In her inaugural Zymurgy Director’s Cut column, published in May/June 2022, Julia Herz shared a pivotal moment in her journey with homebrewing. It was in the 1990s, a period she describes as a cosmic alignment, when Charlie Papazian, the esteemed co-founder of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), personally selected her name from a hat, bestowing…
The recent exploration into masa, the meticulously processed corn flour fundamental to much of Mexican cuisine, highlights a profound connection to ancient food traditions and their nutritional ingenuity. This staple ingredient, forming the basis of everything from tortillas to tamales, is now gaining renewed attention for its unique preparation method: nixtamalization, a process crucial for…
Home Fermentation Day, an annual celebration spearheaded by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), is set to inspire enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore the diverse and ancient practice of fermentation. This year’s observance encourages participants to share their culinary and brewing creations by tagging @homebrewassoc on social media or using the hashtag #HomeFermentationDay, fostering a…
The question of how long fermented foods last is a frequent query in culinary workshops and among home enthusiasts, reflecting a growing interest in these traditional, health-promoting staples. While the overarching advice from experts like Austin Durant, founder of Fermenters Club and author of "Fearless Fermenting," remains to "trust your senses," a comprehensive understanding of…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has officially pledged to tackle the complex and often frustrating barriers preventing homebrewers from legally shipping their creations to competitions across the United States. This significant move, formalized through a resolution adopted by the AHA Board of Directors on May 12, 2026, aims to create a safe, transparent, and legally…
The delicate art and science of fermentation hinge critically on one often-underestimated variable: temperature. Just as humans thrive within a specific thermal range, the microscopic architects of fermented foods – bacteria, yeasts, and molds – demonstrate a profound sensitivity to their environmental temperature, which directly dictates the pace, safety, and ultimate flavor profile of the…
Alan Sprints, the pioneering brewer whose Portland-based Hair of the Dog Brewing Company became synonymous with cult-favorite, limited-edition beers, has died at the age of 61. Sprints succumbed to metastatic stage 4 bladder cancer, leaving behind a profound legacy that significantly shaped the landscape of craft brewing, particularly in the realms of strong ales and…
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is embarking on a significant new chapter with the establishment of the A-Ha Foundation, a dedicated philanthropic arm. To spearhead the crucial task of building its fundraising infrastructure, the AHA is actively seeking an experienced and dynamic fundraising professional to serve as the Founding Director of Development. This pivotal role…
Registration is officially open for the 48th annual National Homebrew Competition (NHC), the world’s largest beer competition, hosted by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and supported by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). This prestigious event, scheduled to culminate in June 2026 with its final round judging and awards ceremony in Asheville, North Carolina, invites…
The latest issue of Zymurgy, the flagship publication of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), dives deep into the multifaceted challenges and evolving landscape of the brewing community. The March/April 2026 edition, themed around "The Pivot," focuses on how brewers, both amateur and professional, are adapting and finding success amidst significant environmental shifts, economic pressures, and…
