In my inaugural Zymurgy Director’s Cut column, published in the May/June 2022 issue, I shared a personal anecdote that has profoundly shaped my journey within the homebrewing community. It was in the 1990s, a pivotal period for craft beverages, that a serendipitous event occurred. The stars seemed to align, the universe offered a clear directive,…
Home Fermentation Day, an annual celebration championed by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), serves as a vibrant platform to honor the transformative power of fermentation, encompassing both the beloved realm of fermented beverages and the expanding universe of fermented foods. The event encourages enthusiasts to share their projects by tagging @homebrewassoc or utilizing the hashtag…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has formally committed to addressing a significant logistical hurdle for its members: the ability to legally and transparently ship homebrewed beverages to competitions across the United States. This strategic initiative, formalized through a resolution adopted by the AHA Board of Directors on May 12, 2026, aims to dismantle outdated shipping…
The craft beer world is mourning the loss of Alan Sprints, a visionary brewer whose innovative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of beer styles left an indelible mark on the industry. Sprints, the founder of Portland, Oregon’s renowned Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, passed away at the age of 65 after a…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has initiated a crucial search for an experienced fundraising professional to spearhead the development efforts of its newly established A-Ha Foundation. This pivotal role, designated as a Founding Director of Development and operating as an independent contractor, signifies a strategic commitment to building a robust and sustainable funding model for…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially unveiled its latest innovation, the AHA Assistant Brewer, an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to empower homebrewers with instant, expert-level guidance. To imbue this significant technological advancement with the vibrant spirit of the homebrewing community, the AHA is launching an open competition, inviting its members to contribute to its…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), a leading advocate for the burgeoning homebrewing community, is undertaking a comprehensive review of its membership structure, with a particular focus on offerings planned for 2026. This strategic reevaluation aims to ensure that the association’s benefits, resources, and support systems continue to effectively serve its diverse and growing membership. The…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially announced the opening of registration for Homebrew Con 2026, the world’s most significant gathering for homebrewing enthusiasts. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from June 19-20, 2026, in the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina. This year’s conference marks a pivotal moment for the AHA,…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially opened the nomination period for its prestigious 2026 Homebrew Shop of the Year Award, recognizing the vital role that local supply stores play in fostering and sustaining the vibrant homebrewing community. This award celebrates establishments that go above and beyond in providing not only essential ingredients and equipment…
For nearly five decades, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has been a testament to the power of a dedicated community, built and sustained by homebrewers themselves. This foundational principle—that the organization’s strength lies in its members—is at the heart of a landmark announcement: the AHA has secured approval from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)…
