[Above: James Zorn from the Office of Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL, 13th District) and his entire congressional office brew team celebrate winning the Capitol Hill Staff Homebrew Competition Best of Show award. They brewed an American Pale Ale called “Majestic Sea Cow.”]
Washington, D.C. • Dec. 12, 2019 – The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) presented its fourth annual Hill Staff Homebrew Competition, celebrating the comradery, community, and bipartisanship of craft beer. Individuals and teams of eligible congressional legislative staff and federal employees submitted their homebrewed beers for the chance to receive the coveted Capitol Hill Staff Homebrew Champion Trophy.
The 28 entries were evaluated by an elite group of certified beer judges and professional brewers. Gary Glass, director of the AHA, and John Moorhead, AHA competition manager announced the winners.
“Craft beer is a unifying force and shared passion on Capitol Hill and something we can all agree on,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “It is great to see staffers, members, and employees collaborate together to produce unique homebrews that reflect the hometowns and favorite styles of the Capitol Hill community. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to all who participated in the competition.”
The 2019 Winners:
Capitol Hill Staff Homebrew Champion (1st place entry from each category competes for trophy):
- “Majestic Sea Cow,” American Pale Ale, by James Zorn, Office of Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL, 13th District). View the homebrew recipe!
Category 1: Fruit and Spiced Beers
- First Place: “Warm Your Noggin Winter Ale,” Winter Seasonal with nutmeg and vanilla, by Jacob Towle, Office of Senate Special Committee on Aging
- Second Place: “Coffee Stout,” American Stout with coffee, by Michael Rodgers, Annapolis Homebrew Club, US Capitol Hill Police
- Third Place: “Pre-Existing Relationship,” Belgian Triple with chili peppers, by Claudia Urrabazo and Yuri Beckelman, Americus Homebrewers Association, Office of Democratic Whip, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th District) and Office of Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA, 41st District)
Category 2: Bitter American and English Ales
- First Place: “Majestic Sea Cow,” American Pale Ale, by James Zorn, Office of Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL, 13th District)
- Second Place: “John Barleycorn’s Extra Special Bitter,” Strong Bitter Ale, by Gray Maxwell, Office of Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
- Third Place: “Wheels Up Thursday,” American IPA, by Pierce Wiegard and David Pigue, Office of Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
Category 3: Hybrid/Mixed Ale and Lagers
- First Place: “Clear Vision,” Belgian Triple, by Robert Ordway, Office of Senator Mike Braun (R-IN)
- Second Place: “Schwartzy,” Schwarzbier, by Adam Link, Office of Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX, 13th District)
- Third Place: “Cluster’s Last Stand,” Cream Ale, by Kevin Morris, Office of the Chief Administrative Office (CAO), Acquisitions Management
The House vs. Senate Best on the Hill Award went to the Senate this year. This honor is awarded to the congressional chamber that accrues the most points in the competition by category. The Senate accrued 18 points, the House, 12 points.
More than 16 congressional offices participated in the competition, including the offices of Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th District), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA).
Images from the awards reception are available for use and download here.
About the American Homebrewers Association: The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 46,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association organizes events including Homebrew Con™ and the National Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy® magazine for homebrewers and beer lovers. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association (BA), whose independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA’s BrewersPublications.com® division is the leading publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers. Beer lovers and anyone interested in making their own beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
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