Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting the hobby of homebrewing, has officially unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC). The announcement was made during a celebratory awards ceremony held concurrently with Homebrew Con, the AHA’s annual convention, in the vibrant craft beer hub of Asheville, North Carolina. This year’s competition saw a remarkable display of craftsmanship, with 120 medals bestowed across 40 distinct categories, recognizing excellence in homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. Beyond the beverage accolades, the AHA also honored eight individuals, clubs, shops, and organizations for their significant contributions to the growth and vitality of the homebrewing community.
The National Homebrew Competition boasts a rich legacy, dating back to its inaugural event in 1979 in Boulder, Colorado. Over its nearly five-decade history, the NHC has evolved into the world’s largest and longest-standing homebrew competition, having evaluated an astounding total of over 170,000 entries. This enduring competition serves as a crucial benchmark for quality and innovation within the homebrewing world, offering participants invaluable feedback and a platform to showcase their dedication and skill.
The 2026 iteration of the competition drew a significant pool of talent, amassing 3,575 entries submitted by 1,054 AHA members. These dedicated homebrewers hailed from 46 states across the United States, the District of Columbia, and seven international countries, underscoring the global reach and appeal of the homebrewing movement. The extensive judging process began with First Round evaluations conducted across nine strategically located cities: San Diego, California; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Longmont, Colorado; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Tampa, Florida. The pinnacle of the competition, the Final Round judging, took place from June 17th to 18th in Asheville, North Carolina, where the finest entries were meticulously assessed by a panel of seasoned judges.
Most-Entered Style Categories Showcase Brewing Trends
The sheer volume of entries in certain categories offers a compelling snapshot of current homebrewing trends and popular styles. This year, the competition highlighted three categories that attracted the most brewers, indicating a strong interest and a high level of engagement within these specific beer styles.
The Dark European Lager (Table 7) emerged as the most contested category, with an impressive 152 entries. This category likely encompasses a range of traditional German and Central European lagers, such as Dunkels,Schwarzbiers, and bocks, which demand precision in malting, fermentation control, and clarity. The high number of entries suggests a resurgence of interest in these nuanced and historically significant lager styles, showcasing brewers’ dedication to mastering complex fermentation profiles and achieving clean, crisp finishes.
Following closely, the Pale European Beer (Table 2) category garnered 137 entries. This broad classification typically includes styles like Helles, Pilsners, and Kölsch, which, while seemingly straightforward, require a deft hand to balance malt sweetness with hop character and achieve a pristine lager profile. The popularity of this category points to homebrewers’ continued pursuit of the quintessential pale lager, a style that has seen significant growth in craft brewing globally.
Securing the third spot, Strong Belgian Ale (Table 26) attracted 123 entries. This category encompasses a diverse array of potent and complex ales, including Belgian Tripels, Quads, and Dubbels, known for their rich malt profiles, distinct yeast-driven aromas (such as fruity esters and spicy phenols), and high alcohol content. The substantial number of entries in this category signifies a continued passion for exploring the intricate fermentation characteristics and bold flavor profiles that define Belgian brewing traditions, a testament to the adventurous spirit of many homebrewers.
A comprehensive list detailing all the winners across every category of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition is available on the American Homebrewers Association website, providing an exhaustive record of this year’s celebrated brews and brewers.
Major Awards Recognize Overall Brewing Excellence
In addition to the individual category awards, the NHC also bestows several major honors that celebrate the pinnacle of homebrewing achievement. These awards recognize brewers who have demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency across multiple facets of the craft. While the specific winners of these major awards are not detailed in the provided text, the presence of these accolades underscores the competition’s commitment to identifying and celebrating the most accomplished homebrewers in the nation. These awards often include categories such as "Brewery of the Year" (for a club or individual demonstrating consistent excellence), "Homebrewer of the Year," and awards specifically for mead and cider making. The anticipation and prestige associated with these top honors draw considerable attention from the homebrewing community, serving as aspirational goals for many.
Charlie Harr, Chair of the National Homebrew Competition, shared his insights on the caliber of entries and the spirit of the event. "Every year, I continue to be impressed by the rising quality of entries in the National Homebrew Competition," Harr stated. "The creativity, technical skill, and care that homebrewers, meadmakers, and cidermakers bring to this competition is remarkable. Earning a medal at the NHC is an incredible achievement, but every entrant should be proud to have brewed and shared their work on this stage. This competition is the most prestigious in homebrewing, and it is made stronger by the community behind it: the entrants who push the hobby forward, the judges who lend their expertise, and the volunteers who make the competition happen. That shared passion is what makes the AHA and NHC so special." Harr’s remarks highlight the collaborative and community-driven nature of the NHC, emphasizing that success is measured not only by medals but also by participation and the collective advancement of homebrewing knowledge and practice.
Annual Recognition Awards Celebrate Community Contributors
The American Homebrewers Association extends its recognition beyond brewing prowess to honor individuals and organizations that play a vital role in nurturing and expanding the homebrewing ecosystem. These Annual Recognition Awards are a cornerstone of the AHA’s commitment to acknowledging the diverse contributions that strengthen the hobby.
The Homebrew Shop of the Year Award is presented to a retail establishment that consistently provides exceptional service, quality products, and dedicated support to its local homebrewing community. Such shops often serve as hubs for education, camaraderie, and the dissemination of brewing knowledge, fostering a welcoming environment for both novice and experienced brewers. The criteria for this award typically include product selection, knowledgeable staff, community engagement, and overall contribution to the local homebrew scene.
The American Homebrewers Association Advocacy Award recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication in advocating for homebrewing rights, promoting responsible brewing practices, and championing the interests of homebrewers at local, state, or federal levels. This award celebrates those who work tirelessly to ensure that homebrewing remains accessible and legal, often navigating complex regulatory landscapes and educating policymakers and the public about the merits of this cherished hobby. Their efforts are instrumental in safeguarding the future of homebrewing for generations to come.
Further recognition is often given to individuals or organizations for their contributions to education and outreach, acknowledging those who have developed innovative teaching methods, created valuable resources, or significantly contributed to the understanding and practice of brewing science and art. These efforts are crucial for onboarding new brewers and elevating the skills of the existing community.
A Collaborative Effort: Thank You to the NHC Community
The successful execution of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition is a testament to the collective efforts of numerous individuals and organizations. The AHA extends its sincere gratitude to a wide array of contributors, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the homebrewing community.
The competition’s operations were significantly bolstered by the generous support of its sponsors, whose financial contributions help underwrite the extensive logistical and operational costs associated with such a large-scale event. These sponsorships are crucial for maintaining the competition’s accessibility and quality.
Furthermore, the success of the First Round judging hinges on the dedication of numerous judging sites and their respective organizers. These volunteers invest considerable time and resources to facilitate the initial stages of evaluation, ensuring that entries are judged efficiently and according to strict guidelines.
The Final Round, the culmination of the judging process, relies heavily on the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers. These individuals often work behind the scenes, managing logistics, assisting judges, and ensuring a smooth and professional environment for the final assessment of the top-tier entries.
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) plays a pivotal role, providing the framework for judge training and ensuring a consistent and high standard of evaluation across all rounds. The expertise and impartiality of BJCP-certified judges are fundamental to the integrity of the NHC.
Special thanks were also extended to The Renaissance Hotel for graciously hosting the awards ceremony, providing a fitting venue for celebrating the achievements of the homebrewing community. Additionally, Hi-Wire Brewing was acknowledged for its crucial role in receiving the Final Round entries, a logistical undertaking that requires careful coordination and storage. These partnerships exemplify the seamless integration of industry support with the grassroots passion of homebrewing.
For media inquiries and requests for high-resolution photographs suitable for publication, interested parties are encouraged to contact the American Homebrewers Association directly at [email protected].
About the American Homebrewers Association
Established in 1978, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) operates with a foundational ethos built and directed by its members, emphasizing the core values of community, education, joy, and volunteerism. The AHA serves as a vital resource for homebrewers of all levels, delivering unparalleled content through its flagship publication, Zymurgy magazine, which offers in-depth articles on brewing techniques, recipes, and industry news. The organization also validates and publishes award-winning recipes from the National Homebrew Competition, providing brewers with tested and proven formulations. Its comprehensive online platform, HomebrewersAssociation.org, offers a wealth of information, including brewing resources, educational materials, and a vibrant community forum. Furthermore, the AHA provides tangible benefits to its members, such as exclusive deals and discounts through AHA Member Deals, annual recognition awards, and the prestigious National Homebrew Competition Awards. The AHA operates under a dual structure, functioning as both a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) supporting organization, the A-Ha Foundation, which further solidifies its commitment to promoting and protecting the homebrewing hobby. Prospective members are invited to join the AHA and become part of this dedicated community.
About the National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) stands as a cornerstone event for homebrewers, offering them an invaluable opportunity to receive expert feedback on their creations and to gain recognition for outstanding achievements in homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. Its origins trace back to 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, where the first American Homebrewers Association (AHA) National Homebrew Competition featured 34 entries. Since its inception, the NHC has experienced exponential growth, evolving into the world’s premier homebrew competition. Over the past four decades, more than 170,000 entries have been meticulously evaluated, solidifying its status as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the global homebrewing landscape. The competition not only celebrates individual achievement but also plays a significant role in advancing the collective knowledge and skill within the homebrewing community, inspiring brewers to experiment, refine their techniques, and share their passion with others.
