AirbnBeers: Breweries with Hotels, Inns, Camping and More

If there’s one thing we craft beer lovers enjoy more than a day at the brewery, it’s an overnight stay at one. Having a bed to crash in after a day of sipping beers is one thing – but in many cases, breweries that offer lodging are also giving guests the chance to have an immersive experience that’s all about the beer. From brewery hotels to campgrounds, quirky Airbnbs to luxurious resorts, this is your all-inclusive guide to planning your craft beer weekend getaway – and pretty much every beer vacation to come.… Read the rest “AirbnBeers: Breweries with Hotels, Inns, Camping and More”

Spreading the Gospel of Lager

While many beer enthusiasts have been waiting for the promised craft lager takeover, the rise of Pilsner, and the elevation of bottom-fermented beverages, there is little evidence that 2022 will be remembered as that year.

As the dominant beer style, IPA continues to monopolize draught boards and beer coolers alike, while spawning new substyles. Meanwhile, lager styles find their way into the hearts and minds of the faithful one sip at a time through their diversity, drinkability, and adaptability.

“Lager” refers to any beer fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast, whereas IPA has a more stringent set of identifying characteristics.… Read the rest “Spreading the Gospel of Lager”

What’s New for the 2023 National Homebrew Competition 

By Chris Williams, National Homebrew Competition Director 

With each new year comes excitement about the future of the National Homebrew Competition (NHC)—the world’s largest amateur homebrew competition for celebrating the most outstanding beer, mead, and cider.

As the new year approaches, we are pleased to share our  2023 NHC plans, which include a return to the First Round regional judging sites, changes to entry feedback, and a shift to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

We will email you when the 2023 NHC Rules & Regulations are published next month before registration opens January 24-31.Read the rest “What’s New for the 2023 National Homebrew Competition ”

Form & Function: Brewery Visits with an Architect

Visiting a new brewery is a joyous experience. There is an exciting sense of anticipation in getting to try a new beer style or flavor. As an architect, I am particularly drawn to breweries that provide a front row seat to the brewing operation from the taproom. I find it an immersive experience when there is a strong physical or visual connection between the two.

There are some excellent examples you can visit throughout the country. The following list is not exhaustive but illustrates a few breweries and brewpubs that have sought to celebrate the brewing process through their architectural design.… Read the rest “Form & Function: Brewery Visits with an Architect”

2023 Pause of AHA Governing Committee Elections

by Shawna Cormier, American Homebrewers Association (AHA) Governing Committee Chair, and Julia Herz AHA Executive Director

The American Homebrewers Association has paused the 2023 Governing Committee (GC) election, and current GC members slated to term out in 2023 were given the option to extend their term for one additional year. The request to pause our 2023 elections came from Executive Director Julia Herz and was approved by the GC.

It’s a unique step for unique times and a direct result of the GC’s work interrupted by COVID-19. This doesn’t mean you can’t participate or lead at the AHA.… Read the rest “2023 Pause of AHA Governing Committee Elections”

10 Beers Best Enjoyed at the Source

While the pandemic and its related challenges have lingered, there are some hopeful signs for beer enthusiasts and travelers in 2022. The Craft Brewers Conference is currently scheduled for an in-person event in Minneapolis in May, and the Great American Beer Festival is poised to celebrate its 40th anniversary October 6–8 in Denver. As states reopen at different intervals and welcome tourists back, a few can’t-miss opportunities for beer travelers have become possible again. Here’s a top 10 list of coveted beers that mirror the spirit and history of their local community, and are best enjoyed near the breweries that crafted them.… Read the rest “10 Beers Best Enjoyed at the Source”

Members, Save on Cicerone Certification Program

American Homebrewers Association members receive exclusive savings with the Cicerone Certification Program. Take 20% off all Cicerone study materials, including off-flavor kits*, BeerSavvy® Online (includes the Certified Beer Server exam!), Road to Cicerone Courses, Flash Cards, and more.

Here’s how to redeem this deal:

  • Email info@cicerone.org with a copy of your active AHA membership card with “AHA Discount Request” in the subject line.
    • Digital membership cards are accessible under your account profile. Choose “My Account” and then “Membership Card” in the upper right corner of the AHA website.
Read the rest “Members, Save on Cicerone Certification Program”