In my first Zymurgy Director’s Cut column, May/June 2022, I shared the fact that I’ve been reading Zymurgy religiously since the 1990s, when the stars aligned, the universe spoke, and the one and only Charlie Papazian, co-founder of the American Homebrewers Association, picked my name out of a top hat to win an AHA membership. I’ve been an AHA member ever since.
Right before that immaculate moment, I had been struggling to sneak peeks of judges and stewards in action as I floated through the hallway that housed both the hidden goings-on of competition sorting and judging, as well as the restrooms, at a Beaver Creek, Colo., beer festival. While stewards properly poured and judges sniffed and sipped, this scrappy homebrewer was desperate for a glimpse of anything or anyone who could help me become a beer judge. Needless to say, that day put me on a trajectory that has manifested itself in epic proportions.
There have been so many milestones since: countless homebrews, brewery tours, beer festivals, and brewing friends—friends who feel like family—achieving Advanced Cicerone certification, gaining 145 combined points in the Beer Judge Certification Program, and winning a silver medal in the 2003 National Homebrew Competition for my husband’s and my old ale. In support of each of these achievements has been my membership in the AHA. Without a doubt, I am a more confident, consistent, and credible brewer and beer judge because I’m part of the AHA, and I’m guessing many of you feel the same way.
My philosophy is that beer and other beverages are an essential part of the daily human experience and of the gastronomic world of art. We beer lovers are beyond needing food for calories; we drink to quench a higher thirst. We brew and drink because it is satisfying, relaxing, rewarding, and challenging. Our hobby allows us to delve deeper into science, art, culinary exploration, engineering, physics, chemistry, geography, agriculture, history/herstory, and knowing more about ourselves and each other.
Tied to that, homebrewing is shopping at our local supply store, brewing on the stove or in our garage, watching high kraeusen in the carboy, and then sharing that beer with neighbors, family, and friends, whether they’re celebrating or grieving. It’s personal, visceral, and deeply human. As brewers, fermenters, and sometimes even home distillers, we nurture and expand the roots of who brews and how it is enjoyed.
During my time on this planet, I’ve worn a hose clamp as a ring on my right hand. I’ve done this for many, many years, proudly saying to the world: I’m a homebrewer. We’re part of beer, mead, and cider’s most loyal fans and advocates, and are the beverages’ direct line to innovation and education. Always along the way, the AHA has been there. The AHA is the most authoritative one-stop shop, delivering unmatched reasons, recipes, resources, and rewards for homebrewers.
Today, we have the chance to create a more informed, passionate, and innovative community: one brew day, one Zymurgy magazine, one recipe published on HomebrewersAssociation.org, one AHA member, sponsor, advertiser, and donor to AHA’s new A-Ha Foundation at a time. I am honored and so appreciative to benefit from and advance, along with each of you, both homebrewing and the national association.
Let’s keep a good thing going for generations to come. The bottom line: When we elevate homebrewing, we elevate beer and ourselves. Baked into the DNA of this incredible community is each and every homebrewer who has been a member, including yours truly. What a gift and a joy indeed.
The AHA’s Vision: A homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community.
Julia Herz is executive director of the American Homebrewers Association, an Advanced Cicerone®, a Certified BJCP Judge, a Certified Association Executive (CAE), an author, and a homebrewer. You can follow Julia’s homebrew adventures on Instagram @ImmaculateFermentation.
The post Director’s Cut: A Little More About My Journey, Thanks to the AHA appeared first on American Homebrewers Association.