GABF 2012 Will Welcome 50K Guests & Adds Fresh Hop Ale Category

Over the course of three days, 49,000 attendees will sample beer from approximately 580 U.S. breweries at the 31^st annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF). As America’s premier beer festival and competition, GABF represents the largest ticketed beer event in the country, bringing together the brewers and beers that make the U.S. the world’s most diverse brewing nation.

When:

Thursday, October 11: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, October 12: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 13*: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
*Brewers Association and American Homebrewers Association members-only session
Saturday, October 13: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Where:

Brewpub Pavilion: About half of today’s 2,000 plus breweries are considered brewpubs, and this year’s GABF recognizes that trend with a brand new Brewpub Pavilion, located in the central area of the festival hall. The pavilion will include approximately 24 breweries representing all regions of the country and will be set up to replicate the brewpub atmosphere that craft beer enthusiasts enjoy, including seating and bite-sized snacks available for purchase.

More Breweries: With some changes to the festival floor plan, GABF will have 110 more breweries pouring their beers in the hall this year, which is a 23 percent increase over 2011.

Fresh Hop Ale Competition Category: This year’s GABF competition will feature a brand new "Fresh Hop Ale" category. The addition of this category signifies not only growing interest in this beer style, but also increased appreciation in the role of beer ingredients.