Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA), the esteemed national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and celebration of homebrewing, has officially unveiled the champions of its 48th National Homebrew Competition (NHC). The prestigious awards ceremony, a highlight of the annual Homebrew Con, took place this evening in the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina, bringing together passionate homebrewers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across the globe. This year’s competition saw a record-breaking number of entries, underscoring the burgeoning popularity and evolving sophistication of the homebrewing craft.
A total of 120 coveted medals were distributed across an impressive 40 distinct categories, meticulously recognizing the finest examples of homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. Beyond the individual brewing accolades, the NHC also paid tribute to eight individuals, clubs, shops, or organizations that have demonstrably enriched and advanced the homebrewing community through their dedication and contributions. These annual recognition awards serve to highlight the diverse ecosystem that supports and propels the hobby forward.
The lineage of the AHA National Homebrew Competition stretches back to its inaugural event in 1979, held in Boulder, Colorado. Since its inception, the competition has evolved into a cornerstone of the homebrewing world, meticulously evaluating an astounding cumulative total of over 170,000 entries. This remarkable history solidifies the NHC’s status as the world’s largest and longest-running homebrew competition, a testament to its enduring significance and the unwavering passion of its participants.
The 2026 iteration of this esteemed competition garnered significant participation, with 3,575 entries submitted by 1,054 dedicated AHA members. These submissions hailed from 46 states across the United States, as well as Washington, D.C., and seven international countries, reflecting the global reach and appeal of homebrewing. The diverse geographical origins of the entries highlight the universal language of fermentation and the shared pursuit of brewing excellence.
The rigorous judging process for the 2026 NHC commenced with First Round evaluations conducted simultaneously in nine strategically located cities across the nation: San Diego, California; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Longmont, Colorado; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Tampa, Florida. This multi-city approach ensures accessibility and reduces travel burdens for participants while maintaining a consistent standard of evaluation. The most exceptional brews from these initial rounds then advanced to the Final Round, where they were meticulously judged from June 17th to 18th in Asheville, North Carolina, culminating in today’s celebratory awards ceremony.
Most-Entered Style Categories Reflect Brewing Trends
Analysis of the 2026 competition data reveals fascinating insights into the current trends and preferences within the homebrewing community. The sheer volume of entries in certain categories provides a snapshot of styles that are currently capturing the imagination and brewing prowess of homebrewers.
The category attracting the largest number of entries was Dark European Lager (Table 7), with a formidable 152 submissions. This indicates a strong and sustained interest in the nuanced complexities and refined character of traditional European lagers, from the malty depth of Dunkels to the crispness of Schwarzbiers. Homebrewers are clearly embracing the challenge of mastering these often subtle yet technically demanding styles.
Following closely, Pale European Beer (Table 2) garnered 137 entries. This broad category likely encompasses a wide array of beloved styles such as Pilsners, Helles, and Kölsch, demonstrating a continued appreciation for clean, well-balanced, and hop-forward lagers and ales. The popularity of these styles suggests a focus on foundational brewing techniques and the subtle interplay of malt and hops.
Rounding out the top three, Strong Belgian Ale (Table 26) saw 123 entries. This category speaks to the adventurous spirit of homebrewers, as Belgian styles are often characterized by their complexity, unique yeast profiles, and higher alcohol content. From robust Dubbels and Tripels to the potent Quadrupels, these beers represent a significant technical and creative undertaking. The high entry count signifies a growing confidence and skill set within the homebrewing community to tackle these challenging yet rewarding brews.
The complete and comprehensive list of winners for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition is available for public review on the American Homebrewers Association website, providing a valuable resource for aspiring homebrewers and enthusiasts seeking inspiration and benchmarks of excellence.
Major Awards Recognize Overall Brewing Excellence
In addition to the individual style category awards, the NHC bestows six major accolades that celebrate the pinnacle of brewing achievement across different facets of the hobby. These awards recognize brewers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and innovation. While the original text provided placeholders for these specific winners, the significance of these awards lies in their acknowledgment of brewers who have reached the apex of their craft. These major awards typically include categories such as Brewer of the Year, Meadmaker of the Year, and Cidermaker of the Year, alongside others that highlight outstanding contributions to specific beer styles or overall brewing philosophy.
Charlie Harr, Chair of the National Homebrew Competition, articulated the profound impression made by this year’s participants. "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."
His sentiments underscore the collaborative spirit and the dedication to quality that define the NHC. The competition serves not only as a platform for recognition but also as a vital educational tool, providing constructive feedback that helps brewers refine their techniques and expand their brewing horizons.
Annual Recognition Awards Celebrate Community Pillars
The American Homebrewers Association also uses the platform of Homebrew Con to honor individuals and organizations that play a pivotal role in fostering the growth, support, and inspiration of the homebrewing community. These annual recognition awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to champion the hobby.
The Homebrew Shop of the Year Award celebrates a retail establishment that consistently provides exceptional products, knowledgeable advice, and a welcoming environment for homebrewers. Such shops are often vital hubs for local brewing communities, offering essential ingredients, equipment, and a space for shared passion and learning. Their dedication is instrumental in enabling new and experienced brewers alike to pursue their craft.
The American Homebrewers Association Advocacy Award recognizes an individual, club, or organization that has made significant contributions to advocating for the rights and interests of homebrewers, whether at the local, state, or national level. This can include efforts related to legislative advocacy, public education about homebrewing, or promoting responsible brewing practices. Their work ensures that the hobby can continue to thrive and evolve.
Additional recognition awards may also be presented, honoring outstanding volunteers, educators, or media contributors who have demonstrably advanced the cause of homebrewing through their selfless efforts and dedication.
A Collective Effort: Thank You to the NHC Contributors
The successful execution of the 2026 National Homebrew Competition is a testament to the collective effort of numerous individuals and organizations. The AHA extended its profound gratitude to its generous sponsors, whose financial support is crucial for underwriting the competition’s extensive operations. Special acknowledgment was given to the dedicated organizers and volunteers at the nine First Round judging sites, who meticulously managed the initial stages of the evaluation process. The volunteers who contributed their time and expertise to the Final Round judging in Asheville were also lauded for their commitment.
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) was recognized for its invaluable role in providing a standardized framework for judging and ensuring the consistent quality of evaluations. The Renaissance Hotel was thanked for hosting the awards ceremony, providing a fitting venue for celebrating the achievements of the homebrewing community. Furthermore, Hi-Wire Brewing received appreciation for graciously hosting the Final Round entries, offering their facilities to support the competition’s logistical needs. These collaborations are indispensable to bringing the NHC to life each year.
For media inquiries and requests for high-resolution photos suitable for publication, interested parties are encouraged to contact the AHA directly at [email protected].
About the American Homebrewers Association®
Established in 1978, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is a member-driven organization founded on the core principles of community, education, joy, and volunteerism. The AHA provides its members with unparalleled resources, including the acclaimed Zymurgy® magazine, a vast collection of National Homebrew Competition-validated recipes, practical brewing resources available on HomebrewersAssociation.org, and exclusive member benefits such as AHA Member Deals and access to Annual Recognition Awards and National Homebrew Competition Awards. The AHA operates as a dual entity, functioning as both a 501(c)(6) membership organization and a 501(c)(3) supporting organization, the A-Ha Foundation, allowing for a broad spectrum of activities and support for the homebrewing community. Individuals interested in joining this vibrant community are encouraged to visit homebrewersassociation.org/membership/join-or-renew/.
About the National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) serves as a premier platform for homebrewers to gain invaluable feedback on their creations and to earn recognition for their mastery of brewing beer, mead, and cider. Its origins trace back to 1979, when the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organized its first competition in Boulder, Colorado, featuring 34 entries. Over the subsequent decades, the NHC has experienced exponential growth, evaluating more than 170,000 entries and establishing itself as the preeminent homebrew competition globally. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its commitment to fostering brewing excellence and celebrating the ingenuity of homebrewers worldwide.
