Find links to all the web pages mentioned in the January/February 2023 issue of Zymurgy magazine.

About Zymurgy Magazine

Zymurgy is the bi-monthly journal for members of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). All issues of Zymurgy magazine through the year 2000 can be accessed digitally online or with your smartphone device.

Join the AHA for a Zymurgy magazine subscription and to enjoy other member benefits!

Now on Tap

• crowood.com
• WhiteLabs.com
• SiebelInstitute.com
• Radegast Award nomination page

Director’s Cut

• HomebrewCon.org
• HomebrewersAssociation.org/news/brewers-association-continues-efforts-to-legalize-usps-shipping-of-alcohol/
• AHA Governing Committee
• BrewersAssociation.org

Dear Zymurgy

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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”

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 ”

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”

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”

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”

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.

• Please create a Cicerone account on their website prior to requesting the discount.

Breweries are finding creative ways to keep patios open in the heart of winter

Winter usually signals the end of patio season, but for numerous breweries—even those in places where the temperature routinely plummets below freezing—that season is now year-round. While the pandemic pushed some breweries to get creative to keep guests safe, others already had plans in the works to appeal to hearty beer drinkers who enjoy the outdoors.

Regardless of the reason, keeping patios open in winter has become a wise business strategy. These four breweries are giving beer lovers a space to drink outdoors when the mercury dips.… Read the rest “Pints & Patios: The New Winter Pairing”