local sugar maker and neighbor Paul Marble. Paul was from Fayston, Vt., and the beer’s name is a nod to his impact on the recipe. That recipe received third place in the specialty ale category of the 1995 Green Mountain Mashers Homebrew Competition. Today’s brew uses more than two gallons of Vermont maple syrup per barrel of beer brewed. Syrup lovers can order Lawson’s Finest’s Purinton Maple Syrup directly from the brewery’s merch shop!

"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 Adeline Druart, Lawson’s Finest CEO. “This award celebrates not only Vermont’s iconic beer and maple syrup but also the passion and dedication of our incredible brewery team."

Tap into something special and try the award-winning Fayston Maple Imperial Stout, available in limited quantities at Lawson’s Finest’s destination brewery and taproom in Waitsfield, Vermont, alongside a range of taproom exclusive brews. 

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ABOUT LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer possible to delight fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities through its Social Impact Program. The SIP has raised more than $2.5 Million for important causes since 2018. The brewery is a values-driven B Corp certified business with a commitment to excellence, authenticity, community, sustainability and fun. Founded by Sean and Karen Lawson, the company boasts a growing collection of award-winning beers brewed with passion and precision including the renowned Sunshine family of IPAs. Beginning as a home-based 1-barrel nanobrewery in 2008, Lawson’s Finest expanded production capacity in 2011 and 2014, growing to include distribution across 11 states. In 2018, Lawson’s Finest opened its popular destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail Store in central Vermont’s Mad River Valley town of Waitsfield. For more information on Lawson’s Finest Liquids, visit lawsonsfinest.com or follow the company on Instagram (@lawsonsfinest) and Facebook (@lawsonsfinestliquids).