National Homebrew Competition Crowns a Female Winner

by The Drink Nation on Jul 1, 2013 in Beer
National Homebrew Competition Crowns a Female Winner

For the first time in more than 30 years, the best homebrewer in the US is a woman. The American Homebrewers Association just wrapped up its annual meeting, during which the National Homebrew Competition finals took place. Annie Johnson earned title of AHA Homebrewer of the Year for her Lite American Lager.

Just as unusual as a woman taking home the top prize is that it was for a lager, a style of beer that’s much more difficult to create than the usual homebrewed ales. And even more interesting is that the lager was billed as “Lite,” long a negative buzz term used when deriding Big Beer. The craft beer movement is changing with the times, and this proves that you no longer have to ramp up the ABV and IBU counts for your beer to win acclaim.

More than 2,150 homebrewers entered the AHA’s initial competition this year, and preliminary rounds were held at 11 regional sites around the country earlier this year. The top three entries in each of 28 style categories went on to the finals, and 894 beers were judged last week at the conference, held this year in Philadelphia.

Other top homebrewers this year were Tavish Sullivan, who won Cidermaker of the Year  and Mark Tanner, who garnered the Meadmaker of the Year nod. Pennsylvania’s David Barber won the Nikasi Award — given to the winningest homebrewer, in this case gold medals in both the Strong Ale and German Wheat and Rye Beer categories.

Homebrewing has taken off since an enforced lull after Prohibition. When Charie Papaizan and the nascent AHA held the first contest in Boulder, CO, in 1979, only 34 beers were entered. This spring, Alabama became the last state to legalize homebrewing, and the movement continues to grow. The American Homebrewers Association now has more than 37,000 members, who can join for as little as $38 per year. Find out more about AHA membership here.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close