The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is dedicated to uniting and educating homebrewers, inspiring connection and curiosity within our community, and championing the history, culture, and art of homebrewing. We believe community is the heart of homebrewing, and education is the key to spark curiosity and build confidence. Brewing is more than a hobby—it’s a source of joy. As the catalyst for today’s full-flavored craft beer movement, AHA continues to offer members unmatched reasons to brew.
Our Mission
We celebrate and promote the art, science, and joy of fermentation, championing a united and knowledgeable community of today and tomorrow’s homebrewers.
Our Vision
A homebrewer in every neighborhood and a homebrew club in every community.
Want to get involved? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
American Homebrewers Association History
- January 17, 1920: Prohibition begins as the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- December 5, 1933: The 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition, however it left out the legalization of home beer making (home wine making was legalized at that time).
- October 14, 1978: President Jimmy Carter signs H.R. 1337, creating an exemption from taxation of beer brewed at home for personal or family use.
- December 7, 1978: The AHA is founded by Charlie Papazian and Charlie Matzen in Boulder, Colo. with the publication of the first issue of Zymurgy magazine.
- February 1, 1979: Homebrewing becomes legal on a federal level in the U.S.
- May 5, 1979: AHA holds its first-ever National Homebrew Competition and Gala Homebrewers Ball.
- September 1, 1982: AHA debuts the GABF as part of the AHA‘s fourth annual conference for homebrewers.
- 1985: The AHA and Home Wine and Beer Trade Association (HWBTA) create the Beer Judge Certification Program.
- May 2, 1988: Representative David Skaggs of Colorado declares May 7th as National Homebrew Day before U.S. Congress. In response, the AHA created ‘Big Brew’ as an annual event to celebrate National Homebrew Day worldwide.
- September 1992: The organization’s name is updated to Association of Brewers.
- December 1998: The determination of the Association of Brewers (also representing the AHA) evolves to a 501(c)(6) from a 501(c)(3), setting the stage to fuel and grow today’s modern-day independent craft beer movement.
- November 1999: Learn To Homebrew Day is established.
- 2005: Association of Brewers and Brewers Association of America join to form the Brewers Association (as published in the March/April 2005 Zymurgy) “Under the new Brewers Association bylaws, the AHA Board of Advisors has been renamed the AHA Governing Committee.”
- May 31, 2005: The AHA introduces the GABF Pro-Am competition, in which AHA members team up with professional brewers to compete with their award-winning recipes.
- 2013: Alabama and Mississippi legalize homebrewing, officially making homebrew legal in all 50 states.
- August 2023: The first annual Home Fermentation Day, formerly Mead Day, debuts.
- December 7, 2023: The AHA turns 45 with over thirty thousand members from around the world.
- January 22, 2025: The AHA files for incorporation in the state of Colorado, officially becoming an independent organization separate from the modern-day Brewers Association, which the AHA originally established. On this day, the AHA appointed a new Founding Board of Directors and began the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, marking the beginning of a new era dedicated to representing, supporting, and growing the homebrewing community.
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