Congress makes itself useful and brews beer in AHA competition

As a way to brew up bipartisan camaraderie on Capitol Hill, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) held its very fun Hill Staff Homebrew Competition after a two-year hiatus.

This fifth iteration of the competition involves individuals and teams of eligible congressional legislative staff and federal employees who submit an array of homebrewed beers for judging by certified beer judges and professional brewers.

This year’s participating congressional offices included the offices of Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), Office of the Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-5), Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Congressional Research Services. You can check out the winners of this year’s competition below.

“Homebrewing is a delicious hobby that brings people together,” said Julia Herz, executive director of the American Homebrewers Association. “It’s exciting to see the Capitol Hill community embrace the ingredients of bipartisanship, beer, and friendly competition. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to all who entered.”

The 2022 Winners:

• Capitol Hill Staff Homebrew Champion, Best of Show: “Stuck In Committee,” Strong Bitter, by Joshua Sizemore, Office of Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
• Second Place: “Hot Toddy Ale,” Winter Seasonal Beer, by Molly Ryan, Office of Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), with co-brewers Tim Stretton and David Ross
• Third Place: “Santos L. Halper,” Belgian Dark Strong Ale by Nathan James of Congressional Research Service