With uncertainty forecasted for 2021, we are doing everything we can to ensure NHC happens. After all, if you’re like us, you’ve probably been brewing more than ever. And the judges in your quarantine bubble might be suffering from palate fatigue.

Our dedication is this: We will bring you the our best effort on NHC ever. Here’s how we plan to do that.

– In 2021, there will be no first and final round format. The competition will be a one-site location only and all entries will be judged from the AHA’s refrigerated warehouse in Colorado.
– This September, many of us at the AHA helped execute the safe judging of nearly 9,000 entries at the Great American Beer Festival® with no COVID-19 transmission. And we learned from them. We will be using what we learned to run the NHC using the Great American Beer Festival competition model.
– We want to get you the best judging experience ever, so we’ll be partnering with Great American Beer Festival and BJCP certified judges.
– We typically judge about 1,300 entries for the NHC Final Round. This year, we’ll be ready to judge upwards of 5,000 entries.
– Release the 2021 Rules & Regulations in December so everyone may prepare.

Gold Recognition–Earned by entries scoring 38-50 points in the First Round.
Silver Recognition–Earned by entries scoring 30-37 points in the First Round.
Bronze Recognition–Earned by entries scoring 25-29 points in the First Round.