Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of homebrewing, has revealed the distinguished recipients of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) awards. The prestigious ceremony, held in Asheville, North Carolina, during the annual Homebrew Con, celebrated the pinnacle of homebrewed beer, mead, and cider, recognizing both exceptional beverages and significant contributions to the vibrant homebrewing community.
This year’s competition saw a total of 120 medals bestowed across 40 distinct categories, highlighting the diverse talents and dedication of homebrewers nationwide and internationally. Beyond the beverage accolades, eight individuals, clubs, shops, or organizations were honored for their invaluable impact on fostering and growing the homebrewing hobby. The NHC, with its rich history dating back to its inaugural event in Boulder, Colorado, in 1979, stands as the world’s largest and most enduring homebrew competition, having evaluated over 170,000 entries throughout its storied existence.
The 2026 iteration of this esteemed competition attracted a significant volume of participation, with 3,575 entries submitted by 1,054 AHA members. These submissions represented a broad geographical reach, spanning 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and seven international countries, underscoring the global appeal and interconnectedness of the homebrewing movement. The judging process itself is a testament to the competition’s scale and commitment to fairness, with a multi-stage approach designed to rigorously evaluate each entry.
The initial phase, the First Round, involved judging 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. This distributed judging model ensures accessibility for participants and allows for efficient handling of the substantial number of entries. The culmination of this extensive evaluation process occurred in Asheville, North Carolina, where the Final Round judging took place on June 17-18, determining the ultimate winners.
Most-Entered Style Categories Reflect Brewing Trends
The sheer volume of entries in certain categories offers a fascinating glimpse into the current trends and popular styles embraced by the homebrewing community. This year, three categories stood out for their exceptional participation:
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Dark European Lager (Table 7): With an impressive 152 entries, this category demonstrates a continued appreciation for the nuanced and often challenging world of traditional European lagers. Homebrewers are clearly investing time and effort into mastering the delicate balance of malt, hops, and fermentation that defines these classic styles. The meticulous lagering process and precise temperature control required for these beers suggest a dedication to technical brewing prowess.
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Pale European Beer (Table 2): Securing the second position with 137 entries, this broad category encompasses a wide array of traditional European pale ales and lagers. The popularity of this category indicates a strong interest in exploring the historical roots of beer styles and replicating the authentic flavors enjoyed across the continent. It suggests a keen interest in historical brewing techniques and the subtle interplay of hop character and malt backbone.
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Strong Belgian Ale (Table 26): Rounding out the top three with 123 entries, Strong Belgian Ales continue to captivate homebrewers. These complex and often high-alcohol beers, known for their unique yeast-driven profiles, including fruity esters and spicy phenols, represent a significant brewing challenge and a rewarding creative outlet. The consistent high entry numbers in this category point to a growing confidence and skill within the homebrewing community to tackle these demanding yet rewarding styles.
A comprehensive list of all 2026 National Homebrew Competition winners, detailing every medal awarded across all categories, is available for public access via the American Homebrewers Association website. This detailed breakdown provides an invaluable resource for homebrewers seeking inspiration, aiming to benchmark their own creations, or simply wishing to explore the breadth of talent within the hobby.
Major Awards Recognize Overall Brewing Excellence
In addition to the category-specific style awards, the NHC also bestows six major awards that celebrate outstanding achievement across the entire spectrum of homebrewing. These prestigious honors recognize brewers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and innovation. While the specific recipients of these major awards for 2026 were not detailed in the initial announcement, they represent the highest accolades within the competition, signifying a brewer’s mastery of their craft. These typically include awards such as Brewer of the Year, Meadmaker of the Year, and Cidermaker of the Year, among others, acknowledging distinct areas of fermentation expertise.
Charlie Harr, Chair of the National Homebrew Competition, articulated the profound significance of the event and the caliber of its participants. "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 underscore the collaborative spirit and the dedication to excellence that define the NHC. The competition serves not only as a platform for recognition but also as a catalyst for learning and improvement within the homebrewing community.
Annual Recognition Awards Celebrate Community Builders
Beyond the accolades for brewed beverages, the AHA also uses the platform of the National Homebrew Competition to honor individuals and organizations that play a crucial role in nurturing, supporting, and expanding the homebrewing ecosystem. These annual recognition awards highlight those who contribute significantly to the growth and vibrancy of the hobby. While specific recipients for 2026 were not elaborated upon in the initial release, these awards typically include:
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Homebrew Shop of the Year Award: This award recognizes a retail establishment that consistently provides excellent customer service, a comprehensive selection of ingredients and equipment, and actively engages with and supports its local homebrewing community. Such shops are vital hubs for education, camaraderie, and the acquisition of necessary supplies, playing a critical role in enabling homebrewers to pursue their passion.
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American Homebrewers Association Advocacy Award: This award celebrates an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding efforts in advocating for homebrewing rights, promoting responsible brewing practices, or educating the public and policymakers about the merits of the hobby. Their work ensures that homebrewing remains accessible and continues to thrive.
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Other potential awards may include recognition for outstanding club activities, significant contributions to homebrewing literature or education, or exemplary volunteerism within the AHA and its initiatives.
A Collaborative Effort: The Making of the NHC
The success of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition is a testament to the collective efforts of numerous individuals and entities. The AHA extended its sincere gratitude to the competition’s sponsors, whose financial support is instrumental in facilitating the event. Special acknowledgment was also given to the organizers and volunteers at the First Round judging sites across the country, whose dedication ensured the smooth execution of the initial evaluation stages. The volunteers who contributed their time and expertise at the Final Round in Asheville were also lauded for their pivotal roles.
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), a cornerstone of standardized beer evaluation, was thanked for its integral role in providing qualified judges. The Renaissance Hotel in Asheville was recognized for hosting the awards ceremony, and Hi-Wire Brewing was appreciated for their role in receiving the Final Round entries, demonstrating strong industry support for the homebrewing community. These partnerships and the dedication of countless volunteers are the bedrock upon which the NHC is built, ensuring its continued legacy of excellence.
Media Inquiries and Information
High-resolution photographs of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition and its winners are available for media use upon request. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the American Homebrewers Association directly at [email protected] for inquiries and image requests, ensuring proper attribution and context.
About the American Homebrewers Association
Established in 1978, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) operates as a member-driven organization deeply rooted in the core values of community, education, joy, and volunteerism. The AHA is committed to providing its members with unparalleled resources, including the award-winning Zymurgy magazine, a comprehensive collection of National Homebrew Competition-validated recipes, extensive online resources at HomebrewersAssociation.org, and exclusive member benefits such as AHA Member Deals and access to annual recognition awards. The AHA functions through a dual structure, operating as both a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) supporting organization known as the A-Ha Foundation. Individuals interested in joining the vibrant homebrewing community can find membership details and options at homebrewersassociation.org/membership/join-or-renew/.
About the National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) serves a dual purpose: providing homebrewers with invaluable, constructive feedback on their creations and celebrating the finest examples of world-class homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. The competition’s origins trace back to 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, where the inaugural event featured 34 entries. Since its inception, the NHC has evolved into the preeminent homebrewing competition globally, having meticulously evaluated over 170,000 entries. Its long-standing tradition and expansive reach solidify its position as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the homebrewing world. The continuous growth in participation and the ever-increasing quality of entries underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of homebrewing as a craft and a passion.
