Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Great American Beer Festival

The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is America’s biggest and most prestigious beer festival, attracting festivalgoers from all corners of the country. This year, it took place in Denver, Colorado on September 21-23, showcasing over 1000 different beers from more than 300 breweries. As a beer enthusiast, this festival is a highlight of my year. Not only do I get to try new beers, but I also have the opportunity to discover new breweries that I’ve never heard of before.

The history of GABF dates back to 1982, when it was started by the American Homebrewers Association in Colorado. Today, it is organized by the Brewers Association and has become one of the largest beer competitions in the world. The festival spans four sessions over three days and fills up the vast 584,000 square foot Colorado Convention Center exhibit hall. It’s a massive event that requires the help of over 300 volunteers to run smoothly.

One of the most exciting aspects of GABF is the judging process, which involves 230 judges from around the world. These judges evaluate nearly 10,000 beers over the course of nine days. Winning a medal at GABF is a highly coveted honor for any brewery. This year, 303 medals were awarded to 263 breweries across America in 99 different beer style categories.

Some notable surprises from this year’s competition include Lazarus Brewing from Austin, Texas, winning gold for both German style Pilsner and Bohemian style Pilsner. Additionally, Third Eye Brewing from Sharonville, Ohio, took home an impressive four medals. It’s always exciting to see new breweries making an impact and gaining recognition at GABF.

GABF also coincides with Denver Craft Beer Week, which features several events outside of the festival. One highlight is the Great Mexican Beer Fiesta, where I had the pleasure of sampling amazing beer collaborations from Cervecería Colorado with breweries from Mexico. Another event that beer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate is the Denver Rare Beer Tasting, which raises funds for prostate cancer research and offers a chance to taste some of the rarest and most sought-after beers in the country.

Beyond the festival and its associated events, Denver’s craft beer scene is robust, attracting breweries from around the world. Many of these breweries set up shop in local restaurants and breweries, offering beer lovers the opportunity to taste a wide variety of brews. It’s a great chance to support local Colorado breweries and discover hidden gems from other regions.

The economic impact of GABF is also noteworthy, with the festival bringing in approximately 15.2 million dollars in 2022 alone. It’s clear that beer lovers are willing to travel and spend money to attend this remarkable event.

Personally, I had the chance to try numerous delicious beers at this year’s GABF. One standout was the Black Star Recalcitrant Dockhand Porter from Black Star brewery in Austin, Texas. This porter perfectly balanced roast and drinkability, leaving a lasting impression on my taste buds. Another standout was the hazy double IPA called Jasper with Nelson from Fidens Brewing in Colonie, New York. This beer was incredibly smooth and lacked any noticeable alcohol heat. Fidens Brewing has gained considerable credibility in the Northeast and is often touted as the next “it” brewery.

Lastly, I must mention the delightful collaboration between Cervecería Colorado and Hércules Brewery called Hercules/Cervecería Colorado Mariachi Mash. This Belgian-style witbier was flavored with marigold and curuba fruit, creating a unique and refreshing taste experience.

In conclusion, if you’re a beer lover, I highly recommend attending the Great American Beer Festival. It’s an incredible opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, discover exceptional beers, and support breweries from all across America. Don’t miss out on this wonderful experience!