The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has announced the appointment of Charlie Harr as the new chair and Jen Pereira as the deputy chair for the National Homebrew Competition (NHC), the most iconic and competitive global event for beer, mead, and cider enthusiasts. The opening of entries for the 2026 NHC is scheduled for February 3, marking a significant transition for this esteemed competition. This leadership change signals a continued commitment to fostering excellence and growth within the homebrewing community.
A Legacy of Excellence: The National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition, founded in 1979, has evolved from a modest gathering of 34 entries to become the world’s largest and most respected homebrewing contest. For decades, it has served as the ultimate platform for amateur brewers to showcase their craft, receive expert feedback, and gain recognition on a global stage. The competition has consistently evaluated a vast number of entries, with nearly 170,000 submissions assessed annually in recent years. This extensive participation underscores the NHC’s pivotal role in the advancement of homebrewing techniques, ingredient innovation, and stylistic exploration. The NHC’s rigorous judging process, which adheres to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) guidelines, ensures a high standard of evaluation, providing invaluable insights to participants and contributing to the overall elevation of homebrewed beverages. The competition’s impact extends beyond individual accolades, fostering a vibrant and collaborative global community of brewers.
New Leadership: Charlie Harr and Jen Pereira
Charlie Harr, NHC Chair
Charlie Harr brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for brewing education and competition management to his new role as NHC Chair. With over two decades dedicated to operations and event management, Harr has a proven track record of successfully organizing large-scale beer competitions. His tenure as head judge for the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild has provided him with extensive experience in overseeing AHA/BJCP-sanctioned events, encompassing all facets of competition logistics, from judge recruitment and entry coordination to volunteer team management. Harr is currently advancing his expertise by pursuing BJCP National Judge certification, demonstrating his commitment to the highest standards of beer evaluation. As a long-time AHA member and a past NHC entrant, he possesses an intimate understanding of the competition from both an organizational and a participant’s perspective.
"My experience managing large-scale competitions and passion for advancing homebrewing education make this an ideal opportunity to support both the AHA and homebrewing," Harr stated. "I am honored to chair the NHC." His background suggests a focus on operational efficiency, a commitment to judge training and development, and a dedication to ensuring a fair and rewarding experience for all entrants.
Jen Pereira, Deputy Chair
Jen Pereira joins Harr as Deputy Chair, bringing over 25 years of distinguished experience in beverage education, judging, and competition leadership. Her impressive credentials include being a BJCP National Beer Judge, a Certified Cicerone®, and holding a WSET Diploma, which speaks to her comprehensive knowledge of alcoholic beverages. Pereira has been instrumental in organizing and judging competitions at various levels, including founding both the Ocean State Home Brew Competition and the Rhode Worthy Cup. Her extensive academic background as an associate professor at Johnson and Wales University for over two decades has further honed her pedagogical skills, enabling her to effectively mentor and educate brewers. As a past NHC judge and an avid homebrewer, Pereira’s perspective is deeply rooted in the homebrewing community.
"This role is a meaningful way to give back to a community that has given me so much, and I’m proud to help lead the AHA and help grow the NHC’s impact," Pereira expressed. Her leadership is anticipated to bring a strong emphasis on educational components within the competition, further empowering homebrewers and enhancing the overall value of participation.
A Collaborative Effort: The NHC Subcommittee
Harr and Pereira will be working closely with the AHA’s NHC Subcommittee, a dedicated group of volunteers vital to the competition’s success. This subcommittee is currently led by AHA members Sandy Cockerham and Amanda Burkemper, who will continue to provide crucial support in the planning and execution of the NHC. The collaborative structure, driven by member volunteers, exemplifies the AHA’s core principle of being a member-driven association. This approach ensures that the NHC remains responsive to the needs and evolving interests of the homebrewing community.
The Path Forward: Entries Open Soon
Entries for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition will officially open on February 3 and will close on February 25. This limited window underscores the importance of timely registration for prospective participants. Brewers are encouraged to begin their preparations and ensure their entries meet all submission requirements. To participate in the NHC, individuals must be members of the American Homebrewers Association.
Broader Impact and Community Growth
The appointment of Harr and Pereira, coupled with the ongoing support of the NHC Subcommittee, signals a strategic move by the AHA to further solidify the NHC’s position as the preeminent homebrewing competition globally. This leadership transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the competition, potentially leading to innovations in judging methodologies, participant engagement, and the overall participant experience.
Julia Herz, AHA Executive Director, expressed her confidence in the new leadership team: "The AHA and National Homebrew Competition are extremely fortunate to have Charlie and Jen stepping up to lead along with the collective volunteer judges, competition organizers, subcommittee and AHA member entrants." This statement highlights the interconnected nature of the NHC’s success, emphasizing the contributions of all stakeholders, from the leadership to the grassroots volunteers and the passionate homebrewers themselves.
The NHC plays a critical role in advancing the craft of homebrewing. By providing a platform for brewers to test their skills against the best, the competition drives innovation and inspires new brewing endeavors. The feedback provided by experienced judges is invaluable for homebrewers looking to refine their recipes and techniques. Furthermore, the NHC serves as a powerful networking opportunity, connecting brewers from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion.
The AHA’s vision, "A homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community," is actively supported by the NHC. The competition inspires new individuals to take up homebrewing and encourages existing brewers to push their creative boundaries. The growth of the NHC directly correlates with the growth and vitality of the entire homebrewing movement. As the competition continues to expand its reach and influence, it contributes to a richer, more diverse, and more sophisticated global craft beverage landscape.
The AHA, founded in 1978, operates on a member-driven model, providing a suite of benefits that include the esteemed Zymurgy Magazine, access to validated recipes, comprehensive resources on HomebrewersAssociation.org, and exclusive member deals and awards. The association’s commitment to celebrating and connecting homebrewers worldwide is exemplified by its flagship event, the National Homebrew Competition.
The success of the NHC is a testament to the dedication of its organizers, judges, and, most importantly, the passionate homebrewers who continue to create exceptional beer, mead, and cider. With Charlie Harr and Jen Pereira at the helm, the future of the National Homebrew Competition appears bright, promising continued growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating the art and science of homebrewing. Brewers are encouraged to visit HomebrewersAssociation.org for the latest updates and to join the AHA to participate in this prestigious event.
