National Homebrew Competition

The National Homebrew Competition (NHC) gives homebrewers a chance to receive invaluable feedback on their entries and also recognizes the most outstanding, world-class homebrewed beer, mead, and cider. In 1979, 34 entries competed in the first American Homebrewers Association (AHA) National Homebrew Competition held in Boulder, Colorado. Since 1979, more than 170,000 entries have been evaluated, and the NHC has become the largest homebrew competition in the world.

Interested in sponsoring and exhibiting? Contact Kian Zozobrado of the AHA at partnerships@homebrewersassociation.org.

Registration is Feb. 3, 10 AM MT through Feb. 25, 8 AM MT

For registration details, see our Compete page.

AHA membership is required to enter. Join or renew here. Membership must be active from the date you register through the NHC Final Round Awards Ceremony on June 20 (Final Round Awards). 

Hotel Details

Hotel options for the NHC Final Round and Awards Ceremony can be found on the Homebrew Con website.

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First Round Judging Sites

Registration will be available at each site on February 3.

Final Round & Awards

Hurry–the 2026 National Homebrew Competition registration is open from February 3 through February 25. Register at your preferred First Round site above.

Competition Updates