Registration is officially open for the highly anticipated 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC), marking the 48th year of this prestigious event dedicated to celebrating and advancing the art of homebrewing. Organized by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and supported by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), the NHC has a storied history, having evaluated over…
In her inaugural Zymurgy Director’s Cut column, published in May/June 2022, Julia Herz shared a pivotal moment in her personal and professional journey: her serendipitous win of an American Homebrewers Association (AHA) membership in the 1990s. This chance encounter, orchestrated by the venerable Charlie Papazian, co-founder of the AHA, ignited a lifelong dedication to the…
Home Fermentation Day, an annual observance dedicated to the multifaceted world of fermentation, is set to ignite enthusiasm and engagement among enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This occasion serves as a vibrant platform to acknowledge and explore the diverse array of fermented projects, extending far beyond the well-established realms of homebrewing. From the comforting familiarity of…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) Board of Directors has formally resolved to address a significant logistical hurdle facing the nation’s burgeoning homebrewing community: the inability to legally and transparently ship homebrewed beverages to competitions. Despite homebrewing being legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C., a patchwork of outdated shipping regulations and policies creates substantial…
Alan Sprints, the pioneering brewer whose innovative approach to crafting robust, complex ales at Hair of the Dog Brewery in Portland, Oregon, redefined the concept of limited-edition beers and inspired a generation of craft brewers, has died at the age of 61. Sprints succumbed to metastatic stage 4 bladder cancer, leaving behind a profound legacy…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is actively seeking a seasoned fundraising professional to spearhead the development efforts of its newly established A-Ha Foundation. This pivotal role, designated as an independent contractor, will be instrumental in constructing the Foundation’s fundraising infrastructure from its nascent stages, aiming to cultivate a robust and sustainable financial future. The appointed…
The latest issue of Zymurgy, the flagship publication of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), arrives with its March/April 2026 edition, offering a comprehensive exploration of how brewers, both amateur and professional, are navigating a landscape defined by climate challenges, economic pressures, and evolving beer culture. Titled "The Pivot," this issue delves into the innovative strategies…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), a cornerstone organization dedicated to advancing the art and community of homebrewing, is undertaking a significant review of its membership offerings. With a long-standing vision of fostering a homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community, the AHA is strategically re-evaluating its membership tiers and benefits. This…
The latest edition of Zymurgy magazine, the flagship publication of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), is set to captivate its readership with a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic world of homebrewing. The July/August 2026 issue promises a deep dive into the future of the hobby, the eagerly anticipated return of Homebrew Con, the nuanced art…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially announced the return of Homebrew Con, its flagship annual event, which will be held in Asheville, North Carolina, on June 19-20, 2026. This marks the 46th iteration of the renowned gathering, a testament to its enduring popularity and the vibrant growth of the homebrewing community. The announcement, made…
