This past weekend, downtown Denver transformed into a vibrant hub for beer aficionados as the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) showcased over 500 breweries from across the United States. Drawing around 40,000 attendees from diverse corners of the globe, the GABF has become more than just a beer tasting event; it represents the heart and soul of the craft beer movement. Organized by the Brewers Association, this annual festival not only provides a platform for sampling a range of unique brews but also serves as a prestigious venue for judging the finest offerings in the industry. This year, we particularly focused on the fiercely competitive IPA category, which remains a significant area of interest for craft beer lovers.
Indian Pale Ales (IPAs) continue to dominate the craft beer market, accounting for an impressive 46% share of the $29 billion industry. The craft beer scene has undergone numerous transformations since the inaugural GABF competition back in 1987, yet the allure of IPAs persists. These hop-forward beers have cultivated a loyal following, showcasing an array of flavors that appeal to independent-minded consumers. According to this year’s data, the number of IPA entries at GABF totaled a staggering 8,836 among various categories, reinforcing the style’s status as a favorite among brewers and drinkers alike.
This year marked a noteworthy trend in the festival, with eight separate categories dedicated to IPAs, including some of the most entered styles: Juicy/Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and American-Style IPA. The consistent participation in the IPA categories highlights not only the popularity of these styles but also the dedication of brewers in pushing the boundaries of flavor profiles and brewing techniques.
The competitive spirit of the GABF is reminiscent of the Olympics, where gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each category. For the Juicy/Hazy IPA, the top honors went to Ambitious Ales from Long Beach, California, for their creation named *Professional Human Being*. This 7.2% ABV offering is a true expression of the style, distinguished by its double dry-hopping using hops like Nelson, Citra, and Motueka. With its creamy orange hue and tantalizing tropical fruit notes, it invites beer enthusiasts to experience its flavor in person at the taproom or through 4-pack tall boys priced around $20. However, it is noteworthy that the beer currently lacks national distribution, necessitating a visit for those eager to sample this award-winning brew.
In the West Coast IPA segment, Trademark Brewing, another Long Beach brewery, clinched the gold for *Codebreaker*, a 7% ABV IPA that exemplifies the rich complexity of the style. With intertwining notes of dank hop bitterness and crisp citrus, it presents an invigorating experience marked by hints of apricot and pine cones. Fans can secure 4-packs of 16 oz. cans for approximately $18, available for online shipment throughout California.
The American-Style IPA category saw Highland Park Brewery take center stage with its aptly titled offering, *Competition*. This brew balances malt characteristics alongside the hoppy punch, showcasing toasted cereal notes against the resinous profiles of Mosaic, Citra, and Cascade hops at 7.3% ABV. The 4-pack cans, retailing around $22 in Southern California, highlight the brewery’s skill in crafting a distinct yet approachable IPA.
What is particularly intriguing about this year’s GABF is Greater Los Angeles’s dominance in the IPA category, achieving gold in each of the top three most entered subcategories. This achievement signals a watershed moment for LA’s craft breweries, which historically have been overshadowed by the craft brewing giants of northern California. Thus, it’s essential to recognize the evolution of the craft beer scene in Los Angeles; a city that has cultivated a dynamic brewing landscape filled with innovation and creativity.
The full list of winners at the GABF 2024 is a testament to the outstanding craftsmanship present in the craft beer industry. As we raise our glasses to the medalists, the event underscores not merely the winning breweries, but the ever-developing landscape of craft beer itself. Cheers to the vibrant community of breweries and enthusiasts who continue to propel the industry forward!