This weekend marked a significant moment in the craft beer community as the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) took center stage in downtown Denver. Bringing together over 500 breweries and 40,000 beer enthusiasts from around the world, GABF is the largest tasting event of its kind, organized by the Brewers Association. This gathering not only celebrates the craft of brewing but also serves as the backdrop for one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions—the judging of a multitude of beer styles, with an emphasis on the ever-popular India Pale Ales (IPAs).
Since its inception in 1987, the GABF has witnessed a transformation in the craft beer landscape. However, despite the emergence of various styles, IPAs uphold a significant dominance among American beer consumers. With a staggering 46% of the $29 billion craft beer market attributed to this hop-forward style, it is clear that IPAs are not just a trend, but a staple of craft brewing culture. As craft beer continues to flourish, IPAs remain the most entered category at the GABF, with a record-breaking 8,836 entries across various categories this year.
Contestants showcased their innovative takes on IPAs in eight distinct categories, including the most popular Juicy/Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and American Style IPA. This overwhelming participation highlights the creativity and dedication of brewers who strive to redefine and innovate within this beloved category.
In the Juicy/Hazy IPA category, the standout gold-medal recipient was “Professional Human Being” by Ambitious Ales, hailing from Long Beach, California. This 7.2% ABV creation is not just a beer; it is an experience characterized by its double dry-hopping technique using Nelson, Citra, and Motueka hops. The result is a creamy orange concoction bursting with tropical fruit and melon flavors, offering a tantalizing sip that seems to embody the essence of summer. With no national distribution yet, beer enthusiasts eager to indulge must make their way to the taproom to savor this gem or secure a 4-pack of tall boys priced at around $20.
Similarly, another Long Beach establishment, Trademark Brewing, brought home the gold in the West Coast IPA category with their audaciously named “Codebreaker.” This 7% ABV brew features a balance of dankness and crispness, offering delightful flavors of apricot and pine, each sip an exquisite dance on the palate for just $18 per 4-pack of 16 oz. cans—available for order throughout California.
In the American Style IPA subcategory, Highland Park Brewery triumphed over a competitive field with its aptly titled “Competition.” This 7.3% ABV entry showcases a more balanced malt profile, with toasted cereal notes weaving seamlessly into the resinous, mango-forward flavors delivered by Mosaic, Citra, and Cascade hops. Southern California enthusiasts can pick this up for approximately $22 per 4-pack.
The fact that Greater Los Angeles secured gold medals in all three of the top IPA categories signifies a turning tide in the craft beer community. Historically, Los Angeles has been overshadowed by the brewing talents of the Bay Area and San Diego. However, the 2024 GABF results illuminate the burgeoning craft scene in the City of Angels, encouraging local brewers to innovate further and compete on a national scale.
The acknowledgment of these breweries not only solidifies their place in the craft beer hierarchy but also inspires a sense of camaraderie among brewers across the country. Cheers to the continued growth and evolution of craft brewing; the future looks bright for indie-minded beer aficionados and producers alike. With each passing year, events like the GABF remind us of the communal spirit and creative artistry that define the world of craft beer.
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