Crowned on August 12, 2026 at the World Beer Awards in the Pale Beer family, Angélus Blonde from Douai won the title of World’s Best for a 7% Belgian blonde. For many, it immediately becomes the best beer in the world in its category. Behind the formula, the functioning of the competition and the profile of this beer draw a more nuanced reality.
Founded in 1905 in Annœullin then moved to La Chapelle-d’Armentières, the brewery became known with a , describes Patrick D’Aubreby, boss of Brasserie L’Angélus, to France 3. Today based in Douai, it still brews its blonde at 3F, in Frameries in Belgium, while it finalizes its industrial facilities.
World Beer Awards 2026: what L’Angélus Blonde really won
At the World Beer Awards, beers are entered by breweries, tasted blind and then classified by style. In 2026, Angelus Blond obtains the title of World’s Best in the Pale Beer family, after having already been crowned in 2023 in the Belgian Style Blonde at 7%.
The brewery highlights a specific top fermentation yeast, the use of wheat and oats, and an assumed high cost price to secure the regularity which was lacking a few years ago.
A very selling title for the best beer in the world
For Nantes zythologist Marie-Emmanuelle Berdah, who knows the competition well, the prestige of the label is especially important on the shelves. She explains to France 3: .
The effect can already be seen in others, such as Anosteké beer, whose sales in supermarkets jumped by around 25% after a similar title, she recalls. Patrick D’Aubreby sees this as a lever to get out of the regional circle: the medal goes.
The limits of the World Beer Awards competition around L’Angélus Blonde
But for the same expert, the prize list remains difficult to read: in a single subcategory of Belgian blonde, she counted 20 gold medals, 24 silver and 23 bronze, distributed on a global scale and by country.
She also points out that registration costs nearly $200 per beer, which favors large groups who send their entire range, while many craft breweries prefer more selective and cheaper competitions such as the France Beer Challenge or the Lyon competition, around 50 euros per sample. For L’Angélus Blonde, this title remains an international recognition, especially for mass distribution, without claiming to judge all the blondes in the world. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.
What is Angélus Blonde beer?
7% Belgian blonde from Brasserie L’Angélus.
What does its title of best beer in the world mean?
It was named World’s Best Pale Beer at the 2026 World Beer Awards.
Where to find Angelus Blonde and how to taste it?
Available especially in the North, to drink chilled between 8 and 10°C.
