Judging the Great American Beer Festival

After kicking off the second Milwaukee Beer Week tomorrow, I'll be heading to Denver and will have the distinct honor of joining some of the most distinguished members of the craft beer industry (with some highly discerning palates) as a judge at the Great American Beer Festival. Given all that led up to receiving this invitation to serve as a judge, and the fascination that so many beer enthusiasts likely have about what goes into the medals awarded at the GABF, I figured I'd blog on the experience. So over the next week, I plan to submit a daily blog documenting my inaugural experience as a beer judge at the biggest beer competition in America. While I may not be able to share some information to retain the integrity of the competition (phones/handheld devices/PCs, etc. will not be permitted during the judging), I hope I can provide a greater understanding of what goes into judging, and what a tremendous honor it is for a brewer to win a prestigious medal at the GABF.

First, here are some top line facts:

• The GABF was started in 1982 by Charlie Papazian, a celebrated author, a champion for craft brewers, and the president of the Brewers Association.
• In 1982, when the GABF was first held, there were about 100 breweries in America. Today, there are over 1,600. The number of breweries in America peaked in the 1880s at about 2,500.
• The event is now held each year in Denver, Colorado.
• The 2009 GABF attracted 49,000 attendees.
• 3,308 beers were judged at the 2009 GABF.
• Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded for beers in 79 distinct categories (over 100 styles)
• Medal winners represent the best that American beer has to offer
• For more info about the GABF, visit: http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/about-the-beer-...

The group of approximately 100 judges commence judging this Wednesday, September 15 at 8:30 AM, and will wrap up by Friday, September 17 at 12:30 PM. All awards will be presented on Saturday, September 18 starting at about 1:00 PM. If there's interest, I can set up a Twitter stream to do some live blogging of the results.

If anyone has any questions or comments that I can answer about this exciting event, and specifically, the judging, please feel free to post them below.

Cheers!