New Trail Brewing Named Craft Brewery Of The Year by Brewbound

WILLIAMSPORT, Pennsylvania – December 10, 2025 – New Trail Brewing Company, the Pennsylvania-based brewery dedicated to merging high-quality craft beer with the spirit of the great outdoors, today announced it has been honored as Brewbound’s 2025 Craft Brewery of the Year. The prestigious award was presented during the annual Brewbound Live business conference in Marina del Rey, California. The Craft Brewery of the Year is awarded to one independent craft beer company producing fewer than 100,000-barrels annually that has excelled in this increasingly challenging marketplace. The accolade recognizes New Trail’s exceptional execution in a highly competitive market, citing the company’s ability to drive consistent growth, innovate within popular styles, and deeply connect its brand identity to its core consumer base: outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, Dave Hertwig, New Trail Founder and CEO, said of the consistent growth, “Looking at year-over-year sales, we still haven’t had a down month yet. We owe that success to our authentic approach to brewing, branding, sales, and service. We have hit on a lot of flagship and limited products that our fans can’t wait to grab at retail, and which add new consumers into the fold every day.”

New Trail has excelled since the inception of the brand. From 2018 to 2021 New Trail established triple-digit percentage production growth year over year. The Brewers Association, the trade group representing American breweries, recognized New Trail as the fastest-growing brewery in America in 2021. In 2024 the brewery finished over 46,000 barrels of beer and is anticipating another 20% growth by the end of 2025. “This recognition from Brewbound is a massive validation of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, from our brewers to our wholesalers and retailers,” said Mike LaRosa, Owner and COO at New Trail Brewing Company. “Our mission has always been simple: craft the best possible beer for those who dare to explore, and to preserve the beautiful Pennsylvania wilds that inspire us. This award is motivation to keep blazing new trails, both in the brewery and in the community.” New Trail, which has become the most popular producer of Hazy IPAs in its home state, saw significant success in 2025 fueled by flagship brands like Broken Heels Hazy IPA and its family of Crisp Lagers. The brewery’s commitment to community impact, most notably through the ongoing New Trail State Park Series, a line of beers that donates a portion of proceeds to the named park through the PA Parks & Forests Foundation, was also highlighted as a key factor in the selection.

Brewbound staff lauded New Trail’s strategic approach to expanding its production and distribution footprint while maintaining quality and relevance. In fact, Brewbound recognized New Trail as a Rising Star in 2024. The company, founded in 2018, is celebrated for its rapid, yet disciplined, growth and its successful positioning as a lifestyle brand synonymous with hiking, biking, and outdoor adventure. That controlled expansion has seen New Trail enter most markets touching their home state so far; New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia.

About New Trail Brewing Company

New Trail Brewing Company was founded in 2018 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a passion for both the great outdoors and exceptional craft beer. Dedicated to brewing fresh, high-quality beers for every adventure, New Trail offers a diverse lineup of styles, including its flagship Hazy IPAs and Crisp Lagers. The company is committed to preserving the natural environment and supports local outdoor resources through its various philanthropic initiatives, including the New Trail State Park Series.