About Us

The Garden State Homebrewers, the first and only AHA-recognized homebrew club in Somerset County, originated as an online group and held its first in-person meeting on February 10, 2015 at Tapastre in Somerville. From the start, many members distinguished themselves in local competitions, including Eric Brunberg, who won 1st place in the IPA category at Motown MASH 2015, and Chris Bellina and Larry Bentley, who took Best of Show at Motown MASH 2016 for their IPA “Hazy Shade of Citra.” The group grew rapidly, and by late 2016, had adopted a formal charter and elected its first executive board—officially becoming the Garden State Homebrewers.

In 2017, the club expanded its activities, participating in charity events, group brews, and collaborations with local breweries. That August, GSHB hosted its first charity event, a beer tasting to benefit The ARC of Somerset. In November, the club was invited to join several brew clubs and breweries at the “For the Love of the Craft” (FTLOTC) dinner, collaborating with Flounder Brewing in Hillsborough on a New Zealand IPA called “Fish out of Water.”

The following year, GSHB members volunteered at the annual Sunset Lake Association fundraiser in Bridgewater, and returned to the FTLOTC dinner with another collaboration—this time with Bradley Brew Project on a New Zealand lager called “Chasing Kiwis.” The club also continued its winning ways in competitions, finishing 3rd in the 2018 NJ Homebrew Club of the Year standings.

In 2019, GSHB teamed up with The WHALES to launch the BJCP-sanctioned Garden State Homebrew Competition, held that March in Whitehouse Station. Over 280 beers were judged, and the event was widely praised for its organization and energy. Among the highlights: GSHB member Mike Gilmore’s English Mild won a Best of Show award, later brewed at Flounder that spring. The club also returned to FTLOTC with Bradley Brew Project for a dark fruited sour called “We Playing,” and once again supported the Sunset Lake fundraiser. GSHB finished the year as runner-up in the 2019 NJ Homebrew Club of the Year race.

In January 2020, following Mike Gilmore’s brain cancer diagnosis, club members re-brewed his English Mild at Flounder, who generously donated all proceeds to Mike’s family. The 2nd Annual Garden State Homebrew Competition followed in March, now co-hosted with NJ HOPZ and WHALES. With around 350 entries judged and strong showings by GSHB brewers, the event raised additional funds for the Gilmore family and promoted the release of Gilmore’s Mild with tap takeovers across the region.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Garden State Homebrewers adapted, hosting virtual meetings, educational sessions, and remote competitions to keep members connected and engaged. Their perseverance paid off: GSHB was named New Jersey Homebrew Club of the Year in 2020—and then again in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, marking an unprecedented five-year winning streak. The club’s commitment to quality, camaraderie, and community has never been stronger.

From humble beginnings to a powerhouse of brewing talent, the Garden State Homebrewers continue to raise the bar—one batch at a time.