Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to championing the hobby of homebrewing, has officially unveiled the recipients of its prestigious 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) awards. The announcement was made during a celebratory awards ceremony held at Homebrew Con in Asheville, North Carolina, capping off a week of camaraderie and shared passion for craft beverages. This year’s competition saw a remarkable display of skill and dedication, with 120 medals bestowed across 40 distinct categories, recognizing excellence in homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. Beyond the beverage accolades, the NHC also honored eight individuals, clubs, shops, and organizations for their significant contributions to the vibrant homebrewing community.
The history of the National Homebrew Competition is deeply intertwined with the growth of homebrewing in the United States. Since its inception in 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, with a modest 34 entries, the NHC has evolved into the world’s largest and most enduring homebrew competition. Over its nearly five-decade history, more than 170,000 entries have been meticulously evaluated by experienced judges, each striving to identify and celebrate the pinnacle of homebrewing artistry. This year’s iteration, the 48th annual event, continued this impressive legacy by attracting 3,575 entries from a diverse pool of 1,054 AHA members. These passionate brewers hailed from 46 states across the U.S., as well as Washington, D.C., and seven international countries, underscoring the global reach and appeal of the homebrewing movement.
The rigorous judging process for the 2026 competition began with a First Round of evaluations held across nine strategically located cities throughout the nation. These included San Diego, California; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Longmont, Colorado; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Tampa, Florida. This distributed approach ensured accessibility for brewers across different regions and facilitated efficient initial assessments. Following these regional preliminaries, the top-tier entries advanced to the Final Round, which took place in Asheville, North Carolina, on June 17th and 18th, where the ultimate champions were determined by a distinguished panel of judges.
Most-Entered Style Categories Reflect Brewing Trends
The sheer volume of entries in certain categories offers a fascinating glimpse into current homebrewing trends and popular styles. This year, the competition saw an overwhelming response in several key areas, highlighting the enduring appeal of traditional European lagers and the continued interest in robust Belgian ales.
The most fiercely contested category was Dark European Lager (Table 7), which garnered an impressive 152 entries. This indicates a strong resurgence or sustained interest in the nuanced and often complex world of dark lagers, which require precise temperature control and careful fermentation management. Brewers are clearly embracing styles that demand a deep understanding of malt character, hop balance, and clean fermentation profiles.
Following closely behind, Pale European Beer (Table 2) attracted 137 entries. This category likely encompasses a wide array of popular styles such as Helles, Pilsners, and Kölsch, all of which demand clarity, delicate hop aromatics, and a clean malt backbone. The high number of entries suggests a continued appreciation for the finesse and drinkability of these lighter, yet technically demanding, beers.
Rounding out the top three, Strong Belgian Ale (Table 26) saw 123 entries. This category celebrates the rich and often potent ales originating from Belgium, including Tripels, Dubbels, Quads, and various Saison styles. The significant number of entries reflects a growing confidence among homebrewers to tackle these complex beers, which often involve unique yeast strains, significant malt bills, and careful conditioning to achieve their characteristic depth and complexity.
A comprehensive list of all winners for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition, detailing medalists in every category, is available on the American Homebrewers Association website. This resource serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring homebrewers seeking inspiration and benchmark standards of excellence.
Major Awards Recognize Overall Brewing Excellence
In addition to the category-specific style awards, the NHC also bestows several major awards that celebrate outstanding achievement and dedication across the broader spectrum of homebrewing. These accolades represent the pinnacle of recognition within the competitive homebrewing landscape. While specific details for the "Cidermaker of the Year Award," "Meadmaker of the Year Award," "Brewery of the Year Award," and "Brewer of the Year Award" were not detailed in the initial announcement, these categories typically honor individuals or entities that have demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and innovation across multiple entries or over a sustained period. The "Homebrew Shop of the Year Award" and "Club of the Year Award" similarly recognize organizations that foster and support the homebrewing community.
Charlie Harr, Chair of the National Homebrew Competition, shared his perspective on the caliber of entries this year. "Every year, I continue to be impressed by the rising quality of entries in the National Homebrew Competition," Harr stated. "The creativity, technical skill, and care that homebrewers, meadmakers, and cidermakers bring to this competition is remarkable. Earning a medal at the NHC is an incredible achievement, but every entrant should be proud to have brewed and shared their work on this stage. This competition is the most prestigious in homebrewing, and it is made stronger by the community behind it: the entrants who push the hobby forward, the judges who lend their expertise, and the volunteers who make the competition happen. That shared passion is what makes the AHA and NHC so special." Harr’s sentiments underscore the collaborative spirit and the dedication to quality that define the NHC. The competition not only identifies top brewers but also serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and skill development within the homebrewing community.
Annual Recognition Awards Celebrate Community Builders
Beyond the competitive arena, the American Homebrewers Association uses this platform to acknowledge individuals and organizations that play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the homebrewing ecosystem. These annual recognition awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to support, inspire, and grow the hobby.
The Homebrew Shop of the Year Award is presented to a retail establishment that demonstrates outstanding customer service, a comprehensive selection of quality ingredients and equipment, and a commitment to educating and supporting local homebrewers. Such shops often serve as vital community hubs, fostering connections and providing essential resources for brewers at all levels.
The American Homebrewers Association Advocacy Award is bestowed upon an individual or group that has made significant efforts to promote homebrewing, advocate for favorable legislation, or contribute to the broader understanding and appreciation of homebrewed beverages. This award recognizes those who champion the rights and interests of homebrewers and work to ensure the continued viability and growth of the hobby.
Other potential annual recognition awards, though not explicitly detailed in this release, often include accolades for outstanding club activities, exceptional contributions to homebrewing literature or education, and significant volunteer efforts within the AHA or the wider homebrewing community. These awards highlight the multifaceted nature of the homebrewing world, where technical skill is complemented by a deep commitment to community building and advocacy.
A Collaborative Effort: The NHC’s Supporting Network
The success of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition is a testament to the collective efforts of numerous individuals and organizations. The AHA extended its gratitude to a wide array of contributors, including the generous sponsors whose financial support underpins the event, the dedicated organizers and volunteers at the First Round judging sites across the country, and the countless volunteers who ensured the smooth operation of the Final Round in Asheville.
Special recognition was given to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) for their invaluable expertise in providing a standardized and highly respected judging framework. The Renaissance Hotel in Asheville was acknowledged for hosting the awards ceremony, providing a fitting venue for the celebration. Additionally, Hi-Wire Brewing received thanks for their role in receiving the Final Round entries, a critical logistical component of the competition. These partnerships and contributions are essential to bringing such a large-scale and prestigious event to fruition, year after year.
For media inquiries or requests for high-resolution photos, interested parties are encouraged to contact the American Homebrewers Association directly at [email protected].
About the American Homebrewers Association
Established in 1978, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) operates on a foundation of member-driven values: community, education, joy, and volunteerism. As a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) supporting organization (the A-Ha Foundation), the AHA provides its members with unparalleled resources. These include the esteemed Zymurgy magazine, a wealth of National Homebrew Competition-validated recipes, comprehensive educational materials available on HomebrewersAssociation.org, and exclusive benefits such as AHA Member Deals and the aforementioned Annual Recognition Awards and National Homebrew Competition Awards. The AHA’s mission is to unite and empower homebrewers, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to the art and science of brewing. Membership is open to all who share a passion for homebrewing, and individuals are encouraged to join or renew their commitment to the hobby via the AHA website.
About the National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) serves as a vital platform for homebrewers to gain invaluable feedback on their creations, while simultaneously celebrating the most exceptional examples of beer, mead, and cider crafted by amateurs worldwide. Its origins trace back to 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, when the American Homebrewers Association hosted the very first competition, featuring 34 entries. Since that foundational event, the NHC has experienced exponential growth, with over 170,000 entries evaluated to date. This remarkable trajectory has solidified its status as the largest and most prestigious homebrew competition globally, consistently setting the benchmark for quality and innovation in the amateur brewing world. The NHC not only recognizes individual achievement but also acts as a barometer for the evolving landscape of homebrewing, showcasing emerging trends and the ever-increasing skill of its participants.
