California Sierra Nevada Homebrewer of the Year Award

The California Sierra Nevada Homebrewer of the Year Award recognizes the state's most accomplished homebrewer – an individual who has demonstrated exceptional brewing skill, consistency, and excellence across California's premier homebrew competitions.

Presented annually, this prestigious title is awarded to the brewer who earns the most medals across three of California's most respected competitions:

  • Maltose Falcons Mayfaire Homebrew Competition
  • California State Fair Homebrew Competition
  • California Homebrew Competition (CHC)

Success in a single competition is an impressive achievement. Excelling across all three requires outstanding technical mastery, creativity, and the ability to consistently produce award-winning beers judged by some of the state's most experienced BJCP judges. Together, these competitions represent the highest standard of amateur brewing excellence in California.

Proudly sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, a brewery whose roots trace back to the homebrewing movement, this award celebrates the passion, innovation, and craftsmanship that continue to define California's vibrant homebrewing community.

In addition to earning statewide recognition and the coveted title of California Sierra Nevada Homebrewer of the Year, the champion receives a $500 cash award, generously sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – a fitting tribute to the brewer who stands above the rest through a season of exceptional achievement.

Rules:

  • Winner must be a California resident during the year.
  • Winner is determined using the following formula:
  • First place in any of the table categories in above competitions is worth 6 points, second place is worth 3 points and third place is worth 1 point
  • Best of show 1st place is worth additional 0.01 point per total number of entries in the competition.
  • Winner is determined by adding their points from these three competitions as per above point rules.
  • In the event of a tie, 0.01 point is added to each medal depending on number of entries in that category. For example: 2nd place in a category that has 14 entries will be counted as 3.14
  • Meads and Ciders are included in point calculation.
  • The award can be won as an individual or as a Co-brewing team.
  • Multiple co-brewing teams including same individual brewer will be counted separately for each co-brew team and not accrue to the individual brewer.

Winners List:

  • 2025 - Taylor Shastid
  • 2024 - Mike and Alex Riddle
  • 2023 - Mike and Alex Riddle
  • 2022 - Mike and Alex Riddle