(Denver, CO) – Passing along some Great American Beer Festival info that was 
shared with beer media members earlier this month…
From October 11-13, nearly 50,000 beer lovers will converge on Denver for the 31st annual Great American Beer Festival® (GABF). GABF is America’s premier beer festival and competition, and an event that fittingly represents the world’s most diverse brewing nation.
What: Over the course of three days, 49,000 attendees will sample beer from approximately 580 U.S. breweries at the 31st annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF). As America’s premier beer festival and competition, GABF represents the largest ticketed beer event in the country, bringing together the brewers and beers that make the U.S. the world’s most diverse brewing nation.
When:
Thursday, October 11: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, October 12: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 13*: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. * Brewers Association and American Homebrewers Association members-only session
Saturday, October 13: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where:
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th Street
Denver, Colorado
Why: With more than 2,000 breweries currently producing countless styles and varieties of beer, the U.S. is a world leader in brewing. Annually, the GABF gathers about one quarter of the country’s breweries to Denver for a public tasting event, as well as one of the most esteemed beer competitions and judge panels in the country.
Website: GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com
New for 2012:
Brewpub Pavilion: About half of today’s 2,000 plus breweries are considered brewpubs, and this year’s GABF recognizes that trend with a brand new Brewpub Pavilion, located in the central area of the festival hall. The pavilion will include approximately 24 breweries representing all regions of the country and will be set up to replicate the brewpub atmosphere that craft beer enthusiasts enjoy, including seating and bite-sized snacks available for purchase.
More Breweries: With some changes to the festival floor plan, GABF will have 110 more breweries pouring their beers in the hall this year, which is a 23 percent increase over 2011.
Fresh Hop Ale Competition Category: This year’s GABF competition will feature a brand new “Fresh Hop Ale” category. The addition of this category signifies not only growing interest in this beer style, but also increased appreciation in the role of beer ingredients.
Approximately 580 participating breweries: See if a local brewery from your state or region is participating. For a full brewery list, visit http://bit.ly/ONShMp.
