The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) annual conference HomebrewCon and national homebrew competition was folded into the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado this year. The controversial decision to combine events was presented as a series of workshops and events including a homebrew club pavilion open to AHA members only at GABF. The main event however, was the National Homebrew Competition on Thursday, October 10th, where 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 controversy surrounded the decision to no longer give HomebrewCon it’s own dates and standalone convention which would typically travel around to different cities each year. By combining it with the GABF, the Brewers Association and sister non-profit AHA were able to shrink costs and ultimately bolster the flagging festival. Many homebrewers objected to this decision which arguably diminishes the homebrewing community and industry.

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 hereOpens in new window.

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. 

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