Brewers Association

10/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/11/2024 12:19

World’s Best Homemade Beer, Cider, and Mead Honored at 46th Annual National Homebrew Competition

150 medals awarded at National Homebrew Competition

DENVER - The American Homebrewers Association ® (AHA)-the national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the hobby of homebrewing-announced the winners of the 2024 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) during the Great American Beer Festival® in Denver, Colo. 150 medals in 50 categories were awarded for the most outstanding homemade beer, mead, and cider. Nine awards recognizing outstanding contributions to homebrewing were also presented.

The NHC is the world's largest stage for amateur homebrewers to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for the craft of fermentation. The 2024 competition received 3,593 entries from 1,179 American Homebrewers Association members across 47 states, Washington, D.C., and 7 countries. In total, 166,303 entries have been evaluated since the inaugural AHA National Homebrew Competition in 1979 in Boulder, Colo.

Most-Entered Style Categories

The winners of the most-entered categories were (Name | Location | Homebrew Club | BJCP Subcategory):

Category 3: Pilsner (194 entries)

  • GOLD: Zachary Kosslow| Pittsburgh, Pa. | Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers | X5
  • SILVER: Jordan Reed | Martinez, Calif. | Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts | 3B
  • BRONZE: Alex Moss | Charlotte, N.C. |Ultra Rare Brewers | 3B

Category 25: Strong Belgian Ale (167 entries)

  • GOLD: Dustin Striplin | Tacoma, Wash. | Browns Point Homebrew Club | 26D
  • SILVER: Duane Jenness | Worcester, Mass. | WIZARDS | 26C
  • BRONZE: Thomas Atkinson | Poway, Calif. | 26B

Category 2: Pale European Beer (153 entries)

  • GOLD: Tim Wang | Carlsbad, Calif. | QUAFF | 5B
  • SILVER: Cheyne Harvey | Gilbert, Ariz. | Arizona Society of Homebrewers | 2A
  • BRONZE: Dustin Striplin | Tacoma, Wash. | Browns Point Homebrew Club | 5A

A complete list of winners of the 2024 National Homebrew Competition can be found here.

Major Awards

In addition to category style awards, six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were presented.

  • Homebrewer of the Year Award - Sponsored by GrogTag
  • Recognizes the best-of-show beer judged from all gold medal winners in all beer categories.
  • Randy Daniels with KC McKinney | Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Cidermaker of the Year Award - Sponsored by Woodchuck Hard Cider
  • Recognizes the best-of-show cider judged from all gold medal winners in the cider categories.
  • Michael Wilcox | Wichita, Kan.
  • Meadmaker of the Year Award - Sponsored by Redstone Meadery
  • Recognizes the best-of-show mead judged from all gold medal winners in the mead categories.
  • Michael Wilcox | Wichita, Kan.
  • Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award - Sponsored by Samuel Adams
  • Recognizes the entrant who accumulates the most points in the final round of competition.
  • Jarrett Long with John Bates | Arlington, Texas
  • Gambrinus Club Award
  • Recognizes the club garnering the most final round points per total club entries.
  • Rock Hoppers Brew Club | Castle Rock, Colo.
  • Homebrew Club of the Year Award - Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
  • Awarded to the club accumulating the most total points in all categories of beer, mead, and cider in the final round of competition.
  • QUAFF | San Diego, Calif.

"This year's winners set the standard for excellence in fermentation," said Chris Williams, competition director. "Our judges were captivated by a diverse range of flavors and styles. Each year we are impressed by the dedication, innovation, and skill AHA members bring to this competition. Congratulations to the 2024 winners!"

View previous award winners here.

Annual Recognition Awards

The AHA also recognized people and organizations that inspire, defend, and innovate within the homebrewing community:

  • Homebrew Shop of the Year Award - Sponsored by BSG HandCraft
  • Awarded to homebrew supply shops on the merits of community support, education, customer service and engagement, promotion of homebrewing, and responsible business practices.
  • Great Fermentations Beer & Wine Supplies | Indianapolis, Ind.
  • American Homebrewers Association Committee Recognition Award
  • Awarded for outstanding service to the community of homebrewers.
  • Brad Smith of BeerSmith | Clifton, Va.
  • Member Deal of the Year Award
  • Awarded to the most popular AHA Member Deal based on votes from AHA members.
  • Tie: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery | Milton, Del. & Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. | Chico, Calif.

"Our deepest gratitude and admiration to the AHA members who entered the NHC, our Beer Judge Certification Program judges, sponsors, and competition volunteers who made the competition a resounding success. Cheers and congratulations to the 2024 winners," said Julia Herz, AHA executive director.

Subscribe to the newsletter for updates about next year's events here.

Editor's note: Photos for media use are available upon request.

The 2024 National Homebrew Competition was made possible in part by the generous support of sponsors.

About the American Homebrewers Association®

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 30,000 homebrewers. The AHA organizes events, including the National Homebrew Competition, Big Brew for National Homebrew Day, and Learn to Homebrew Day. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy®, the longest-running magazine for homebrewers. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association®, whose Brewers Publications® division is the largest publisher of contemporary brewing literature for professional brewers, homebrewers, and beer enthusiasts.

Beer lovers, fermentation fans, and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Instagram and join us on Facebook.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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