This past weekend, Denver transformed into a veritable Mecca for beer aficionados as the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) drew in more than 500 breweries and 40,000 attendees from all over the globe. Organized annually by the Brewers Association, the festival is not merely a tasting experience; it also serves as a hub for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to partake in one of the most significant beer competitions in the United States. Since its inception in 1987, the GABF has evolved significantly, yet it remains a definitive moment on the calendar for anyone passionate about craft beer.
As the craft beer landscape continues to shift and expand, certain styles have proven to be immensely popular among consumers, with India Pale Ales (IPAs) leading the charge. The IPA’s widespread appeal is evident in its market dominance, accounting for an impressive 46% share of the $29 billion craft beer industry. Such characteristics make the IPA the most contested style at the competition, leading to a staggering number of entries—8,836 beers vying for accolades this year alone.
The sheer volume of IPA submissions at this year’s GABF highlights not just the style’s popularity but also its complexity and versatility. The festival revealed eight distinct subcategories centered on IPAs, with the most represented being Juicy/Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and American Style IPA. This variety allows for a plethora of flavors, styles, and brewing techniques, affirming IPAs as the heavyweight champions of the craft beer world.
In a judging format reminiscent of the Olympic Games, beers are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals across various categories, igniting fierce competition and celebrations among brewers. The spotlight this year shone most brightly on three winning breweries from Long Beach, California, marking a significant moment for the Greater Los Angeles area.
Taking the gold medal for the Juicy/Hazy IPA category was Ambitious Ales with their Professional Human Being. This brew, a 7.2% alcohol by volume (ABV) delight, is double dry hopped with a unique combination of Nelson, Citra, and Motueka hops. The result is a creamy orange body showcasing vibrant aromas and flavors of tropical fruit and melon that catapulted it to the forefront of the competition. Unfortunately for national fans, this tantalizing brew has yet to secure widespread distribution, leaving the local taproom as the sole purveyor for those eager to try it.
Another standout from Long Beach was Trademark Brewing, clinching the gold in the West Coast IPA category with their 7% ABV creation, Codebreaker. This beer presents a uniquely dank yet refreshing profile, inviting drinkers on a sensory journey through apricot sweetness and pine tree earthiness. Packaged in 16 oz. cans, it’s available for online orders, although only within California—an indication that its popularity may soon spill beyond state lines.
Adding to the accolades for Greater Los Angeles, Highland Park Brewery emerged victorious in the American-Style IPA category with its aptly named Competition. Standing out among 217 entries, this 7.3% ABV beer strikes a delicate balance, offering nuanced malt characteristics that soften the typically aggressive hop profile. With a toasted cereal backbone set against the vibrant, resinous notes of Mosaic, Citra, and Cascade hops, it continues to push the boundaries of the American IPA style.
The performance of these breweries illustrates a significant shift in the craft beer hierarchy, particularly for the Greater Los Angeles region, which historically lagged behind the Bay Area and San Diego in the battle for brewing supremacy. The achievements at GABF 2024 undoubtedly bolster the reputation of Southern California, suggesting that this area is carving out its own identity on the craft beer map.
With such thrilling results, one thing is clear: the Great American Beer Festival not only celebrates the artistry and creativity of breweries but also underscores the dynamic evolution of beer culture in America. Cheers to all the medalists who continue to innovate and inspire enthusiasts through their extraordinary craft!