in

March Homebrew Club Meeting 2025 Recap

The March 2025 meeting was held on Friday, March 21st, 2025. Though this month’s meeting was smaller than usual, there’s still plenty to raise a glass to.

This month’s meeting, held on Friday, March 21st, took place at Ivanhoe Park Lager House—a last-minute but much appreciated location change after Homestate Brewing had a private event. Huge thanks go out to Ivanhoe Park for stepping up and offering their space on short notice.

As always, the club began by giving thanks to our supporters:

  • Ivanhoe Park Lager House
  • Home State Brewing Company
  • American Homebrewers Association
  • Tactical Brewing Company

No monthly club challenge was held in March, but brewers are already prepping for April’s theme: Braggots and Honey Beers. The goal is to balance a clear honey character with a solid beer foundation. Let the buzz begin!

March saw great activity on the club’s Discord server, including a successful watch party for the Coconut Cup Awards. Thanks to JJ for making that happen! The club is now exploring more virtual gatherings for future events. Got an idea? Send it in!

Not yet a member, or still need to renew for 2025? Membership sign-ups and renewals are live—and yes, it’s prorated depending on the quarter. Easy peasy with a quick scan of the QR code on the site.

The first competition in the Florida Homebrew Circuit is in the books, and Brewers Anonymous crushed it! Congratulations to our medal winners:

   Graciany Miranda – Gold – American Lager & Silver – Hazy IPA  

   Mike Thompson – Silver – Dark Euro Lager

   Nathan Kraemer – Bronze – Pale Bitter Euro & Silver – Wood Beer

   Curtis Reddecliffe – Bronze – British Bitter & Bronze – Amer Stout
   Ian O’Keefe – Gold – American IPA & Bronze – Hazy IPA
   Kenny McChord – Gold – Strong Ales, Gold – Spice Beers, & HM – BOS Beer
   David Fetty – Silver – Strong Ales
   John Sather – Bronze – Brett Beer
   Bill Carley – Sliver – Experimental Mead
   Matt Hunsworth – Silver – Alternative Grain & Silver – Fruit Mead
   JJ Ocampo – Gold – Experimental Mead
   Eric Rodriguez – Gold – Specialty IPA, & Bronze – Spiced Beer, & Gold – Best Of Show Beer

With those scores, Brewers Anonymous is currently tied for first place in the circuit with CASK at 39 points. Pinellas Urban Brewers Guild follows closely with 38 points (due to a specialty category entry that doesn’t count toward the tally).

Hurricane Blowoff

Entries are in, and Brewers Anonymous is looking strong with 25% of the competition entries! Results coming in April.

Hogtown Brew-Off

Completely full with 400 entries, including a strong showing from our club. With quality brews on our side, we’re hopeful for another batch of wins.

Hot and Humid

Mark your calendars: Entry opens May 5th for Brewers Anonymous’ own competition—Hot and Humid. Judging runs through June, with the awards ceremony set for June 28th.

This year, we’re leveling up the entire experience. More support for judges, more fun for volunteers, and a renewed energy to make this our Phoenix era after last year’s venue hiccup. Want to judge? You’ll be rewarded—and not just with lunch!

Upcoming Competitions

After Hot and Humid comes the First Coast Cup—a massive 450-entry competition. Registration opens June 9th, with deliveries from June 16 to July 3. A good strategy is to double-brew now for Hot and Humid and save a few bottles for First Coast Cup later.

Festival Season is Brewing

Time to show off our beers in the wild:

  • Hamlin Craft Beer Fest – People’s Choice voting returns!
  • Sanford Pints & Paws – Happening the same day as Hamlin, and yes—we’re doing both!
  • Brews Around the Zoo – A fun and unique fest just weeks later.

BJCP Training: Waitlist Open

The July 19th BJCP Tasting Exam is full, but you can still join the waitlist. Contact Dave Fetty via the BJCP exam calendar.

Brewer of the Year Standings

The race is heating up! Current top three:

  1. Eric Rodriguez – 46 points
  2. Kenny McCord – 20 points
  3. Ian O’Keefe – 19 points

Merch Alert!

We’ve launched a Brewers Anonymous merch shop! Check out tees and gear with our new Legacy design celebrating our cup wins. Multiple colors and styles available—order yours at brewersanonymous.org under the new “Merch” tab.

Next Meeting:
Ivanhoe Park Lager House
Friday, April 18th
April Challenge: Braggots & Honey Beers

Until next time—cheers!

Matt Hunsworth

Written by Matt Hunsworth

The 2025 Competition Season Starts, and Brewers Anonymous Brings home the Hardware!

Three Tents, Two Festivals, and One Repeat Win equals a Busy Day for Brewers Anonymous!