Matt Hunsworth
Brewers Anonymous wrapped up 2025 with our December members meeting on Friday, December 19th at Ivanhoe Park Lager House, closing out one of the most productive and memorable years in club history. As always, we opened with our motto:
New Meeting Videos
What began as a microphone and app test turned into a successful pilot recording. While improvements are planned—better framing, enhanced visuals, and eventual live streaming—the initial results exceeded expectations. Monthly recap videos may be retired, but new video content is very much on the way.
Check out the December Meeting Video here:
December Club Challenge Results
High ABV Beers (8%+)
The final club challenge of the year drew nine entries, one of our strongest turnouts of 2025. Congratulations to the winners:
- Third Place: Jason Breckling
- Second Place: Chris Nuber
- First Place (Tie): Max Furth & David Fetty
With this challenge completed, the club successfully finished all six planned challenges for the year. Thank you to everyone who brewed, judged, and participated.
Club Merchandise Update
A reorder of our original Brewers Anonymous hats is underway. These long-standing club staples sold out mid-year and should arrive by the January meeting. Pricing and purchasing details will be shared once they arrive.
Hot & Humid 2026: Big Plans Ahead
Planning is already underway for Hot & Humid 2026, with several exciting initiatives announced:
Judges’ Flight Project
For the first time, Brewers Anonymous plans to offer a judges’ flight using custom-filled 8-oz cans. Highlights include:
- Brewer of the Year receives the first slot and a custom label
- Additional brewers featured with club-branded labels
- Brewer of the Year’s ingredients paid for
- Informational back labels identifying each beer
Spots are filling quickly, and interest is already high.
Judges’ Gift Bags: Button Program
Instead of restocking stickers, the club will introduce custom 1.5″ buttons in judges’ bags. Members can submit their homebrew logos (or even Instagram pages), and the club will handle the rest—design, printing, and assembly.
Buttons will include:
- Member brewery logos
- Hot & Humid 2026 button
- The popular “I-4 I-sore” Brewers Anonymous design
Hot & Humid 2026 Key Dates
- Registration Opens: May 2
- Entry Drop-Off: May 10–23
- Bottle Sort: May 24
- Judging: May 30–31 & June 6–7
- Best of Show: June 13 (backup June 14)
- Awards Ceremony: June 27 (backup June 28)
Important reminder: Please save your competition bottle boxes. Good boxes make competition logistics far smoother for everyone.
2026 Board of Directors
With a single nominee in each position, all candidates ran unopposed. Congratulations to the 2026 board:
- President: Mike Thompson
- Vice President: Matt Hunsworth
- Secretary: J.J. Ocampo
- Treasurer: Khrysti Hunsworth
- Archivist: Chris Nuber
Thank you to outgoing board members Kenny McCord and Trevor Golden for their years of service during a period of major growth.
Events, Festivals & Community Highlights
Tom & Dan’s Bad at Business
Another legendary showing with long lines, rapid pours, and beers kicking faster than ever—including a butterbeer-inspired seltzer that emptied five gallons in just 72 minutes.
Celebration Brewing Collaboration
Jason Breckling’s “Drink Local” winning Hefeweizen was brewed at Celebration Brewing Company in a full 10-barrel batch. A club tapping event is planned, with the club covering the first pint for attending members.
Florida Circuit Update
Brewers Anonymous is now:
- Three-time consecutive Homebrew Club of the Year (2023–2025)
- One win away from becoming the first club ever to win four straight
BJCP Training & Education
- BJCP exam date and venue confirmed (same excellent location as last year)
- 12 seats available
- David Fetty administering the exam
- Suggested preparation timeline begins January 2026
Discussions are also underway for a future mead education program to complement existing beer coursework.
2025 by the Numbers
- 12 festival appearances
- 452 competition entries
- 106 medals (35% win rate)
- 16 Best of Show medals
- Fourth Homebrew Club of the Year title
- Return of BJCP exams to Orlando after ~20 years
- First Celebration Brewing member collaboration
- An incredibly successful Hot & Humid competition
Brewer of the Year: 2025 Results
Eric Rodriguez – 213 points
Austin Brown – 201 points
J.J. Ocampo – 123 points
Congratulations to Eric Rodriguez, winner of the 2025 Austin P. Harris Brewer of the Year Award, and to all competitors who made this one of the closest races yet.
Thank you to every member who brewed, volunteered, judged, poured, organized, and supported Brewers Anonymous in 2025. None of this happens without you.
Here’s to another year of better beer, stronger community, and continued success.
