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(Courtesy American Homebrewers Association)
While many of us were rehabbing from SAVOR in DC last weekend, another important national beer event was taking place in Pittsburgh. The American Homebrewers Association, the national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the hobby of homebrewing, announced the winners of the 2022 National Homebrew Competition.
Winners of the world’s largest amateur homebrew competition in the world were recognized for the most outstanding homemade beer, mead, and cider.
And 132 medals in 44 categories were awarded to amateur brewers at an awards ceremony Saturday evening during the 44th annual Homebrew Con.
This year’s competition saw more than 2,940 entries from 1,187 homebrewers located in 48 states, Washington, DC, and seven countries.
And we’ve all the highlights.
(Courtesy American Homebrewers Association)
MOST-ENTERED STYLE CATEGORIES
The winners of the most-entered categories were:
Category 3: Pilsner (146 entries)
GOLD: Doug Brown, San Diego, Calif.
SILVER: Larry Bentley, North Plainfield, N.J.
BRONZE: Zach Kosslow, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Category 26: Strong Belgian Ale (124 entries)
GOLD: Joseph Belevender, Warren, Mich.
SILVER: Mark Beck, Portland, Ore.
BRONZE: Brian Lasure, Highlands, N.C.
Category 17: American IPA (117 entries)
GOLD: Max Brown, Antioch, Calif.
SILVER: Mike Bulter, Stephanie Butler, Olathe, Kan.
BRONZE: Eric Bridges, Chula Vista, Calif.
Category 28: Fruit Beer (113 entries)
GOLD: Chico Milani, Florianópolis, Brazil
SILVER: John Spinella, New Hartford, N.Y.
BRONZE: Joseph Daly, Garden City, N.Y.
(Courtesy American Homebrewers Association)
MAJOR AWARDS
In addition to category style awards, six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were presented.
Homebrewer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Muntons Malted Ingredients
Recognizes the best-of-show beer judged from all gold medal winners in all beer categories.
Brian Phillips, Nora Springs, Iowa, Iowa/Minn. Society of Brewers (IAMNSOB)
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., Kansas City Bier Meisters
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.
Allen Martin, Gilbert, Ariz., Arizona Society of Homebrewers
Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award – Sponsored by Samuel Adams
Recognizes the entrant who accumulates the most points in the final round of competition.
Timothy Lambert, Albuquerque, N.M.
Gambrinus Club Award – Sponsored by LD Carlson
Recognizes the club garnering the most final round points per total club entries.
Keepers of Craft, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Homebrew Club of the Year Award – Sponsored by Canada Malting | Great Western Malting
Awarded to the club accumulating the most total points in all categories of beer, mead, and cider in the final round of competition.
Kansas City Bier Meisters, Kansas City, Mo.
“Homebrewing makes life more delicious and this year’s award winners set the standard for community stewardship and brewing and fermentation excellence,” said Julia Herz, AHA executive director. “Cheers and congratulations to all the winners.”
A complete list of winners of the 2022 National Homebrew Competition can be found here. The 45th annual Homebrew Con will take place June 22-24, 2023, in San Diego, CA.
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(All Image credits: American Homebrewers Association)
