Great American Beer Festival started in 1982 with 22 Breweries -
Denver, Colorado
The Great American Beer Festival is a three-day annual event hosted by the
Brewers Association, held in Denver, Colorado, in mid to late September or
early October. The GABF brings visitors from around the world to sample more
than 2,000 different American beers. Over 100 beer judges from the United
States and abroad evaluate beer in the associated competition, ultimately
judging 4,500 beers entered by 580 domestic breweries. Gold, silver
and bronze medals in 84 beer-style categories are awarded,
though not every medal is necessarily awarded in each category.
History of the Great American Beer Festival
1982 -The first festival was held at the Harvest House Hotel in Boulder. There
were 22 breweries, 40 beers and 800 attendees.
1984 - The festival moved to Denver
1992 - The 10th festival was held at the Denver Merchandise Mart with 150
breweries, 500 beers and 7,000 attendees.
2000 - Due to continued growth and popularity, the festival was moved from
Currigan Hall in Denver to the Colorado ConventionCenter.
2012 - Demand for tickets is at an all-time high. The 2007 Festival sold out the
week of the event, while the 2012 event sold out in only one week.
GABF Consumer Preference Poll
From 1983-1986, there was no official judging at the Great American Beer
Festival. The festival consumers voted for their favorite beer. Here are
the results.
1983 Consumer Preference Poll
1st: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
2nd: Sierra Nevada Porter - Sierra Nevada Brewing
3rd: Anchor Porter - Anchor Brewing
1984 Consumer Preference Poll
1st: Russian Imperial Stout - Yakima Brewing And Malting
2nd: Grant's Scottish Ale - Yakima Brewing And Malting
3rd: New Amsterdam Amber - Old New York Brewing
1985 Consumer Preference Poll
1st: Samuel Adams - Boston Lager Boston Beer Co
2nd: Hibernia Dunkel - Weizen Hibernia Brewing
3rd: Snake River Amber - Lager Snake River Brewing
1986 Consumer Preference Poll
1st: Samuel Adams - Boston Lager Boston Beer Co
2nd: Festival Ale - Boulder Brewing Co
3rd: Dock Street Amber Ale - Dock Street Brewing Co.
