The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) 2024 captivated beer lovers from all corners of the globe this past weekend in downtown Denver. With over 500 breweries showcasing their talents and around 40,000 attendees celebrating the craft, the event has solidified its reputation as the pinnacle of beer tasting and evaluation in the United States. Hosted by the Brewers Association, the festival not only serves as a wonderland for enthusiasts but also as an essential platform for judging the best brews, particularly in the ever-popular India Pale Ale (IPA) category. This article delves into the remarkable success of IPAs at this year’s festival, highlighting the winners and reflecting on the significance of the craft beer scene.
Since GABF’s inception in 1987, the craft beer landscape has transformed dramatically, but one thing has remained constant: the supremacy of India Pale Ales. Representing an astounding 46% of the $29 billion craft beer market, IPAs continue to be the heartbeat of independent American brewing. With a staggering 8,836 total entries across all categories this year, it’s no surprise that there were eight distinct IPA subcategories during the competition. The festival’s IPA fervor exemplifies both its cultural impact and its central role in defining the direction of craft beer in the United States.
The most notable subcategories this year included the Juicy/Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and American-Style IPA. Each has its own unique flavor profile, and they continue to captivate the taste buds of craft beer aficionados.
Among the revered entries at GABF 2024, several stood out due to their unique takes on the IPA style. The award for Juicy/Hazy IPA went to Ambitious Ales from Long Beach, California, for their outstanding brew titled “Professional Human Being.” With a 7.2% ABV, this finely crafted beer drenches the palate in lush tropical fruit and melon notes, thanks to its double dry-hopping process using Nelson, Citra, and Motueka hops. Currently, it is not distributed nationally, pushing eager fans to visit the taproom for an exclusive tasting experience offered in 4-pack tall boys.
In a commendable display of skill, Trademark Brewing, also hailing from Long Beach, clinched the gold medal in the West Coast IPA category with their creation, “Codebreaker.” This 7% ABV beer delivers a distinct contrast of flavors, where dankness meets crispness, offering drinkers a dance of apricot and pine on their tongues. Available in 4-pack 16 oz. cans for $18 and orderable within California, this IPA represents the innovative spirit thriving in the West Coast craft scene.
Lastly, Highland Park Brewery emerged victoriously in the American-Style IPA category, with their aptly named “Competition.” Drawing from the styles’ maltier characteristics, this 7.3% ABV brew showcases a delightful interplay between toasted cereal notes and the resiny mango flavors of Mosaic, Citra, and Cascade hops. Southern California beer lovers can savor this gem for about $22 per 4-pack.
Emerging as a formidable contender at GABF 2024, Greater Los Angeles swept the gold medals in all three top IPA categories. This achievement marks a significant shift, as Los Angeles has long been overshadowed by the brewing reputations of the Bay Area and San Diego. The 2024 festival underscores LA’s thriving craft scene, revealing the city’s growing status as a true player in the competitive craft beer landscape.
As the festival concluded, the collective cheers reverberated through Denver’s event space, celebrating the craft and camaraderie embodied in each award-winning sip. The complete list of winners can be explored through the GABF website, highlighting the myriad of talents represented at this extraordinary showcase.
The Great American Beer Festival continues to be a beacon for the craft beer community, bridging breweries and consumers through the shared love of excellent brews. With IPAs leading the charge, the festival not only highlights the creativity and ingenuity of American brewers but also cements its place in brewing history. As craft beer continues to flourish, so too does the anticipation for future GABF events, promising even more innovation and exploration in the world of beer. Cheers to the trendsetters and visionaries who make the craft beer experience a delectable reality!
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