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 homebrew competitions 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 from a competition 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 world's largest beer competition. This competition has two rounds of judging. The First Round judging takes place at 9 regional sites in the USA during two weeks in April. The Final Round judging takes place during the National Homebrewers Conference in June. See National Homebrew Competition for more information.

AHA Club-Only Competition (COC)

Six (6) limited-style competitions per year.  Only AHA-registered homebrew clubs can enter, with only one (1) entry per club per competition.  All AHA Club-Only Competitions 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 are pleased to present the Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition.

AHA/BJCP Sanctioned Competitions

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