Back from Denver – GABF 2018
Where to start, how to tell it, and what did I drink? First of all what a great trip overall had so much fun and to see old friends and make new ones this is how every trip should be. Arriving in Denver the deep blue skies and warmth from the sun was perfect.
Wednesday was for checking out new breweries. So if you have not been to Denver the city is covered in Breweries. From the heritage been around for a while to the just opened a few months ago. I used Uber to get around so I was safe. I was not about to attempt the electric scooters they had all over.
(Insert: easily could have wrecked and broke something.)
CO-Brew a small 1 bbl nano with a homebrew shop inside was a great way to start my Denver journey of 2018. Great hazy beer and why not? It’s all the rage and here to stay. Next in order of who I saw. Spangalang Brewing, Woods Boss Brewing, Jagged Mountain Brewing, Banded Oak Brewing, Trve Brewing and Low Down Brewing to round out the day. I had everything from a small sample tray to a pint or two at each, I got tours, heard told startup stories, customers tell about there various beer adventures. Was told many a time where to go next and must see. Great start to my adventure.
Thursday, it was up and attem. The first session of GABF starts in a few hours but until then let’s see more Breweries. So it was off to Boulder Colorado for myself, Paul (Well 80) and Jada (Fish Brewing). Of course I had to get them 
up to date on tv trivia and tell them that the Mork and Mindy TV Show was from there. Oh and the first Beer Blogger Conference was also. We stopped at a few but knew we needed to get back for the GABF. Boulder Beer Company was first of the day. Fate Brewing was next then Bru Handbuilt Ales was on the tour. Last we stopped at Mountain Sun Brewery and Pub. Now back to Denver we go it’s GABF time.
GABF – Thursday it all starts with the stairs and ends the same. Bagpipes, so many people and all with the biggest smiles you have ever seen. The hall opens up and there are 800 plus breweries more than one can handle pure Beer Geek overload. Music, grandeur, and time for tasting. Now for the biggest change and you know how well we deal with change. Walking around I saw a California brewer next to Iowa or what Florida next to Montana. Wait there not in region anymore? I was confused it took a minute and after 4 songs of the ABC’s… I figured it out they went Alphabetical. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one going back to singing the Alphabet a few times to find the brewery you had to see. What a night there was Charlie Papazian walking around shaking hands and everyone wants to see the father of Homebrewing and Craft Beer. I saw Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head. John Harris from new Ecliptic Brewing (Deschutes Black Butte Port and Mirror Pond Fame)
800 breweries is hard to fathom but there was so much beer it was overwhelming as to what, where and whom to try. GABF is the granddaddy of them all, so come ready have good shoes, extra charge on the phone and keep it in your mind you will not try them all.
Friday started at the Sam Adams Media event with Founder and Pioneer brewer Jim Koch. He is such a character and respected man in the community. When Jim talks beer, hops, the community and being able to use his experiences in helping small businesses grow. His passion for is what we all strive for in life and business. I once again ran into old friends and met new ones. Erin Peters (The Beer Goddess) I had not seen in a few years and to catch up was so awesome. Here’s to you Erin (http://thebeergoddess.com/) She runs a blog out of Ventura county and is a terrific writer and person. So glad to have caught up with Erin.
After the Sam Adams event it was time to hit the Rare Beer event held by Pints for Prostates. In its tenth year this has become an event to seek during your GABF celebrating. Held in Denver this was a huge event itself with breweries from all over bringing their best. Fremont Brewing and Coconut B Bomb and Sam Adams with Cherry Utopias to name a few. This is also a who’s who in brewers that can and will be there.
Short nap later its GABF time again. Now you got the lay of the land it’s time to hit all the ones you said you’d hit the night before. Tee shirt walls, pretzels, music, food and tons of beer along with people it is all there. Oh hey there’s Garrett Oliver (Brooklyn Brewing) then as you drink Jamie Floyd (Ninkasi) gives you a shoulder chuck. There is just so much if you leave without excitement for the industry you are truly in the wrong building. Time to go back to the hotel and rest.
Saturday GABF awards – Wanna talk stress and excitement this is it. Brewers put there heart and soul into there craft and to win an award here means the world and is a huge statement. Once the awards start it is the excitement from the brewers running up to meet Charlie Papazian and getting that medal hung around their necks. It is such enjoyment to see these big kids getting excited and winning. What a fun way to start your day. Next for us Paul (Well 80) we headed to seek more 
breweries. Fort Collins was the agenda. So north we headed north on I-25. Hey there the turn for Longmont I’ve never been to Left Hand and really wanted to go so we stopped. Oh hey there’s Bootstrap Brewing my friends Leslie and Steve Kaczeus (Craft Brewers Conference – San Diego) Great beer and some local BBQ. We need to get to Fort Collins. But we were told we had to see Big Beaver Brewing in Loveland. So a short drive later we went. Then nearby was brand new opened a month ago Dratz Brewing. Then all of a sudden the last 3 days caught up with us we are beat. So headed back to Denver, sorry Fort Collins next time.
Driving back to Denver, second winds came to us and it was hey let’s get a beer. So we dropped off the car picked up Uber and it was off to find more. First up Zuni Street brewing such a great place but the bouncy house was for kids 
only. Paul really wanted to jump in the bouncy house. Next we headed to Factotum Brewing and around the corner Diebolt Brewing. Like Laverne and Shirley we were determined to hit two more as we figured it out I was 2 shy of 20 breweries for this trip. Little Machine Brewhouse (19) and last but not least and count it 20 breweries seen in 4 days. Drum Roll – Seedstock Brewing. We closed out the night and had a blast thanks Paul and Jada for coming along. Next time we will make it to Fort Collins.
GABF is such a magical time there is so much to see and Denver is very worthy of the trip. Until next time, “I’m Leaving on a Jet plane.” Cheers to Denver and the GABF.
