Asheville, N.C. | June 20, 2026 – The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA), the preeminent national nonprofit dedicated to fostering and advancing the art and science of homebrewing, has officially announced the distinguished winners of its 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC). The prestigious awards ceremony, a highlight of the annual Homebrew Con, took place in the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina, celebrating the pinnacle of homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. This year’s competition saw a remarkable 120 medals awarded across 40 diverse categories, alongside special accolades for eight individuals, clubs, shops, or organizations whose contributions have significantly enriched the homebrewing community.
The history of the National Homebrew Competition is deeply intertwined with the growth of the homebrewing movement itself. Inaugurated 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, a testament to the enduring passion and expanding reach of homebrewing enthusiasts across the globe. The 2026 iteration continued this legacy, attracting 3,575 entries from an impressive 1,054 AHA members spanning 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and an additional seven countries, underscoring the international appeal and competitive spirit of the hobby.
The journey to the final awards in Asheville began with a rigorous multi-stage judging process. First Round entries were evaluated at nine strategically located sites across the United States, including San Diego, California; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Longmont, Colorado; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Tampa, Florida. This widespread distribution ensured accessibility and reduced travel burdens for participants, while also leveraging regional expertise. The most exceptional entries then advanced to the Final Round, where they were subjected to the keen palates and critical assessments of a distinguished panel of judges in Asheville on June 17-18, 2026.
Most-Entered Style Categories Reflect Brewing Trends
The sheer volume of entries in certain categories provides valuable insights into current homebrewing trends and popular styles. In 2026, the competition saw an overwhelming response in several key areas, highlighting the dedication of brewers to classic and emerging styles.
The category for Dark European Lager (Table 7) emerged as the most highly contested, drawing a remarkable 152 entries. This indicates a strong and sustained interest in the nuanced and often technically demanding world of dark lagers, from malty Bock styles to crisp Dunkels. The precision required to achieve the clean fermentation and balanced malt profiles characteristic of these beers makes success a significant achievement for homebrewers.
Following closely behind, the Pale European Beer (Table 2) category garnered 137 entries. This broad category likely encompasses a range of styles such as Helles, Pilsners, and Kölsch, all of which demand a delicate balance of malt, hop, and yeast character. The high number of entries suggests a widespread appreciation for the clean, refreshing, and subtly complex nature of these foundational European beer styles.
Rounding out the top three, Strong Belgian Ale (Table 26) captivated 123 homebrewers. The diverse and complex flavor profiles of Belgian beers, from the fruity esters of Trappist ales to the spicy phenols of saisons, present a significant challenge and reward for brewers. The robust number of entries here points to a continued fascination with the intricate fermentation characteristics and high alcohol content that define these iconic brews.
A comprehensive list detailing all category winners and their achievements is available for public review on the American Homebrewers Association website.
Major Awards Recognize Overall Brewing Excellence
Beyond individual style accolades, the NHC bestows several highly coveted major awards that celebrate the overall skill and dedication of homebrewers across broader disciplines. These awards recognize consistently high performance and a mastery of craft that extends beyond a single beer style. While the specific winners of these major awards were not detailed in the provided information, the categories themselves underscore the breadth of recognition provided by the competition. These typically include awards such as "Brewer of the Year," "Meadmaker of the Year," and "Cidermaker of the Year," acknowledging the top talents in each of these distinct brewing and fermenting arts. The "Brewer of the Year" award, in particular, is often presented to a brewer who has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency across multiple winning entries throughout the competition. The "Cidermaker of the Year Award" and "Meadmaker of the Year Award" highlight the burgeoning popularity and increasing sophistication of these fermented beverages within the homebrewing community.
Charlie Harr, Chair of the National Homebrew Competition, shared his perspective on the event’s significance and the caliber of entries received. "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 remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit and the dedication that fuels the competition, underscoring its role not just as a contest, but as a cornerstone of the homebrewing ecosystem.
Annual Recognition Awards Celebrate Community Builders
In addition to celebrating brewing prowess, the AHA also uses the platform of Homebrew Con to honor individuals and organizations that play a vital role in nurturing and expanding the homebrewing community. These annual recognition awards shine a spotlight on those who contribute beyond the brewing kettle, fostering education, advocacy, and access to resources.
The Homebrew Shop of the Year Award recognizes a retail establishment that consistently provides excellent customer service, a comprehensive selection of quality ingredients and equipment, and actively supports local homebrewing activities and education. Such shops often serve as hubs for the homebrewing community, offering valuable advice and fostering a sense of camaraderie among enthusiasts.
The American Homebrewers Association Advocacy Award is presented to an individual, club, or organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of homebrewers. This can include efforts related to legislative advocacy, public education about homebrewing, or promoting responsible brewing practices. These advocates are crucial in ensuring that the hobby can continue to thrive and grow.
Further details on the recipients of these significant community awards for 2026 would typically be announced during the Homebrew Con festivities, celebrating their unique contributions to the broader homebrewing landscape.
A Collaborative Effort: Thank You to Sponsors and Volunteers
The success of an event of this magnitude is a testament to the collective efforts of many. The 2026 National Homebrew Competition was made possible through the generous support of a diverse array of sponsors, the dedication of First Round judging sites and their organizers, and the invaluable contributions of numerous volunteers who ensured the smooth execution of the Final Round. The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) played a critical role in ensuring the judging standards were met with expertise and consistency. Special acknowledgment was also extended to The Renaissance Hotel for hosting the awards ceremony, providing a fitting venue for celebrating the achievements, and to Hi-Wire Brewing for their logistical support in receiving the Final Round entries. These partnerships and the unwavering commitment of the homebrewing community are the bedrock upon which the NHC stands.
Media representatives seeking high-resolution images for publication are encouraged to contact the American Homebrewers Association at [email protected].
About the American Homebrewers Association®
Established in 1978, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) operates on a foundation of community, education, joy, and volunteerism, guided by its dedicated membership. The AHA provides its members with unparalleled resources, including the acclaimed Zymurgy® magazine, a vast repository of National Homebrew Competition-validated recipes, extensive online resources at HomebrewersAssociation.org, and exclusive member benefits such as AHA Member Deals and access to prestigious awards. The organization functions as both a 501(c)(6) membership association and a 501(c)(3) supporting organization, the A-Ha Foundation, enabling a broad spectrum of activities aimed at promoting and protecting homebrewing. Enthusiasts are invited to join the AHA and become part of this vibrant community.
About the National Homebrew Competition
The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) serves as a vital platform for homebrewers to receive constructive feedback on their creations while simultaneously identifying and celebrating the world’s most outstanding homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. The competition’s origins trace back to 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, where the first AHA National Homebrew Competition featured 34 entries. Since its inception, the NHC has evolved significantly, evaluating over 170,000 entries and cementing its status as the preeminent and most comprehensive homebrew competition globally. Its rigorous judging process and broad participation ensure that the winners represent the highest standards of the craft, inspiring countless homebrewers worldwide to refine their skills and pursue brewing excellence.
