Honoring Three Legends Who Have Shaped Washington’s Brewing Industry
The Washington Brewers Guild (WBG) have announced the 2026 class of inductees to the Washington Brewers Guild Hall of Fame, recognizing three individuals whose contributions shaped Washington’s vibrant craft beer scene. These esteemed recipients are recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, mentorship, excellence in the craft, advocacy, and dedication to the state's brewing industry.
Hall of Fame Inductees will be awarded at the Washington Beer Awards ceremony following the Washington Craft Beer Summit on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport in SeaTac, WA.
“The Washington Brewers Guild Hall of Fame is our way of saying thank you to those that have helped make Washington beer what it is today,” said Robyn Schumacher, President of the Washington Brewers Guild Board of Directors. “These inductees represent the very best of our industry—visionaries who have contributed immensely to the growth and success of Washington’s craft beer community. Their hard work, passion, and commitment have paved the way for the thriving industry we celebrate today.”
The three inductees for 2026 are:
George Hancock, Pyramid Ales (posthumous)
One of the original founders of Pyramid Ales, George Hancock was a leader of the Washington craft beer industry that served as Treasurer and President of the Washington Brewers Guild, and Chairman of the Washington Beer Commission. In 2007 Hancock was the recipient of the FX Matt Defense of the Small Brewing Industry Award. In 2008 Hancock moved to Arizona to open the Phoenix Ale Brewery and that is where he passed away in 2026.
Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner, Boundary Bay Brewery
The foundersof Boundary Bay Brewing, one of Washington’s oldest Breweries. Boundary Bay opened in Bellingham, Washington on September, 16th 1995, and was still ran by founders Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner until their retirement and the building they had been based out of going up for sale. Boundary Bay closed almost exactly 30 years to the day it opened on September 20, 2025. However, the brewery has been saved and recently reopened in a new location with Ed Bennett back and working behind-the-scenes.
“The Hall of Fame is an important recognition, from the brewers, of those who have gone above and beyond to elevate Washington as one of the top craft beer destinations in the world,” said Don Spencer, Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee. “Each of these individuals has had a lasting impact on our industry, and it’s our honor to celebrate their achievements with this prestigious award.”
The awards ceremony will be a highlight of the Guild’s annual Craft Beer Summit, and all are invited to celebrate. Tickets and further event details can be found at https://tickets.washingtonbrewersguild.org/e/2025wacraftbeersummit/tickets
About the Washington Brewers Guild
The Washington Brewers Guild (WBG) is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the common interests of Washington craft brewers through legislative advocacy, brewer community building, and promoting and protecting the craft brewing industry in Washington State. Representing over 400 breweries, the Guild is a powerful advocate for the state's craft brewers, providing essential resources, education, and legislative advocacy to ensure the continued success of Washington’s vibrant beer community.