July Homebrew Club Meeting 2025 Recap

The Brewers Anonymous Homebrew Club gathered on July 18, 2025, at Home State Brewing Company for our latest members meeting. Vice President Matt led the session, offering a thorough recap of a jam-packed month of competitions, upcoming events, and a major milestone in homebrew judging education.

View the monthly recap video

Club Business & Upcoming Challenge

While July didn’t feature a club challenge, members were reminded that the August Club Challenge is right around the corner. The theme? “Kveik That Sh*t” — any BJCP-recognized style is fair game, as long as it uses kveik yeast. With its growing popularity among club brewers, turnout is expected to be high.

Hot & Humid 2025 

Our signature competition, Hot and Humid, was a resounding success. Here’s the breakdown:

• 64 entries from the club, resulting in 29 medals and 3 Best of Show awards — a 45% medal rate, our highest ever!
• 287 entries judged, supported by 36 judges from 9 Florida Homebrew clubs!
• A fully redesigned and streamed awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony stream was recorded and can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/uczdVhZ8Z24?si=HW6KhrxbCS0zv487

There’s a photo galley from the award ceremony online at: https://brewersanonymous.org/the-big-hot-n-humid-2025-photo-gallery/

A full list of winners is in a separate post at: https://brewersanonymous.org/its-a-first-brewers-anonymous-wins-first-coast-cup-for-the-first-time/

Circuit Standings Update

As of now, Brewers Anonymous is leading the Florida Homebrew Circuit:

• Club Points: 158 (ahead of Hogtown at 135, CASK at 113, and PUB at 108)
• Brewer of the Year (Austin Peay Harris Award):
  • 1st: Eric Rodriguez (154 pts)
  • 2nd: JJ Ocampo (96 pts)
  • 3rd: Matt (58 pts… for now)

Next up is the First Coast Cup on July 26, followed by Commander Saaz on August 16, Sunshine Challenge, and finally Best Florida Beer — it’s not over yet!

Mead Wins Across the Country

Brewers Anonymous meadmakers continue to shine outside the state:

• JJ Ocampo: Multiple medals at Mead Stampede and Honey or Your Life competitions.
• Austin Brown: Golds and silvers including a standout win in the elusive “Cattle Battle” challenge mead.

BJCP Judging Exam — History Made!

July 19 marked a monumental moment: the first BJCP Judging Exam held in Orlando in over 15 years. Administered by David Fetty, the exam drew 14 candidates (out of a full 15-seat roster) and marked a high point in our club’s push for judge education.

Thanks to:

• David Fetty (administrator)
• Khrysti Hunter (exam support)
• Proctors Jim Silverstein (Chicago), Ed Measom (Central Florida Homebrewers), and Lucas Kluz (CASK)

Our BJCP prep site — learn.brewersanonymous.org — continues to grow as a vital resource for new judges. Another exam is already in the planning stages to coincide with Hot and Humid 2026.

Upcoming Events & Festivals

Competitions & Awards:

• First Coast Cup Ceremony: Saturday, July 26
• Commander Saws Awards: Saturday, August 16 @ Bug Nutty Brewing
• Sunshine Challenge Registration: Opens Saturday, August 16 (limit 3 entries)
• Best Florida Beer Drop-off Deadline: October 3 (thanks to Kevin Mernan for delivering)

Festivals:

• Homebrew Oktoberfest (Ivanhoe Park Lagerhaus): Saturday, September 20 — details coming soon!
• Space Coast Brew Fest: Sunday, October 5, 2024 (Titusville, FL) – signup soon via Discord

Final Notes

• Crispy Brew Summer Swap: Sunday, July 27 @ 1 PM, Ivanhoe Park Lager House
• Next Club Meeting & Kveik Challenge: Friday, August 15 @ Ivanhoe Park Lager House