El Centro Fellow Paul Rexton Kan Earns Second Place in 2026 North American Guild of Beer Writers Awards

We are pleased to announce that Small Wars Journal-El Centro Fellow Dr. Paul Rexton Kan earned second place in the Best Academic Writing category of the 2026 North American Guild of Beer Writers Awards. The award recognized his Small Wars Journal article, “Narco Cerveza: Cartel Influence on the Mexican Craft Beverage Industry.”

Dr. Kan’s article examines how Mexican cartels have entered the country’s craft beverage industry through narcocultura-inspired branding, the commercial use of cartel figures, extortion, public corruption, and pressure against breweries and distilleries. The article demonstrates how criminal organizations exploit cultural products and legitimate markets to normalize cartel identities, generate revenue, launder reputations, and expand their influence within civil society.

The 2026 North American Guild of Beer Writers Awards featured 250 works from 78 writers, journalists, historians, professors, podcasters, and other creators representing four continents and 11 countries. A panel of 43 judges evaluated entries across 18 categories.

This award reflects the value of scholarship that traces how cartel power reaches into commerce, culture, governance, and everyday life. Small Wars Journal congratulates Dr. Kan on this well-earned recognition.

Thank you, North American Guild of Beer Writers! We are pleased to be amongst the best of Beer and Beverage Media. Cheers!