Competitions

Homebrew competitions provide homebrewers with valuable feedback on their brews from trained beer judges.

While some homebrewers enter competitions to win awards, others enter to get an unbiased, objective analysis of their entry. Let’s face it, you may think your beer tastes great, and your friends may say it tastes pretty good, but how would an unbiased judge describe it in a blind tasting?

Ultimately, entering competitions will make you a better brewer. Judges’ feedback can give you information about your sanitation procedures, ingredients, brewing process, and/or your recipe formulation. You may even take home some ribbons or medals!

AHA National Homebrew Competition (NHC)

The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) is the world's largest beer competition. NHC has two rounds of judging: the First Round takes place at eleven regional sites in the U.S. during two weeks in April. The Final Round takes place during the National Homebrewers Conference in June.

AHA Club-Only Competition (COC)

Club-Only Competitions consist of six limited-style competitions per year. Only AHA-registered homebrew clubs can enter, with only one entry per club per competition. All COC's are hosted by AHA-registered homebrew clubs.

Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition

In recognition of the close ties between America's professional and amateur brewing communities, the Brewers Association and the American Homebrewers Association host the Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition, where professional and amature brewers pair up to produce a beer together.

AHA/BJCP Sanctioned Competitions

Check the AHA/BJCP Sanctioned Competition Calendar to find competitions in which to enter and/or volunteer.