The Great American Beer Festival

Beer Heaven?...The closest thing to that is the Great American Beer Festival held in Denver, CO annually. Since 1982, the devotees have made the pilgrimage to the great city and helped shape the future of the brewing industry. From a small beginning of 20 breweries, 35 beers and 200 attendees, it has grown to 400 breweries, 1700 beers and over 30,000 attendees. Here the brewers get to see what everyone else is doing around the country and swap ideas, recipes, and business forecasts with their fellow brewers. There is a "Business of Brewing" session that gives them a chance to hear about new technology and equipment that could help them in their quest for better beer and more efficient methods.But, of course, the main reason everyone is there is to taste some of the wide assortment of brews that were brought by their creators to be judged by, not only public opinion, but by the special panel of judges appointed by the AHA to award medals in 54 style categories. I can't imagine how one could undertake such a massive task as that, but, as they say, someone has to do it! At the Members-only (AHA) session on Saturday, they announce the winners of the competition to a very tense group of brewers. Besides the 400 breweries with booths on the floor,there are also many breweries entered into the competition that could not get space. The judges are the only ones that get to taste those beers and there are quite a few!
The Festival was held on October 7-9 this year and the sessions are held from 5:30PM - 10:00PM(last call 9:45PM).
Thursday night is the best night as all the vendors have all the beers that they listed and also have all the trinkets that the collectors look for....keychains, openers, coasters, etc. The most popular of the booths start running out of their brews on Friday night and by Saturday, they are serving one beer. Also, on Thursday, many of the brewers make themselves available to the visitors to talk and get feedback on their creations. With the help of over 1300 volunteers, their brews are served to thousands of eager and thirsty fans. There is also a Merchandise Store where glasses, T-shirts, pens,and all sorts of beer paraphenalia can be bought. Food can also be purchased at certain stations on the floor. There are also several breweries that make soda which can be tasted as well. Each table has water to rinse out your glass and this year there were automatic glass-washing stations throughout the building. And, of course, the all-important FACILITIES......are outside in a long row. (not much waiting except on Saturday)
The doors are open and one MUST HAVE ID! They don't care how old you are, you must show a picture ID to get in. They band you and send you off to get your glass and guide book. You get a 6 oz. serving glass in which will be poured as many 1 oz. servings as you can taste. Your guide book lists all the Breweries and Brewpubs and what beers they are serving with a short description of each.The floor is laid out by Geographical regions so, if you have a specific place in mind, you may find it among its neighbors.

Thursday Friday Members-only(Sat.) Saturday