Head judge Geoff Griggs said "all sorts" of people were attracted to homebrewing.

The country's top brewer has revealed his tips for award-winning beer.

Aucklander John Golics was named the Champion Brewer at the National Homebrew Competition on Auckland's North Shore on Saturday.

Golics, who won the top brew award in 2014, said he approached brewing like a great chef approached cooking.

ANNA LOREN/Stuff.co.nz Head judge Geoff Griggs speaks about what makes a good homebrew.

"There are no shortcuts. Use the best grain, the freshest hops and the best yeast.

"If you use the freshest and the best ingredients you'll get the best results."

Golics has his own mini-brewery at home and tried to put one or two brews down a month.

A Belgium red was awarded the country's best craft brewer at the competition.

Oliver Drake scored a near-perfect 48/50 for his Flanders Red.

The Flanders brew would be released on a commercial scale by Auckland brewery Hallertau.✓

Competition organiser Tom Coleman said there were 542 entries this year, up more than 30 per cent on last year's efforts.

"Many of the entries are in particularly challenging styles such as sour beers, which take a lot of patience and skill to brew."

Head judge Geoff Griggs said there was a "massive" variety of beers on display.

Each beer was judged on aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel and overall impression.

The competition was organised by the Society of Beer Advocates, a consumer-based organisation which pushed for responsible drinking and appreciation of the art of brewing.

Golics won a brewing scholarship package, including a beer release and training in commercial brewing.