Category: Homebrew Beer
Big Blimp! Barleywine (Big Brew 2025 Official Recipe)
Mash at 150°F (66°C) for 90 min. Target mash pH of 5.3. Batch or fly sparge for 15 to 30 min. Boil 90 min. Begin chilling. Add whirlpool hops when wort reaches 190°F (88°C) and whirlpool 30 minutes while continuing to chill wort to 60–62°F (16–17°F), then aerate and pitch yeast. Dry pitching without rehydration is recommended (more straightforward process, more consistent fermentation performance, and reduced risk of contamination). Ferment 21 days in primary at 60–62°F (16–17°C), then dry hop for 4 days. Keg with 3.5 oz. (99 g) of corn sugar in a simple syrup (mixture of water and sugar, typically 1:1) and allow carbonation to develop over 2 weeks.… Read the rest “Big Blimp! Barleywine (Big Brew 2025 Official Recipe)”
American Homebrewers Association Founder Inducted into American Craft Beer Hall of Fame
We are proud to announce that American Homebrewers Association founder Charlie Papazian was inducted into the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. An integral figure whose contributions helped evolve craft beer in the United States, Papazian is joined by fellow inductees Michael Jackson and Fred Eckhardt into the Advocates and Innovators wing of the Hall of Fame.
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame shared the following about Papazian:
Papazian grew up in New Jersey, and attended the University of Virginia, majoring in Nuclear Engineering. During college, an older neighbor, who learned to homebrew during Prohibition, showed him the ropes, and he was hooked.… Read the rest “American Homebrewers Association Founder Inducted into American Craft Beer Hall of Fame”
January/February 2026 Zymurgy Magazine Now Available
The January/February 2026 Zymurgy highlights the Pro-Am Competition medal winners, legacy breweries, the evolution of West Coast IPA, brewing gadgets, and brewing in Mongolia. Plus 11 recipes!
The post January/February 2026 Zymurgy Magazine Now Available appeared first on American Homebrewers Association.
American Homebrewers Association… Read the rest “January/February 2026 Zymurgy Magazine Now Available”
Holiday Hours Update
The American Homebrewers Association will be closed December 25 through January 1 as our team celebrates the holidays. We’ll be back in the new year, refreshed, recharged and ready for more great homebrewing content! Wishing you a safe, happy holiday season and plenty of good beer!
The post Holiday Hours Update appeared first on American Homebrewers Association.
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Get Ready for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC)
Clear your calendar—the world’s largest and most competitive homebrew competition is gearing up for another epic year. The 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) is officially on the horizon.
2026 marks the NHC’s 48th year, proudly brought to you by the American Homebrewers Association and supported by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). Since 1979, more than 170,000 entries have been judged—each one a snapshot of the creativity, skill, and dedication that define homebrewing.
A New Era, Same Legendary Competition
Since the AHA went independent in July 2025, your new staff—along with volunteer member leaders on the AHA Founding Board and Events Committee—have been giddily working to make the 2026 NHC bigger, better, and bursting with homebrewing glory.… Read the rest “Get Ready for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC)”
Board Nominations Now Open
Serve on the AHA Board
The AHA runs on passionate homebrewers. Board members play a key role in shaping strategy, guiding committees, and keeping the organization member-led and future-focused. If you care about the future of homebrewing, we want you!
Nominate someone or apply now through February 7.
Who Should Be Nominated
We’re looking for AHA members who are:
- Passionate about the AHA’s mission, vision, and strategic direction
- Forward-thinking and open to change
- Knowledgeable and experienced in homebrewing and nonprofit governance
- Comfortable running meetings, setting agendas, and following through
- Collaborative and committed
What Does Board Service Involve?
… Read the rest “Board Nominations Now Open”
NHC 2026 Registration Open through Feb. 25
It’s time–registration is now open for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC)!
2026 marks the NHC’s 48th year, proudly brought to you by the American Homebrewers Association and supported by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). Since 1979, more than 170,000 entries have been judged. Make 2026 your year to go for the gold.
Put your beer, cider, or mead to the test, get invaluable judge feedback from some of the world’s top-level BJCP, Cicerone®, and community judges, and compete for glory and prizes in the largest beer competition on the planet.… Read the rest “NHC 2026 Registration Open through Feb. 25”
Meet Your National Homebrew Competition Chairs
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is excited to announce the new National Homebrew Competition (NHC) chair and deputy chair. The NHC is the most iconic and competitive global competition in beer, mead, and cider with entries to the 2026 NHC opening February 3. Charlie Harr has been named chair, with Jen Pereira serving as deputy chair.
Their leadership marks a significant step forward for the NHC and the AHA as a member-driven association. An overview of their roles is here.
Charlie Harr, NHC Chair
Charlie Harr brings more than 20 years of operations and event management experience, along with a strong passion for brewing education and excellence organizing beer competitions.… Read the rest “Meet Your National Homebrew Competition Chairs”