Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA), the nation’s foremost nonprofit dedicated to fostering the growth and advancement of the homebrewing hobby, has revealed the distinguished recipients of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) awards. The prestigious announcement was made during a celebratory ceremony held at Homebrew Con in Asheville, North Carolina, marking the culmination of a rigorous and widely anticipated evaluation process. This year’s competition saw an impressive display of dedication and skill, with 120 medals awarded across 40 distinct categories, recognizing exceptional homebrewed beers, meads, and ciders. Beyond individual brewing achievements, the event also celebrated eight individuals, clubs, shops, and organizations for their significant contributions to the vibrant homebrewing community.
The National Homebrew Competition, with its origins tracing back to 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, stands as a testament to the enduring passion for home fermentation. Over its storied history, the NHC has evaluated more than 170,000 entries, solidifying its position as the world’s largest and most enduring homebrew competition. This year’s iteration continued this legacy, drawing 3,575 entries from 1,054 dedicated AHA members hailing from 46 states, Washington, D.C., and an international contingent representing seven countries. The sheer volume and geographical diversity of the submissions underscore the global reach and increasing popularity of the homebrewing movement.
The multi-stage judging process for the 2026 competition commenced 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. These regional preliminary rounds ensured accessibility and reduced logistical burdens for participants nationwide. Following these initial assessments, the crème de la crème advanced to the Final Round, where the ultimate winners were determined through meticulous judging on June 17th and 18th in Asheville, North Carolina, immediately preceding the Homebrew Con festivities.
Most-Entered Style Categories Highlight Brewing Trends
Analysis of the entry data for the 2026 NHC provides valuable insights into the current trends and popular styles favored by homebrewers. The top three most competitive categories, reflecting the collective enthusiasm and skill invested in specific beer styles, were:
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Dark European Lager (Table 7): This category garnered an impressive 152 entries, indicating a strong and sustained interest in the nuanced and often technically demanding world of dark lagers originating from Europe. Brewers in this category likely focused on achieving precise fermentation control, malt complexity, and delicate hop character.
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Pale European Beer (Table 2): With 137 entries, this category demonstrates the enduring appeal of lighter, often hop-forward or malt-balanced European pale ales and lagers. The breadth of styles within this category likely encompasses everything from crisp Pilsners to nuanced Helles and pale ales, showcasing a wide range of brewing approaches.
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Strong Belgian Ale (Table 26): Attracting 123 entries, this category underscores the adventurous spirit of homebrewers drawn to the complex fermentation profiles and robust character of Belgian ales. These often high-alcohol brews require careful yeast management and an understanding of traditional Belgian brewing techniques.
The complete roster of winners for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition, detailing the recipients of medals across all 40 categories, is available for public review on the American Homebrewers Association website. This comprehensive list serves as an invaluable resource for homebrewers seeking inspiration, technical guidance, and an understanding of what constitutes award-winning quality in various styles.
Major Awards Recognize Overall Brewing Excellence
Beyond the style-specific accolades, the National Homebrew Competition bestows several major awards that honor outstanding achievement across the broader spectrum of homebrewing. These prestigious awards represent the pinnacle of homebrewing accomplishment, recognizing brewers who consistently demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication. While specific winners for all major awards were not detailed in the initial announcement, the presence of categories such as "Cidermaker of the Year Award" highlights the AHA’s commitment to recognizing excellence in all fermented beverages. The inclusion of awards for mead and cider making reflects the expanding landscape of the home fermentation hobby beyond traditional beer.
Charlie Harr, Chair of the National Homebrew Competition, expressed profound admiration for the caliber of entries submitted this year. "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 emphasize the community-driven nature of the NHC and the collective effort that contributes to its success and the advancement of the homebrewing arts.
Annual Recognition Awards Celebrate Community Builders
In addition to celebrating brewing prowess, the AHA utilizes this platform to acknowledge individuals and organizations that play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the homebrewing community. These annual recognition awards highlight the importance of support systems, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts that empower homebrewers and contribute to the hobby’s sustained growth. Categories such as the "Homebrew Shop of the Year Award" and the "American Homebrewers Association Advocacy Award" underscore the AHA’s commitment to recognizing the diverse contributions that strengthen the homebrewing ecosystem. These awards often shine a light on businesses that provide essential supplies and expertise, as well as individuals or groups dedicated to championing the rights and interests of homebrewers.
A Collaborative Effort: Thank You to the NHC Contributors
The successful execution of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition was the result of a monumental collaborative effort, made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors, the dedicated organizers and volunteers at the First Round judging sites, and the passionate homebrewing community at large. Special commendation was extended to the Beer Judge Certification Program for its invaluable role in ensuring a high standard of judging, The Renaissance Hotel for hosting the awards ceremony, and Hi-Wire Brewing for its integral role in receiving Final Round entries. These entities, among many others, were instrumental in bringing the 2026 competition to fruition.
High-resolution photographs of the event and award winners are available for media use upon request. Interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected] for inquiries and requests.
About the American Homebrewers Association®
Established in 1978, the American Homebrewers Association operates as a member-driven organization, firmly rooted in the core values of community, education, joy, and volunteerism. The AHA provides its members with unparalleled resources, including the esteemed Zymurgy® magazine, a repository of National Homebrew Competition-validated recipes, extensive online resources accessible via HomebrewersAssociation.org, and exclusive member benefits such as AHA Member Deals and the Annual Recognition Awards. The AHA functions under a dual structure, encompassing both a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) supporting organization, the A-Ha Foundation. Individuals interested in joining this dynamic community are encouraged to visit the AHA’s membership portal.
About the National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) serves as a critical platform for homebrewers to receive expert, constructive feedback on their creations, while simultaneously celebrating the most outstanding examples of world-class homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. The inaugural AHA National Homebrew Competition, held in Boulder, Colorado, in 1979, featured 34 entries. Since its inception, the NHC has evolved dramatically, with over 170,000 entries evaluated to date, solidifying its status as the preeminent homebrew competition globally. The competition’s longevity and scale are indicative of its vital role in driving innovation, raising standards, and fostering a shared passion for the art and science of fermentation among enthusiasts worldwide. The continuous growth in participation and the ever-increasing quality of entries year after year are powerful indicators of the vibrant health and ongoing evolution of the homebrewing hobby.
