Welcome
In the spirit of openness and accountability, the Brewers Association Annual Report offers our members and the greater brewing community an inside look at our work over the past year. In 2024, Brewers Association staff—supported by countless members, volunteers, and partners—strove to fulfill our purpose: promoting and protecting American craft brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. To see how we made that happen, we invite you to grab a beer and dig into this report. 🍻
A Message From the CEO
Protecting & Promoting Breweries
Government Affairs
The brewing industry is facing significant challenges, making the work of the Brewers Association’s Government Affairs team more critical than ever. From building relationships with lawmakers to collaborating with other segments of the craft beverage alcohol industry, the team has been at the forefront of strategic engagement to secure a bright future for the brewing community.
At the heart of government affairs lies the strength of relationships. Brewers Association staff and members continue to cultivate strong connections with legislative champions, build new partnerships in an ever-changing legislative environment, bolster coalitions of support, and educate new policymakers about small and independent breweries.
In June, 100 brewery representatives, guild leaders, and allied trade members from across the country joined BA staff for the annual hill climb in Washington, D.C. Key discussion topics included support for the United States Postal Service (USPS) Shipping Equity Act, funding requests for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, hops and barley research, brewing industry supply chains, and more.
Expand the sections below to learn more about our work on critical issues affecting small and independent brewers.
As the primary federal regulator of most beer products, the TTB has an enormous impact on small and independent brewers. In 2024, the TTB kept Brewers Association staff busy on several projects.
Early in the year the TTB announced plans for “listening sessions” (basically hearings) and the solicitation of written comments on potential new labeling rules. Possible regulations under consideration would mandate label disclosure of:
- Major food allergens
- Alcohol content (already mandated for distilled spirits and most wines)
- Certain nutritional information
- Ingredients
The BA staff testified at the listening sessions and submitted written comments to the TTB. Our messaging stressed the need to avoid imposing undue burdens on small producers and small-batch products. Of paramount importance is to preserve brewer flexibility, protect innovation, and not favor large producers whose large-batch products enjoy economies of scale.
2024 also saw the TTB re-open a rulemaking on possible changes to “standards of fill,” which restrict container sizes used for distilled spirits and wines regulated under the TTB’s Federal Alcohol Administration Act authority. The primary reason behind re-opening comments on this issue was the increasing popularity of certain can sizes (especially 16- and 19.2-ounce) for packing hard cider and spirits-based cocktails, often used by craft brewers. After studying the issue and seeking member feedback, the BA opted to stay neutral on this rulemaking.
December brought a holiday gift from the TTB in the form of an Industry Circular exempting 24 more ingredients from the TTB’s mandatory formula submission and approval requirements. Prompted by petitions submitted by the BA in 2021 and 2023, the TTB’s Industry Circular extends our track record of reducing paperwork burdens on brewers.
During the year we also met regularly with TTB staff and welcomed their participation at the Craft Brewers Conference® and BrewExpo America®.
The process for reviewing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans continued throughout 2024. In December the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released a comprehensive Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health, which concluded that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease, compared to never consuming alcohol. The review also found that, compared with never consuming alcohol, moderate alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but it did not find such associations for other types of cancer. This review will play a part in determining the 2025 dietary guidelines.
At the start of 2024, the Brewers Association applauded the adoption of new merger guidelines by the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The revised guidelines reflect the more restrictive views of the Biden administration, and the BA submitted supportive comments in 2023. The newly revised guidelines were recently cited approvingly by a federal court issuing an injunction against the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger (see below), but many expect the incoming administration to review and revise the guidelines to roll back some of its more restrictive positions.
In December, small brewers could breathe a sigh of relief after two different courts blocked the proposed merger of supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons, causing the deal to fall apart days later. The BA had concerns that the merger would make the already challenging on-premise chain grocery market even less hospitable to the products of small and independent producers. We brought those concerns to the FTC staff soon after the merger was announced, and were gratified when the FTC decided to file suit rather than let the tie-up proceed.
Spring 2024 brought welcome news that the federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) would not likely require additional documentation for brewers and maltsters to demonstrate that a “kill step” would be applied for barley used in brewing. This position departed from a prior FDA proposal that would have required annual written documentation from the industry, ostensibly to promote safety in the barley malt supply chain.
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) caused us some whiplash in 2024. The CTA was enacted several years ago to give the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) a tool to combat money laundering and other illegal movements of currency, requiring a mandatory beneficial ownership information filing by virtually all corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities operating in the U.S. Slated to become effective for existing entities at the end of 2024, in early December a federal court issued an injunction against the law. A court of appeals reversed that decision a few days before Christmas, then a different panel of that same court of appeals re-instated the injunction the day after Christmas. Expect further news in the new year.
The Brewers Association has long believed that so-called beer franchise laws do not treat small brewers fairly. Enacted at a time of few, mostly giant brewers and many, mostly small, wholesalers, beer franchise laws aimed to counteract the (then) huge economic bargaining advantages between brewers and wholesalers. In today’s market of consolidated wholesalers, it does not make sense for these state laws to treat small brewers the same as a large, multinational brewer.
In 2024 the BA, working with the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, secured the passage of a law providing franchise law relief to all U.S. brewers producing less than 25,000 barrels per year. Under the new law, qualifying small brewers can terminate a wholesaler without cause by following a process for wholesalers to receive compensation for the lost brand.
Later in the year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit sided with the BA and other supplier trade associations in reversing a jury verdict against German liqueur importer Jägermeister USA under Missouri’s franchise law (which applies to beer, wine, and distilled spirits). The decision re-affirms the principle that under Missouri’s alcohol franchise law, a supplier and wholesaler must share a “community of interest” before the franchise law applies to a relationship. While each case will turn on specific facts, we expect that the relationship between most small brewers and their generally larger wholesalers will not meet the community of interest test.
The Brewers Association believes that small brewers should have the right to distribute to retailers, allowing them to establish a market for their products before needing to sign with today’s giant, consolidating wholesalers. In 2024 the BA filed comments in support of proposed regulations to authorize limited self-distribution by Delaware breweries. We were gratified when the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control adopted those regulations, giving Delaware brewers more options to access the market.
The BA also supported the Rhode Island Brewers Guild in defending the longstanding right of Rhode Island brewers to obtain a wholesale license and self-distribute. This ability provides an important market access option in the state, and was threatened by a bill that would impose a mandatory three-tier requirement in the state where none had existed before. While the bill did not progress, we stand ready to assist any guild in defending these important market access rights.
With state budgets generally tightening as federal COVID-19 relief funds run out, the BA recognized that pressure would grow to increase excise taxes on beer. We weren’t wrong: In 2024 tax increase proposals appeared in Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, New York, and the city of Chicago. We supported the guilds in several of these states to help defeat the tax increase proposals. Expect more tax increase measures to be introduced in 2025.
The past several years has seen a wave of legislation aimed at tackling solid waste, with the most common being Enhanced Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. If your state does not have an EPR regime yet, expect one; in 2024 we saw Minnesota enact new legislation, and bills were introduced in sixteen other states. While we are not categorically opposed to solid waste recycling rules, the BA has assisted guilds to ensure that the needs of small brewers are accommodated when enacting such legislation.
In 2024, the Brewers Association focused on strengthening state guild relationships, forging alliances with lawmakers, and building coalitions to counter harmful excise tax increases. The team also worked to achieve consensus on three key state-level issues: franchise modernization, expanded self-distribution, and direct-to-consumer shipping.
In August, the BA hosted guild leaders from across the country for two days of learning, planning, and networking during the successful Guilds Summit. This event laid the foundation for future legislative and regulatory achievements at the state level.
Also in August, the BA represented small and independent brewers at the National Conference of State Legislators annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Key staff connected with hundreds of lawmakers from around the country and hosted a well-attended reception at a local member brewery.
Did you know? Katie Marisic and Bob Pease of the Brewers Association were once again honored by The Hill as two of the top lobbyists on Capitol Hill in 2024.
Supporting Business Health
Member Resources & Education
The Brewers Association’s educational resources empower members with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing industry.
From in-depth guidance on brewing techniques, safety, and sustainability practices to insights on HR, community engagement, and regulatory compliance, these resources are designed to address real-world challenges faced by small and independent breweries.
Whether it’s webinars, best-practice guides, or seminar programming at the Craft Brewers Conference, the Brewers Association ensures members have access to cutting-edge expertise and practical solutions. By equipping brewers with actionable knowledge, these resources not only strengthen individual businesses but also foster innovation, collaboration, and long-term success across the craft brewing community.
Expand the sections below to learn more about the resources we developed in 2024 for small and independent brewers.
Supporting Brewing Excellence
The pursuit of quality is an integral part of 10,000 years of brewing history. The Brewers Association stewards this tradition by providing educational resources that help brewers refine their craft and deliver consistently delicious beer to their patrons.
In partnership with the Technical Committee and its subcommittees, the Brewers Association’s Technical team developed a wide range of resources aimed at enhancing brewery quality, sustainability, and safety. These efforts also tackled critical challenges such as navigating ongoing supply chain disruptions, ensuring breweries have the tools they need to thrive.
Off Flavor Management
The Brewers Association understands that striking a careful balance between cost of goods, fermentation performance, production schedules, sales targets, and quality management can be quite a challenge. To make the process of detecting and managing beer off flavors a little easier, we created convenient and quick fact sheets for 12 common off flavors.
Beer Freshness Series
Most stale flavors are caused by exposure to oxygen. Understanding where oxygen is found in breweries, how to monitor for oxygen, and mitigation and prevention strategies across all processing areas are key for maintaining beer freshness. This series provides resources on different oxygen-monitoring methods, how to choose the right dissolved oxygen sensor, effective sampling techniques, and how to mitigate oxygen during the brewing, cellaring, and packaging processes with in-depth auditing checklists.
Sustainability
Environmental stewardship is a top priority for both craft brewers and craft beer enthusiasts. Maintaining a healthy balance between stewardship, social enrichment, and economic vitality is important to the future success of craft brewing. Through benchmarking work and sustainability manuals, the Brewers Association and its sustainability subcommittee encourage conscientious brewing practices that will ensure the long-term success of the craft beer industry.
Solid Waste Management Manual
The Brewers Association published the second edition of the widely regarded Solid Waste Management Manual, originally published in 2014 as the “Solid Waste Reduction Manual.” The revised manual offers foundational information for setting up an effective solid waste management program and includes advice on how to address new challenges in brewery solid waste management. These challenges include plastic wraps and pressure-sensitive labels for aluminum cans, new materials used in packaging, new regulatory drivers such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, and new demands from consumers to conform to sustainable initiatives like zero waste programs.
Safety
Safety is paramount at every stage of the brewing process. In concert with the Safety Subcommittee, the Brewers Association continued to grow its living library of safety resources, addressing new issues around non-alcoholic beverages and adjuncts like THC, as well as practical guidance on chemicals commonly used in the brewing process.
- Maintenance and Engineering White Paper: Pressure Vessel Best Practices
- Risks and Unknowns of THC Beverages on Draught
- Non-Alcohol Beer on Draught: Risks, Considerations, and Resources
- Pasteurization Deep Dive: Food Safety and Quality Control Plans
- Chemical Companion Series
Supply Chain Health
The brewing industry’s supply chain is an intricate ecosystem involving farmers, suppliers, logistics providers, distributors, and retailers. The Brewers Association issued supply updates throughout the year to inform brewers and highlight potential issues involving aluminum, adjuncts, CO2, hops, barley, oats, water, corrugated linerboard, cans, bottles, transportation, and more.
Online Learning
Online courses offer an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional education by providing digestible compliance, safety, or task-based instruction that can often be completed on the job. We added three new courses to the online learning center in 2024.
Hopsource
With its annual Hopsource hop-evaluation event, the Brewers Association furthers its commitment to public hop research. The seventh annual gathering in Yakima gauged brewer interest in upcoming experimental public hop varieties. By bridging the gap between brewers and researchers, brewers can have an impact on new public hop varieties available to the industry.
The New Brewer, the brewing industry’s most trusted guide, published six issues in 2024, each focusing on key topics for small and independent brewers. These included raw materials, sales and marketing, technical brewing, industry statistics, technology, and social impact.
Behind the scenes: Jill Redding has been editor-in-chief of The New Brewer since 2006. She is a Certified Cicerone® and an active BJCP Certified beer judge. When she’s not editing or writing articles about beer, you’ll find her running, hiking, skiing, and biking in the Colorado Rockies.
Over the course of 2024, the Brewers Association’s small but mighty economics team aggregated reams of industry data and delivered invaluable insights and analysis for member breweries, suppliers, investors, startups, educational institutions, government agencies, journalists, and more.
Drawing on member surveys, government statistics, and third-party data, the BA’s two-person team drilled down on consumer spending habits, the intersection of the craft beer and cannabis markets, brewery capacity utilization, the impact of interest rate cuts, timing trends for on premise visits, distribution benchmarks, hop supply and demand, price elasticity, and packaging trends.
The Brewers Association has long been the first stop for individuals and businesses looking for a deeper understanding of the beverage alcohol space. The association’s distinguished position is due in large part to regular contributions that members provide in the form of volunteering their data each time a new survey is opened. To everyone who took the time to complete a survey in 2024, we thank you heartily!
In 2024 Brewers Publications (BP) continued to support the mission of the Brewers Association by providing books of enduring value for amateur and professional brewers. The BP library boasts 68 titles available in paperback and ebook formats, covering every aspect of the brewing process, catering to hobbyist brewers and veterans alike.
2024 bestsellers:
Everything You Need to Know to Brew
Great Beer Every Time
By John Palmer
Modern Lager Beer: Techniques, Processes,
and Recipes
By Jack Hendler and Joe Connolly
The Compleat Meadmaker: Home Production of
Honey Wine From Your First Batch to Award-
winning Fruit and Herb Variations
By Ken Schramm
The 2024 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America brought the brewing community together in Las Vegas for a dynamic event featuring education, networking, and industry innovation. Keynote speaker Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, inspired attendees with her journey to becoming the first non-celebrity Black American woman to build an independent company valued at over $1 billion from the ground up, in just four years.
With over 70 educational sessions, attendees gained actionable insights on topics like brewing techniques, sales, business operations, and DEI initiatives. Specialized tracks, including THRIVE seminars, added depth to the programming. Networking events and the BrewExpo trade show, featuring 742 exhibitors, fostered connections and showcased cutting-edge innovations to elevate brewery operations.
The Brewers Association is committed to fostering a diverse craft brewing community by providing resources, educational opportunities, and a powerful community of advocates to make craft beer more welcoming for all.
The Social Impact Department played a key role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both within the Brewers Association and for its members. The team led a variety of impactful programs and created resources designed to foster a culture of inclusivity and support.
On the member side, the department oversaw the mentorship program, which connected members to empower professional growth and development. They also made a big impact at the Craft Brewers Conference by organizing and delivering timely, relevant content focused on HR, DEI, and wellness topics as part of the THRIVE seminar track. Additionally, the team regularly produced high-quality resources—ranging from HR guides to DEI and wellness materials—to help members build stronger and more inclusive workplaces.
The Social Impact team also provided leadership for the Brewers Association’s HR and DEI committees, along with their subcommittees. They helped guide these groups to achieve strategic goals, spark meaningful conversations, and drive actionable results aligned with the organization’s mission. To broaden the reach of these efforts, the department launched the THRIVE newsletter, a valuable resource spotlighting HR, DEI, and wellness topics while keeping members informed about tools and updates.
Within the organization, the Social Impact team helped create and maintain the equity scorecard, a vital tool for measuring and tracking progress toward workplace equity. They worked to foster an inclusive environment for staff, providing resources, addressing bias, and promoting fairness across all levels of the organization. Their efforts reflected a deep commitment to creating a supportive workplace for everyone.
By championing these initiatives, the Social Impact Department reinforced the Brewers Association’s dedication to prioritizing inclusivity, equity, and wellness—both for its members and its staff.
Promoting Independent Craft Brewers
Championing America’s small and independent craft brewers is at the heart of the Brewers Association’s purpose. In 2024, the association organized events and competitions across the United States and around the globe, reminding beer lovers worldwide that the U.S. remains the center of the brewing universe. These gatherings served as valuable springboards for members to reach new audiences, showcase their brewing talent, and strengthen their brands.
Two standout events exemplify these efforts: the Great American Beer Festival, an annual showcase celebrating craft beer from coast to coast, and the World Beer Cup, the most prestigious beer competition on the planet. Beyond hosting these marquee occasions, the Brewers Association also spotlighted the human stories behind the beer in 2024—stories as diverse and inspiring as the 9,500-plus breweries dotting the country.
The association also spearheaded a perennial springtime tradition that unites beer lovers from coast to coast: American Craft Beer Week. This weeklong celebration of indie beer invites beer lovers to discover unique flavors, visit neighborhood taprooms, and support America’s finest artisans.
Great American Beer Festival®
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) stands as one of the most influential events in the brewing world, shining a spotlight on the creativity and quality coming from America’s independent breweries. Winning a medal at GABF can significantly boost a brewery’s reputation, spark consumer interest, and ultimately propel the craft beer industry forward. It also serves as a benchmark for excellence, setting standards that encourage innovation and experimentation, helping the market evolve and enrich consumer palates.
Notably, the 2024 competition welcomed cider entries for the first time. By recognizing both beer and cider under one roof, the Great American Beer Festival underscores its position as a leading platform for promoting American craft beverages.
GABF by the numbers:
- 8,836 entries judged
- 1,869 breweries and cideries in the competition from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico
- 285 judges
- 250+ volunteers
- Average number of beers entered in each category: 85
- Category with the highest number of entries: Category 102 – Juicy/Hazy IPA (349 entries)
- 326 total medals awarded
- 273 medal-winning breweries
- 280 first-time GABF competition entrants
- 25 first-time GABF competition winners
- Five new cider categories
The tasting portion of festival spanned three days and saw many bold changes, including the addition of hard seltzers, ciders, and canned cocktails to the mix. These additions highlight the festival’s adaptability and shows how interconnected today’s craft beverage scene has become. The festival hall was reorganized into themed Experience Areas, giving attendees the chance to enjoy mini festivals within the larger celebration. Investments in new eye-catching visuals enhanced the experience further, eliciting raves from attendees, participating producers and media.
World Beer Cup®
The World Beer Cup awards ceremony was held on April 24, 2024, on the final day of CBC in Las Vegas. Throughout 14 sessions spanning seven days, a panel of judges meticulously evaluated nearly 10,000 entries. Representing 2,060 breweries across 50 nations, the 2024 World Beer Cup competition solidified its status as the premier international professional beer contest.
“Each award represents not only exceptional quality but also innovation and creativity, driving the global craft beer industry forward,” said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director. “This year’s winners exemplify the spirit of craftsmanship and ingenuity and showcase the diverse flavors and techniques that make beer an art form. Congratulations to this year’s winners for their outstanding achievements in brewing.”
WBC by the numbers:
- 9,300 entries judged
- 2,060 breweries
- 50 countries
- 436 first-time brewery entries
- 280 judges, including 103 from outside the U.S.
- 326 entries in the Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category
American Craft Beer Week®
American Craft Beer Week has long marked the “Official Start of Beer Season,” giving breweries a chance to showcase their craftsmanship and connect with local communities. In the leadup to this annual spring celebration, the Brewers Association distributed ready-to-use marketing tools—videos, imagery, and posters—to help breweries spread the word and drive sales.
CraftBeer.com
CraftBeer.com, created by the Brewers Association, highlights the stories behind America’s small and independent breweries—along with the communities that sustain and champion them. The 35 articles published in 2024 showcase the industry’s vibrant impact, celebrating its innovation, creativity, and boundless energy.
- Live and Brew in a Small Town
- Singing For Your Beer: Hops & Hymn
- Top Surgery & the Taproom: Beer Workers’ Search for Gender-Affirming Care
- Big Grove’s Big Plans: Give Iowa a Try
- Buffalo Pils Scores a Touchdown
- BTS & Beer: An Unlikely Love Story
- Celebrating Detroit’s Craft Beer History
- Beer Can Chicken, But Make it Craft
- Tacos & Beer: Fueling the Yakima Valley’s Hop Harvest
- A Dreamy Pairing: Beer & Ice Cream
- French Hops Waiting To Be Put on the Map
- The New Nobles: Michigan Hops
- The Women of Beer in Vermont
- Shared Experience: Craft Beer Camaraderie Transcends Borders
- Buns of Steel: Why Every Brewery Taproom Has *That* Chair
- The NA Way: The Rise of Non-Alcohol Beer
- Linking Up: Craft Beer & Golf
- Meat & Malt: Beer Makes Burgers Better
- Pride in Their Craft: LGBTQIA+ Brewers Build Community
- French Twist: Colorado’s Outer Range Opens Outpost in Alps
- Beer Label Bottlenecks
- Redefining Craft Beer: Asian Americans Brewing Up Heritage
- Mixed Drinks: The Lure of Beverage Trails
- Beer in a Cocktail Town: How Craft Breweries Have Enriched NOLA
- Freely Given: Water as a Hospitality Tool in Craft Beer Spaces
- How Lager Hats Became a Signifier of Beer Cool
- Foraging For Beer’s Wildest Ingredients
- Vegas (Beer), Baby!
- Bird + Brew: A Culinary Coupling
- France Is Not a Beer Country, but It Could Be
- Three Beer-Filled Days in Austin, Texas
- Bière de Garde: ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’
- Cheesecake and Ice Cream and Blueberry, Oh My: The Allure of Smoothie Sours
- I’m Autistic, and Beer Helped Me Come Out of My Shell
- Pursuing a Passion: Mentorship Program Fuels Participants
In 2024, the Brewers Association’s Export Development Program (EDP) bolstered the global presence of American craft beer through a variety of international and domestic initiatives designed to increase visibility and distribution worldwide.
Key highlights included trade missions to markets such as the United Kingdom, Korea, Sweden, Italy, Taiwan, and Japan. During these visits, U.S. brewers connected with distributors, importers, and retail partners, fostering relationships and expanding market reach. These missions offered valuable insights into local trends and consumer preferences, opening new opportunities for U.S. craft beer brands.
The program also enhanced retail promotions and consumer tastings in Canada, one of the largest international markets for U.S. craft beer. These activities engaged Canadian consumers and retailers directly, driving awareness and expanding the presence of U.S. beer on Canadian shelves.
At beer festivals and trade shows across Europe and Asia, American craft beer was showcased to international audiences. These events provided exposure while allowing U.S. brewers to engage with beer enthusiasts, gather market intelligence, and explore new business opportunities.
Domestically, trade missions held during the Craft Brewers Conference and the Great American Beer Festival facilitated hundreds of interactions between U.S. brewers and international importers. These events served as key moments for U.S. brands to establish and strengthen distribution partnerships. Additionally, the 2024 CBC Export Development seminar track introduced export-focused content covering markets in Taiwan, the UK, and the Caribbean, expanding the Brewers Association’s library of resources available to members.
The EDP also covered entry fees and logistics for U.S. breweries participating in international competitions in Australia, Japan, Germany, and Belgium. These efforts resulted in U.S. brewers earning hundreds of awards, reinforcing the global reputation of American craft beer for quality and innovation. These accolades increased the visibility of U.S. craft brewers and boosted demand in key international regions.
Through these international market development efforts, the EDP strengthened the global position of American craft beer in 2024, creating new opportunities for U.S. brewers to grow and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
American Homebrewers Association
The American Homebrewers Association is dedicated to protecting, uniting, and educating homebrewers while empowering an equitable homebrewing culture and showcasing the fun of fermenting. Founded in 1978, it unites enthusiasts to share knowledge and craft exceptional beer. Through resources like Zymurgy magazine and the National Homebrew Competition, the AHA’s impact shines in a thriving community of brewers. Its rich legacy continues to shape homebrewing culture, inspiring novices and veterans alike to push the boundaries of brewing artistry.
Zymurgy® Magazine
Since 1979, Zymurgy has been the go-to resource for homebrewing and fermentation enthusiasts. In 2024, the magazine’s six issues offered expert insights on beer styles, the latest news and trends, global recipes, innovative gadgets, humor, and more. Today, over 28,000 readers rely on Zymurgy as their trusted companion for everything from perfecting their craft to discovering fresh inspiration in the world of brewing.
The National Homebrew Competition is the world’s largest and most renowned homebrewing contest, celebrating innovation, skill, and community. Founded in 1979, it has shaped the craft beer landscape, providing passionate hobbyists a stage to showcase their best creations. Legendary brewers began their journeys here, inspired by friendly rivalry, expert feedback, and shared enthusiasm. Today, its enduring influence encourages newcomers and veterans alike to push boundaries and fuel brewing’s vibrant future.
In 2024, the competition received 3,593 entries from 1,179 AHA members across 47 states and seven countries. One-hundred and fifty medals in 50 categories were awarded for the most outstanding homemade beer, mead, and cider. Nine awards recognizing outstanding contributions to homebrewing were also presented.
“This year’s winners set the standard for excellence in fermentation,” said Chris Williams, competition director. “Our judges were captivated by a diverse range of flavors and styles. Each year we are impressed by the dedication, innovation, and skill AHA members bring to this competition.”
In addition to category style awards, six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were presented.
Homebrewer of the Year Award
Randy Daniels with KC McKinney | Des Moines, Iowa
Cidermaker of the Year Award
Michael Wilcox | Wichita, Kan.
Meadmaker of the Year
Michael Wilcox | Wichita, Kan.
Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award
Jarrett Long with John Bates | Arlington, Texas
Gambrinus Club Award
Rock Hoppers Brew Club | Castle Rock, Colo.
Homebrew Club of the Year Award
QUAFF | San Diego, Calif.
AHA Committee Recognition Award
Brad Smith of BeerSmith Homebrewing Software
Homebrew Shop of the Year Award
Great Fermentations Beer & Wine Making Supplies (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Member Deal of the Year Award
Among the many benefits of membership, the AHA Member Deals program stands as one of the most popular. AHA members receive more than 1,700 exclusive discounts at brewpubs, taprooms, homebrew supply shops, and beer education organizations. In 2024, for the first time, members cast votes on their favorite deals, selecting Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., two pioneering breweries with deep ties to the homebrewing community.
With Homebrew Con on hiatus, the American Homebrewers Association nonetheless made a point to gather homebrewing enthusiasts for in-person learning and connection, using the country’s largest assemblage of breweries and beer lovers—the Great American Beer Festival—as a springboard. Over four days, the AHA offered educational seminars, bootcamps, and BJCP certification exams. The festivities kicked off with Club Night, the beloved celebration of homebrew clubs and homebrewing culture. Special thanks to Denver Beer Company for hosting.
Milestones
In 2024, the Brewers Association bid a heartfelt farewell to two of its most influential leaders, Bob Pease and Nancy Johnson, as they announced their retirements. Bob, who served as president and CEO, played a pivotal role in championing small and independent brewers, guiding the organization through significant industry changes.
“Bob has been an unwavering advocate for small and independent brewers, and his accomplishments will leave a lasting impact on us all,” said Leah Cheston, owner of Right Proper Brewing Company and chairperson of the Brewers Association Board of Directors. “He spearheaded the organization during a critical time for the industry, growing the craft beer market share to 13% and supplying countless tools to help the craft brewing community thrive, from professional resources and tax savings, to hosting world-class events.”
Nancy, the driving force behind iconic events like the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, leaves a legacy of excellence and innovation that shaped the craft beer community. Under her leadership, the Brewers Association’s events grew in scale and attendance, from hundreds of attendees and competitors in the 1990s to the tens of thousands in the 2020s.
Bob and Nancy’s dedication and vision have profoundly impacted the Brewers Association, leaving a strong foundation for future success.
Industry Award Winners
Since 1987, the association has recognized individuals who have positively contributed to the craft beer community. The 2024 award recipients were honored for their dedication and service during a special ceremony in April at the Craft Brewers Conference in Las Vegas.
Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing
Tonya Cornett, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. (Bend, Ore.)
Brewers Association Recognition Award
John Pinkerton, Moon River Brewing Co. (Savannah, Ga.)
F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
Eric Orlando, The Zita Group, and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey
Brewers Association Mentor of the Year Award
Laura Lodge, owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, LLC
Financials
About Us
A Passionate Voice for Craft Brewers
The Brewers Association is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization of brewers, for brewers, and by brewers. Our purpose is to promote and protect America’s small and independent craft brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts.
The Brewers Association Board of Directors has several standing committees that work with members and staff to focus on specific areas to achieve association goals and further our core values and beliefs.
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