The Steve Huxley Award, which recognises a professional trajectory in the brewing world, has been awarded this year to Alberto Benavides, as part of the 2025 edition of InnBrew – The Brewers Convention.
This award, created to honour the inspiring figure of Steve Huxley, seeks to highlight individuals who, through their commitment and contributions to the sector, have played a key role in the development and consolidation of the craft beer scene in Spain.
Alberto Benavides has been recognised for his fundamental role as the director and founder of Bar&Beer magazine, a pioneering publication in the promotion of beer culture, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. In 1999, Benavides launched this specialised magazine at a time when craft beer was still largely unknown in Spain. Since then, Bar&Beer has become an essential reference for both professionals and enthusiasts, covering topics such as brewing, distribution, beer gastronomy, and international trends.
With a career marked by consistency, passion, and a strong drive for education, Benavides has been instrumental in giving voice and visibility to the growth of the independent brewing movement in the country. Through his editorial and journalistic work, he has helped build a well-informed and connected community, fostering discussion, knowledge sharing, and beer culture.
Alongside him, other notable names from the brewing community were recognised as finalists for the award: Guzmán Fernández, Erik Coene, Xavier Galobart, and Boris de Mesones. All of them have strong professional backgrounds and are respected figures within the sector, reflecting the high level of talent and dedication within the brewing industry.
The award ceremony took place during InnBrew 2025, the leading event for beer professionals, reinforcing its role as a space to honour and celebrate those who have made the sector’s progress possible.