NHC 2015 Update And More Exciting News

AHA National Homebrew Competition 1st Round Judging Austin

Once again this year Austin, Texas will be one of twelve regions participating in the AHA National Homebrew Competition 1st Round Judging. The entry shipping window is March 2nd - 11th. Unlike last year, we will be doing sorting numerous times as entries come in and will do it at Austin Homebrew. As it stands, judging will take place Friday evening, March 13th, all day Saturday, March 14th and Sunday afternoon, March 15th. I'm hoping we can do as well or even better than last year and knock it out during this timeframe. I know it is the start of SXSW here in Austin and overlaps with the Film/Interactive portion. My sincere apologies for that but this year, this is the best window taking into account all other constraints during the busy March and early April period.

We evaluated three potential sites for hosting the judging this year and have chosen Independence Brewing as our host. My personal and sincere thanks to Amy Cartwright, Jeff Young, and Eric Lowe for their willingness to host us. Every site had pros and cons but at least for this year we feel we have chosen the best location and I think it will be a great experience. I have asked Ann Kapusinski from the Texas Carboys Homebrew Club (Cedar Park) to participate as our Head Steward. I've asked Ann to coordinate and instruct all Steward volunteers as well as manage the "cellar" during the judging dates. Stuart West will again be my partner-in-crime. Additionally, this year we will follow the AHA requested BJCP Queued Judging Guidelines so Judge assignments and organization may differ somewhat from last year. More to come as the time gets closer.

Exciting News!

This is cool! Corey and Angela Martin have coordinated bringing the Samuel Adams LongShot Homebrew Competition to Austin! Corey asked if I would be the Site Coordinator for this judging, and how could I refuse? For this year's competition, Austin will serve as one of four pre-screening regions. Judging will take place at an as-yet named Austin hotel during one Saturday in late May or early June (definitely not conflicting with NHC in San Diego). Samuel Adams will pay for the overnight stay of all judges so please consider this great opportunity, it should be great fun. Once I know the details of date and location I will publish them. We will be looking primarily for BJCP judges of any rank but will gladly accept experienced homebrewers that are non-BJCP as well.


Please stay tuned. 2015 is going to be a great year for homebrewing in Austin, Texas!

Yours Aye!
Neil