Each year Æthelmearc recognizes an accomplished individual who represents our arts at their highest level. This person receives the official court regalia (Æthelmug and chain of office) and may process with the royalty in to and out of court, as well as appear in state along with other kingdom champions.
Current Champion
Current champion, as of April 19, 2025: THL Kumagaya Kentarou Masamoto for a Bochet from 1393. There is a public Facebook page with more details and photos for those who would like to see the chain of office and the court scroll for this instance.
At the end of their term, it is custom for the outgoing champion to work with Their Majesties to select a new one. Usually potential candidates enter their beverages for assessment and achieve a score determined by several individuals who consult a public rubric designed to address various aspects of the competition. Their Majesties customarily recognize the highest-scoring person as their new champion, but they may choose another individual - or more than one - if they so desire.
Previous Champions
Casimir Zeleny z Strasna skala
Robert of Ferness: 2023 entry "Barley to Brewski" (PDF)
Ulf Barelegs
(The above list may be incomplete as of May 10, 2025; we are working to confirm our information.)
Behold, the Æthelmug! Part of the Brewing Champion's regalia, produced by Algirdas Wolthus (photo by Robert of Ferness)