HUDES Home Brewers Appreciation Awards 2025: Honoring the Passionate Seven

As we usher in 2026, HUDES Magazine takes a moment to reflect on the stories that have shaped our community in 2025. The HUDES Home Brewers Appreciation Awards celebrate the everyday heroes of manual brewing. Passionate individuals who have shared their mindful rituals, personal journeys, and innovative setups through our interviews and features. These nominees are selected from those who, at the time of their interview with HUDES, had not yet participated in official brewing competitions. These awards are not about competition; they are about gratitude. All seven nominees receive special recognition for their contributions to the world of home brewing, inspiring thousands with their authenticity and dedication.

In a year where specialty coffee consumption in Indonesia reached the top five globally, and manual brewing trends like pour-over and V60 exploded across Asia, it's a ritual, a story, and a connection to origins. From budget hacks to heartfelt transformations, their experiences embody the mindful ethos of HUDES.

Without further ado, here are the honored seven, each with their unique award category:

1. Sahil Punjabi (India) – Most Mindful Daily Ritual Award 

Sahil's deep personal stories and mindful daily rituals from Madhya Pradesh embody the meditative side of manual brewing. His feature in our series has encouraged readers to slow down and savor each pour. Congratulations, Sahil,.your rituals are a beacon of mindfulness.

2. Tommy Keiser (USA) – Most Nostalgic Home Brewing Vibe Award

Tommy captures the essence of nostalgic home moments through his authentic setups and heartfelt stories. Featured in HUDES for his relatable approach, he reminds us of the joy in everyday brewing. Cheers to you, Tommy, your vibes bring warmth to our community.

3. Daryl Bueno (Philippines) – Best Digital Content Creator Award  

Blending beautiful coffee with captivating digital content and teaching, Daryl has made manual brewing accessible online. His insights in our interviews have helped home brewers worldwide. Bravo, Daryl, your creativity elevates the community.

4. Bryant Toh (Singapore) – Most Passionate All-Time Addict Award

As a passionate home barista and self-proclaimed all-time coffee addict, Bryant's relatable insights from Singapore capture the endless joy of brewing. Featured in HUDES for his enthusiasm, he inspires us to keep experimenting. Well deserved, Bryant, your passion is contagious.

5. Gede Wiweka (Indonesia) – Most Inspiring Personal Journey Award

Gede's story of overcoming personal challenges while sharing free manual brewing knowledge in Bali is a testament to resilience. Through his hands-on tutorials and community workshops, he has empowered countless beginners to embrace mindful brewing. Congratulations, Gede,.your journey inspires us to brew with purpose.

6. Kristian Hadinata (Indonesia) – Best Transformation Story Award

From bitter beginnings to becoming a dedicated home brewer, Kristian Hadinata's transformation highlights the therapeutic power of coffee. His honest sharing in our "Hands That Brew" series shows how a simple ritual can turn passion into healing. Well done, Kristian,.you've transformed not just your brews, but our perspectives.

7. Zia from Lombok (Indonesia) – Best Local Origin Storyteller Award 

Rooted in Lombok, Zia brews the world in every cup without ever leaving her island. Her local origin stories, shared vividly in HUDES, celebrate sustainability and cultural connections. Thank you, Zia—your storytelling grounds us in the true essence of coffee.

Each recipient will receive an exclusive digital certificate and a dedicated feature spotlight on our website. These awards are our way of saying thank you for trusting HUDES with your stories and for enriching the global manual brewing community.

Looking ahead to 2026, we invite more home brewers to share their journeys with us. Submit your story via the contact form on our site, and who knows, you could be part of next year's celebration!

Stay mindful, keep brewing, and let's make 2026 even more inspiring. HUDES Magazine: Stories Worldwide in Manual Brewing

By Syam Indra Pratama, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, HUDES Magazine

Published: January 3, 2026