Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA), the preeminent national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and celebration of homebrewing, has officially announced the distinguished winners of the 48th annual National Homebrew Competition (NHC). The prestigious awards ceremony took place at Homebrew Con in the vibrant city of Asheville, North…
As the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina, played host to the 46th annual Homebrew Con, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) marked a significant milestone: its first full year operating as an independent nonprofit organization. The event, held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, saw over 1,000 dedicated members converge to reflect on this transformative period…
The latest issue of Zymurgy, the flagship publication of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), has landed, offering a comprehensive deep dive into the vibrant world of homebrewing. The January/February 2026 edition is set to captivate enthusiasts with its extensive coverage of the Pro-Am Competition medal winners, a retrospective look at legacy breweries, an in-depth analysis…
In my inaugural Zymurgy Director’s Cut column, published in the May/June 2022 edition, I shared a pivotal moment in my homebrewing journey: how, in the 1990s, the universe seemed to align when Charlie Papazian, co-founder of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), drew my name from a hat, bestowing upon me an AHA membership. This serendipitous…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has announced a temporary closure from December 25, 2025, through January 1, 2026, as its staff takes time to celebrate the holiday season. This annual hiatus, a common practice for many organizations, allows employees to spend time with family and friends and to recharge before embarking on the challenges and…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is once again shining a spotlight on the multifaceted world of fermentation with its annual Home Fermentation Day. This observance, designed to encourage and celebrate home-based fermentation projects, invites enthusiasts to share their creations and explore the vast possibilities within this ancient practice. From the familiar realms of homebrewed beer,…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially announced a significant initiative aimed at rectifying a long-standing logistical hurdle for the nation’s thriving homebrewing community: the difficulty in legally shipping homebrewed beverages for competition entry. Despite homebrewing being legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C., the practical realities of transporting entries to sanctioned events remain…
Alan Sprints, a pioneering force in the craft beer movement and the visionary founder of Portland’s acclaimed Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, passed away on July 14, 2026, at the age of 61, following a courageous battle with metastatic stage 4 bladder cancer. Sprints, widely recognized for his innovative approach to brewing and his…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is actively seeking a seasoned fundraising professional to spearhead the establishment of its newly formed A-Ha Foundation as its inaugural Founding Director of Development. This pivotal independent contractor role marks a significant step in formalizing and expanding the foundation’s mission to champion fermentation education, preserve brewing heritage, foster research, and…
Clear your calendars and prepare your finest brews, as the world’s largest and most fiercely contested homebrewing competition, the National Homebrew Competition (NHC), is officially on the horizon for 2026. This marks the 48th iteration of this esteemed event, a testament to its enduring legacy and its central role in fostering innovation and camaraderie within…
