Alan Sprints, a visionary brewer whose iconic Hair of the Dog Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon, redefined the landscape of craft beer with its cult-favorite, limited-edition "white whale" releases, has died at the age of 67. Sprints succumbed to metastatic stage 4 bladder cancer, leaving behind a profound legacy that influenced generations of brewers and…
The annual springtime bounty of the loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica), a fruit often overlooked in mainstream agriculture, presents both a challenge and a unique opportunity for home growers and culinary enthusiasts. This season, a 25-foot tall loquat tree in a private San Diego yard has once again yielded hundreds of pounds of its distinctive, pear-like…
For nearly half a century, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has been a testament to the power of collective action, built not by investors or shareholders, but by the passion and dedication of homebrewers themselves. This foundational spirit is amplified today with the momentous announcement of IRS approval for two distinct nonprofit entities: a 501(c)(6)…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is celebrating a significant milestone, not just for its organization, but for the vibrant and ever-expanding world of homebrewing itself. In a recent "Director’s Cut" column, Julia Herz, Executive Director of the AHA, reflected on her personal journey into the heart of this passionate community, underscoring the profound impact the…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is actively seeking a seasoned fundraising professional to assume the pivotal role of Founding Director of Development for the recently established A-Ha Foundation. This independent contractor position marks a significant step in the foundation’s mission to bolster the educational, charitable, and scientific endeavors of the AHA through a comprehensive and…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has successfully concluded its inaugural board of directors election following its recent transition to independent 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) status. This landmark event saw four new members elected to the AHA Board of Directors from a competitive pool of candidates, signifying a pivotal moment in the organization’s governance and future direction….
The latest edition of Zymurgy, the flagship publication of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), invites readers on an expansive journey through the vibrant landscape of global homebrewing. This May/June 2026 issue delves into unique beer styles and brewing traditions from Turkey and Tuscany to the burgeoning recognition of Ukrainian Golden Ale and the deep-rooted complexities…
Registration is officially open for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC), marking the 48th year of this prestigious event organized by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and supported by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). This annual competition, a cornerstone of the homebrewing community, invites brewers from across the nation to submit their handcrafted beers,…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) Board of Directors has formally pledged to champion a significant initiative aimed at rectifying a long-standing logistical hurdle for homebrew enthusiasts: the ability to legally and transparently ship their creations to competitions across the United States. This move comes as a direct response to the complex and often prohibitive shipping…
The March/April 2026 issue of Zymurgy magazine, the flagship publication of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), delves into the multifaceted theme of adaptation and resilience within the homebrewing community and the broader beer landscape. This edition tackles the challenges of a changing climate, evolving economic pressures, and the dynamic shifts in beer culture, offering readers…
