Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of homebrewing, has revealed the distinguished recipients of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) awards. The prestigious ceremony, held in Asheville, North Carolina, during the annual Homebrew Con, celebrated the pinnacle of…
Asheville, N.C. – The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) marked a significant milestone on Saturday, June 20, 2026, as it convened over 1,000 dedicated members for its 46th annual Homebrew Con. The event, held in the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina, served as a crucial platform to not only celebrate the association’s inaugural year as…
A recent experimental baking endeavor by Austin Durant, the esteemed founder of Fermenters Club and author of "Fearless Fermenting," culminated not in the anticipated artisanal sourdough loaf, but rather in an unexpected yet equally delightful culinary creation: a substantial batch of sourdough pancakes. The incident, which occurred during an overnight proofing cycle of a new…
The culinary world and health-conscious community recently turned its attention to La Jolla, California, as author and fermentation expert Austin Durant celebrated the launch of his highly anticipated new book, "Fearless Fermenting," with a significant book signing event at Warwick’s, the venerable independent bookstore, on Sunday, June 22. This gathering not only provided an opportunity…
Austin Durant, the acclaimed author and founder of Fermenters Club, recently shared his extensive expertise on the profound benefits of fermented foods during a compelling appearance on “The Ideal Day Podcast,” hosted by health and wellness advocate Adam Parker. The episode, which aired recently, featured a robust and informative discussion delving into the myriad virtues…
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,…
The recent spotlight cast on masa, the meticulously processed corn flour fundamental to Mexican cuisine, highlights a growing appreciation for traditional food preparation methods and their profound nutritional implications. This renewed interest, exemplified by figures such as Austin Durant, founder of Fermenters Club, underscores the critical process of nixtamalization, a technique dating back millennia that…
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…
Understanding the shelf life of fermented foods is a cornerstone of confident and safe culinary practice, a question frequently posed in workshops and discussions among enthusiasts. While a definitive, one-size-fits-all answer remains elusive, the overarching principle that guides consumption, whether for fermented items or any other foodstuff, is an unwavering reliance on sensory evaluation. Trusting…
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…
