FEATURE: Great American Beer Festival returns to in person

The Great American Beer Festival returns to an in-person event in downtown Denver

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

This year, 40,000 brew lovers will descend in Denver at the 40th Anniversary Great American Beer Festival (GABF).

About 500 breweries from all over the US will bring more than 2,000 beers to downtown Denver at the Colorado Convention Center from October 6 to 8, 2022.

Local Breweries Look Forward to the Festival

“The Great American Beer Festival is just that — the greatest beer festival in America. There is nothing like it,” said Skip Schwartz, head brewer at WeldWerks Brewing Company. “To have that many amazing breweries in one place at one time is something special. To be able to have it in person again, in Denver, and in our home state of Colorado, is just an amazing thing to see.”

WeldWerks Brewery, based in Greeley, Colo., will showcase boba pearls in their sour beer line at their booth.

“I truly think we have captured the boba tea experience in beer form, with months of trial and error,” said Schwartz. “With the help from our amazing head chef, Tim Meador, and sous chef, Raj Patrawala, whose passion constantly pushes us in the brewhouse, we think we have found an awesome way to showcase modern culinary arts with beer.”

Post Pandemic Festival Planning

Back in-person after a two-year hiatus, the 40th anniversary GABF is not one to miss!

“I think it’s time, and I’m cautiously optimistic about the crowds. It’s always interesting to see how things bounce back after the pandemic, and I’m glad they limited the number of booths (and I’m assuming attendance) this year,” said Jeff Smith, co-founder and head ringmaster at LUKI Brewery. “There’s no reason to completely pack everyone in there on the show floor. Just knowing the booths are spaced out 8-ft wide instead of the traditional 6-ft already feels like we have room to breathe.”

Hosted by the Brewers Association and American Homebrewers Association, GABF is the nation’s largest-ticketed beer festival and collection of U.S. beer ever served, in the format of a public-tasting event, including a privately judged competition.

Brewers of Colorado are excited to showcase their local ingredients. Take Our Mutual Friend Brewing.

“We use local ingredients whenever possible,” said head brewer Jan Chodkowski at Our Mutual Friend Brewing. “All our base malt comes from Colorado, and we also

Pretzels, Advil, bagels and chips are part of the attire when sampling brews at GABF. Photo Credit: Chad Mitchell

incorporate Colorado hops into our beers as well.”

Asian Brewing Companies Join the 2022 GABF

There are local brewers choosing to attend as competitors, rather than exhibiting or hosting a table.

Taiwanese American David Lin of Comrade Brewing Company in Denver is competing this year. He shares the festival is smaller in attendance and is opting to attend local events around downtown Denver.

“I’m looking forward to the festival, but there will also be a lot of events going on around town that we’ll be participating in,” said Lin.

“It is sure different, without Falling Rock Tap House around anymore.”

Comrade Brewing was named the 2019 Small Brewing Company of the Year at GABF.

Their beer, Superpower IPA, was awarded a gold medal in the American-Style Strong Pale Ale category, which had 131 entries.

Jade Mountain Brewing Company in Aurora, will not exhibit their beers or enter any of the categories for competition. Rather, the Chinese-inspired brewery that uses Asian ingredients of lychee or rice, will host a tap takeover at Bao Brew House on Larimer Square.

Comrade Brewing, owned by TaiwaneseAmerican David Lin, will be competing at the 2022 GABF.

Follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on Twitter @Jeneverre.

WeldWerks Brewery, based in Greeley, Colo., will showcase boba pearls in their sour beers at the festival. Wild Basin Seltzer releases its island-inspired “Paradise Pack”

“These tiki-inspired tropical flavors take you away to an island locale,” said Wild Basin Brand Manager, Margaret Mannion. “Flavors like lime, coconut, orange, and guava are sure to be crowd pleasers. These slim 12 oz cans are ready for a sunny afternoon at the beach or by the pool.”

• Passion, Orange and Guava

(P.O.G.): A beach chair with your feet in the sand pairs perfectly with this juicy, tropical and citrusy combination. • Watermelon Mojito: Summertime in drink form - melony sweetness mixes with mint and a hint of lime to send your taste buds on vacation. • Lime Coconut: A surprise fusion of two well-known tropical ingredients creates a new spritzer-style classic. • Blue Hawaiian: As blue as the waters in Hawaii and just as refreshing with hints of pineapple, coconut and other tropical notes.

Learn more about Wild Basin Hard Seltzer at: wildbasinhardseltzer.com.