The Local Source for News and Information Since 1980
DENTON – Denton’s first start-up brewery has become a surprising upstart in the world of craft brewing.
Eden Town Brewing Company, owned by Matt and Sarah Dahl of Denton, took home a second-place medal for its Free Drift Hazy Pale Ale during the World Beer Cup April 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. It was one of 90 entries in the “Juicy/Hazy Pale Ale” category.
“I really couldn't believe it,” Matt Dahl said. “I really didn't think that we had a chance of winning our first year.”
Actually, they won the award in the first four months of opening their doors at the brewery located at 108 N. 8th St., Denton. The brewery officially opened Dec. 19. 2025.
“I've done some research, and I believe that we were the youngest brewery to win a medal this year,” Dahl said.
Winning first and third places in the category were breweries in Washington and California.
Already an award-winning brewmaster, Don Lewis carefully bottled three varieties of beer for the competition that attracted entries from 1,644 breweries in 50 countries. He submitted the craft brewery’s American Corner Lager, Lady Caroline Sour and Free Drift Hazy Pale Ale, sending the bottled beer to Colorado.
The 2026 World Beer Cup award show capped the Brewers Association’s 2026 Craft Brewery Conference.
While Matt Dahl, Don Lewis and tap room manager Melissa Gregg were on hand for announcements of winners in the first two categories, Dahl had to leave before the third category announcement to catch a train. He learned the news at the station by text message from Gregg.
“I didn't want to look like a crazy person jumping up and down at the train station, so my outer reaction was pretty muted, but I really couldn't believe it,” Dahl said. “When I called Sarah and told her she was very excited. My kids couldn't believe it either.”
Once they receive the actual award plaque, Dahl said the brewery will host a celebration, announced via their social media pages.
“I'm really, really proud that we're able to have this brewery and then actually have it be an award-winning brewery in the very first year that we're open,” Dahl said. “That Denton didn't have a brewery until about five months ago, and now it's an award-winning brewery is pretty cool.”
