Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Getting Ready for GABF; What's On Tap

October is here; that can mean only one thing...the Great American Beer Festival is upon us. Tomme says in his blog post yesterday that he'll be showing up in Denver next Tuesday, his 35th birthday. It reminded me that I'll be cruising in to town on Wednesday, my own birthday...37, if you're interested. After exploring Buffalo Country to the north and west of Denver, taking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and all that the region has to offer (yes, breweries included!), Patty and I will get into Denver recharged and ready to make the most of our first GABF experience. There will surely be late nights and curtain-drawn mornings and lots of frivolity to fill the remaining time. I've received all sorts of advice from others more experienced as to the official events as well as the unofficial events...where to be, when, and for how long. 1,969 BEERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 432 BREWERIES!! This announcement is on the official GABF website. As for local Philadelphia region breweries and brewers, how will they be represented and spending their time in Denver? I've created a list of beers (here's the link) that have been entered by brewers who have shared this information with me. The list is not necessarily complete as some are not telling due to superstitions. With so much at stake, who can blame 'em? Check it out and you too can play along no matter where you are. Following are a few more notes from some of our local Philly-area brewers. From Sly Fox, Brian O'Reilly will be representing the rapidly-growing brewery as both a participant and a judge. Over at Triumph, brewer Patrick Jones and 12 other staff will be attending and pouring at GABF. In Patrick's words, he'll be "catching up with friends, drinking ALOT of beer, and winning more gold than Fort Knox." A little optimism can't hurt going into a competition like this, right?! Chris Leonard, Russ Czajka, and the General Lafayette crew are focused on other projects this year which in turn means increasing production. Look for them to likely show up in Denver in 2009. Ryan Michaels and his assistant, Gerard, from McKenzie Brew House will both be in Denver and pouring. Mike Fava will be making his inaugural trip to GABF and will be making it now as the Head Brewer at West Philly's reborn Dock Street. Curt Decker and Gordon Grubb from Nodding Head will be tag-teaming Denver and taking no prisoners. If/as I come across more information that brewers wish to share, I'll do likewise with you. The countdown is on...

5 comments:

booboodog said...

if this is your first trip to colorado, it will be followed up by many. we went there last may to take in the sights of the rockies and brew scene. it was a fabulous time. have fun!!!!

Bryan Kolesar said...

My second trip to CO, first to GABF....can't wait for both! Thanks for the encouraging note

Dave said...

Hope you guys all enjoy your trips to Colorado. As a resident of Colorado for the last 26 years I can say I'm glad I made the move long ago. Michigan is fine but Colorado is better! I'll be pouring beers on Thursday night at the GABF and attending as a drinker the other two days. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

My advice as a few year Colorado resident about flatlanders drinking at altitude, especially during the 2nd week of October: #1: Drink lots of water. #2: If you see myself or anyone else from the region, run away. The water won't help at that point.

But by all means come by the booth. We won't hurt you inside the fest.

Scoats said...

Maybe we'll cross paths. I'll be at GABF too. It will be my 2nd one.