Winning at the Great American Beer Festival

In terms of professional recognition, are there any honors higher than those awarded by peers? For brewers in the United States, the largest peer judged competition would have to be the Great American Beer Festival. Hundreds of breweries enter thousands of beers to be judged in a blind tasting by judges carefully picked from the beer industry.

If you've watched similar industry competitions, like the Academy Awards, you might imagine evening gowns, tuxedos, and drinks that call for an extended pinky finger. At GABF, folks are a bit more down to earth, even if they feel every bit as excited. Check out these winners:

The folks who wear the medals are hot stuff, yet all you really need to meet them and try their beer is a ticket to GABF. Isn't the beer industry great? High five!

A Trip to New Belgium

On the second day of GABF, I was able to join the crews from (512) Brewing Company and Live Oak Brewing Company for a trip to Fort Collins, Colorado. Our first stop was New Belgium Brewing, almost certainly the most beautiful brewery I've ever visited. Not only are the grounds and structures gorgeous, but the folks working there seemed incredibly happy.

This is where we signed in to our VIP tour at New Belgium. Check out the table made from bicycle wheels. Bikes, art, and unusual sculptures are a theme here.

You get a nice, big tasting glass inside the visitor center. Along the tour, taps seem to sprout everywhere. Like I said: fantastic place.

New Belgium has a nice keg sculpture featuring some of their values. I don't see too many businesses putting such effort in building their culture. I love it!

Finally, a mosaic surrounding one of their brew vessels. Delicious beer only tastes better in such fantastic surroundings. Beautiful!

Thanks to (512) Brewing Company for driving me out to Ft. Collins and letting me join them on their tour. Thanks again to Independence Brewery for making it possible to attend GABF!

More to come...

Photos from the Great American Beer Festival Day 0

The first day of GABF started at Great Divide's famous industry party. For many brewers, this is the last stop for relaxation before the busy work of GABF begins. When the doors open at the conference center, it's time for pouring beers, talking to fans, trying new beers, and in my case, enjoying cooking demonstrations and beer pairings at the Beer and Food Pavilion. 

Many thanks to Independence Brewing for making it possible to attend GABF this year!

Photos from the Great American Beer Festival: Day -1

The day before GABF is reserved for finding your beer friends and enjoying a few pints before the excitement begins. You can find more of my pre-GABF photos here.

Turbo Interview with Two Ladies of Craft Beer: Stevie and Taylor

I interviewed Stevie and Taylor at the end of the Beer for Boobs Brunch. They tell us a bit about how and why to support women in craft beer, and also a little insight into their future plans. It's a short video, so watch and learn about this trending group bringing a fun new perspective to the craft beer universe.