Archives for February 2025

Legacy on Tap: The Haberle Brewing Company Story
In the heart of Syracuse, New York, where the Erie Canal once brought life and commerce to the bustling city, Benedict Haberle saw opportunity in an amber liquid that could bring people together. In 1857, with little more than his brewing expertise from Germany and a dream, Benedict founded the Haberle Brewing Company.

The brewery quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Workers would gather after long days, toasting with frothy mugs of Haberle’s finest lagers, brewed in the traditional German style that Benedict had mastered. The sound of clinking glasses and hearty laughter filled the air, echoing through the streets of Syracuse.

As the brewery flourished, Benedict’s son, Frank B. Haberle, joined the business, bringing innovation and a modern touch. Frank introduced Congress Lager, a crisp, refreshing beer that became the flagship brew of the Haberle Brewing Company. It wasn’t just a beer; it was a symbol of the American dream, crafted by immigrants and embraced by all.

However, the roaring success of the brewery faced its toughest challenge during Prohibition. With the production of alcohol outlawed, many breweries shuttered their doors forever. But the Haberles were resilient. They pivoted to producing near beer, a low-alcohol alternative, and diversified by selling ice and malt syrup.

When Prohibition ended, the Haberle Brewing Company roared back to life, reclaiming its place in the hearts of beer lovers. The post-Prohibition years saw the brewery expand, with Congress Lager becoming a household name across New York.

But as national brands with bigger budgets and wider distribution entered the market, the Haberle Brewing Company faced declining sales. In 1962, the brewery closed its doors, leaving behind memories of a golden era.

Haberle Brewing Company  – Today
Decades passed, but the spirit of the Haberle Brewing Company never faded. In 2019, descendants of Benedict Haberle embarked on a journey to revive the family legacy. Meticulously researching old recipes and collaborating with local brewers, they brought Congress Lager back to life.

Today, the revived Haberle Brewing Company stands as a testament to tradition, innovation, and resilience. Each bottle of Congress Lager carries with it a story of dreams, challenges, and triumphs, reminding us that while times change, the essence of a great beer remains timeless.

Benedict Frank Haberle
Benedict Frank Haberle was an influential American brewer whose leadership helped shape the beer industry in Syracuse, New York. Born on February 14, 1888, Benedict was destined to carry forward a rich brewing legacy. He was the grandson of Benedict Haberle, a German immigrant who founded the Benedict Haberle Brewing Company in 1857, a cornerstone of Syracuse’s brewing history.

Growing up in a family dedicated to the craft of brewing, Benedict Frank Haberle was steeped in the traditions and innovations that defined his family’s business. After the death of his grandfather in 1881, the brewery was incorporated and continued to thrive under the Haberle name. In 1892, the business merged with the Crystal Spring Brewing Company, forming the Haberle-Crystal Spring Brewing Company, a significant player in the regional beer market.

Benedict Frank Haberle’s leadership and vision propelled the company to new heights during his tenure as president. He was known not just for his business acumen, but also for his deep commitment to quality and tradition in brewing. His stewardship ensured that the Haberle name remained synonymous with excellent craftsmanship and community spirit.

Outside the brewery, Benedict was an active and respected member of the Syracuse community. He participated in various social and cultural organizations, including the Turn Verein, the Liederkranz, the Syracuse Lodge of Elks, and the DeWitt Fish and Game Club. His involvement in these groups underscored his dedication to fostering community connections and celebrating his heritage.

Tragically, Benedict Frank Haberle’s life was cut short on January 9, 1938, when he suffered a fatal heart attack while driving with his wife, Edith Smith Haberle. He was 49 years old. Benedict’s passing was a significant loss to his family, the brewing industry, and the Syracuse community. He left behind his wife, their four children, and a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations.

The Haberle brewing tradition did not end with Benedict’s death. In 2018, his great-grandson, Benedict Frank Haberle IV, revived the family’s brewing legacy by reintroducing Haberle Congress Beer to Syracuse, ensuring that the Haberle name remains a celebrated part of American brewing history.

Benedict Frank Haberle’s life was one of passion, leadership, and enduring impact. His contributions to the brewing industry and his community remain an indelible part of Syracuse’s cultural fabric.

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The National Homebrew Competition (NHC)—the world’s largest amateur homebrew competition—returns in 2025, celebrating outstanding beer, mead, and cider! Hosted by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) with support from the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), NHC has judged over 166,000 homebrewed entries in its 46-year history.

The AHA is thrilled to share what’s new for the 2025 competition!

Registration Details
Registration opens January 28, 2025 and closes February 19, 2025.
There is no entry cap for individual entrants. Individual beers may only be entered once.
Judging and shipping/receiving dates for the First Round and Final Round will be shared in early 2025, before January 28.

Category Updates
Mead & Cider
In 2024, the NHC expanded the mead and cider categories into standalone awards categories. While the intention was to increase mead and cider entries, the response did not meet expectations. For 2025, mead and cider categories will again be distilled into four mead award categories (Traditional, Fruit, Spice, Specialty) and two cider categories (Standard Cider/Perry and Specialty Cider & Perry).

German Pils
So Strong! This may come as no surprise to those who love good beer, but the rise of the lager in recent years is real. Because of its strong showing the past few years, German Pils will have its own standalone category in 2025. This also shifts the name of the previous “Pilsner” award table to “Pale Lager.”

Judging Locations
Final Round in Kansas City: Final Round judging will be in Kansas City, Mo. The AHA is extremely fortunate and grateful to host the Final Round in San Diego for the past two years and are excited to move to a new city with a vibrant homebrewing scene for Final Round judging.

First Round Sites: 
Chicago, Ill.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Longmont, Colo.
New York, N.Y.
San Diego, Calif.
Seattle, Wash.
Tampa, Fla.

These sites will determine the beers that will advance to the Final Round. Get ready to represent!

Entrants will select a First Round judging site preference during registration (January 28 – February 19) on a first-come, first-served basis. Each location is limited to 750 beers each.

Entrants are not required to choose the site that is geographically closest to them. Choose your site wisely as it may make a difference!

Entry Feedback
Once again, entrants will receive digital BJCP scoresheets via email for their entries from some of the world’s top homebrew judges. Feedback will be distributed within two weeks of each First Round location’s judging date.

In addition to the First Round BJCP scoresheets, Final Round entrants will receive written feedback from judges. The NHC Final Round judge pool is the most robust, advanced, and experienced judge pool of any homebrew competition in the world.

Awards
NHC Award Ceremony: The location, date, and format of the Final Round awards ceremony, as well as prizes, are still in the works. Unfortunately, The AHA have yet to find a suitable partner to execute a cost effective 2025 Homebrew Con (HBC), the AHA’s annual member gathering and the usual location of the awards ceremony. However, they are on track with an ongoing search for options to bring back HBC as a valued and important annual event in 2026. They are hopeful that they will be able to host the awards ceremony on-site in Kansas City after Final Round judging. Stay tuned for more information.

Ninkasi, Homebrew Club, and Gambrinus Award Tiebreaker Criteria Update: The AHA has reviewed and updated tiebreaker criteria for these awards. The updated criteria focus on awarding both those who excel in the Final Round and the First Round. See updated tiebreaker info under the Results & Awards section of the NHC site.

The National Homebrew Competition website has been updated for 2025. Sign up for the newsletter and keep an eye on the site between now and when registration opens on January 28 for additional information. This competition is made possible through the generous support of AHA member entrants, volunteers, judges, and our sponsors. Thank you!

For current information, please go to: the National Homebrew Competition website

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.