United States (USA) – Brewfest Guide

Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America (Various Locations, USA)

January 16, 2026October 12, 2024 by esar431

Overview and Experience:

The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is one of the most important events in the craft brewing industry, attracting brewers, beer professionals, and industry insiders from around the world. Held annually in different cities across the United States, CBC is more than just a beer festival—it’s a comprehensive conference that includes educational seminars, workshops, networking opportunities, and the massive BrewExpo America, a trade show that showcases the latest innovations in brewing equipment, technology, and ingredients.

While CBC is primarily aimed at brewing professionals, beer enthusiasts are also welcome to attend, and the event offers plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best beers from around the country. The conference typically lasts for several days, with a packed schedule of educational sessions, tastings, and networking events.

Each year, CBC is hosted in a different city, giving attendees the chance to explore some of the best beer scenes in the country. Whether it’s Denver, Portland, or Nashville, the host city plays an important role in shaping the overall experience of the event.

The Beer Experience:

One of the highlights of the Craft Brewers Conference is the opportunity to taste a wide range of beers from breweries across the United States. The event attracts both established breweries and up-and-coming craft brewers, offering a diverse selection of styles and flavors.

While CBC isn’t a traditional beer festival, many of the events and seminars include beer tastings, giving attendees the chance to sample innovative new brews and learn more about the brewing process. Some of the beer styles you can expect to encounter at CBC include:

Hazy IPAs: These juicy, fruit-forward IPAs have taken the craft beer world by storm, and CBC is the perfect place to sample some of the best examples of the style.
Barrel-aged Stouts: Rich, complex stouts aged in bourbon or whiskey barrels are a staple at CBC. These beers often have deep flavors of vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate.
Sours and Wild Ales: CBC showcases some of the most innovative sour and wild ales in the industry. Look out for beers brewed with fruit, spices, and wild yeast strains for a truly unique tasting experience.
Pilsners and Lagers: While IPAs and stouts often dominate the craft beer scene, there’s been a resurgence of interest in classic lagers and pilsners. CBC is a great place to discover well-crafted, easy-drinking lagers that highlight the subtle nuances of malt and hops.

In addition to the beer tastings, CBC also includes a variety of educational seminars that cover everything from brewing techniques and trends to marketing strategies and sustainability practices. These sessions are led by industry experts and provide valuable insights for both brewers and beer enthusiasts.

The Food Experience:

While CBC isn’t as focused on food as some of the other beer festivals, the host cities are always home to excellent dining options. Whether you’re attending CBC in Denver, Portland, or another city, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, food trucks, and breweries offering delicious food to pair with your beers.

In addition, many of the events and receptions at CBC include food, with options ranging from small bites and appetizers to full meals. Since CBC is a gathering of beer professionals, there’s a strong emphasis on beer and food pairings, and you’ll have the chance to sample dishes that complement the beers being served.

Why Craft Brewers Conference is Unique:

The Craft Brewers Conference stands out from other beer festivals because of its focus on education and industry innovation. While many beer festivals are primarily about drinking and socializing, CBC is designed to help brewers and beer professionals improve their craft, expand their knowledge, and grow their businesses. The conference includes a wide range of seminars, workshops, and panel discussions, covering everything from brewing science to business strategy.

The BrewExpo America trade show is another unique feature of CBC. As the largest brewing trade show in North America, it offers attendees the chance to see the latest equipment, technology, and ingredients being used in the industry. Whether you’re a professional brewer or just curious about the brewing process, the trade show is a fascinating glimpse into the future of craft brewing.

Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:

Plan your schedule: With so many seminars, workshops, and events happening throughout the conference, it’s important to plan your schedule in advance. Review the agenda and prioritize the sessions you’re most interested in.
Network with industry professionals: CBC is a great opportunity to meet brewers, distributors, and other industry insiders. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and exchange ideas—networking is a big part of the CBC experience.
Explore the host city: Each year, CBC is hosted in a different city, and it’s worth taking some time to explore the local beer scene. Whether it’s Denver, Portland, or Nashville, you’ll find plenty of great breweries, beer bars, and restaurants to check out.

The Craft Brewers Conference is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the brewing industry or passionate about craft beer. With its focus on education, innovation, and networking, CBC offers a unique and valuable experience for both professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re attending to learn more about brewing, discover new beers, or connect with industry leaders, CBC is an unforgettable event that showcases the best of the craft beer world.

Oregon Brewers Festival (Portland, Oregon, USA)

January 16, 2026October 12, 2024 by esar431

Overview and Experience:

The Oregon Brewers Festival (OBF) is one of the longest-running and most celebrated beer festivals in the United States. Held every July in Portland’s scenic Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the festival attracts tens of thousands of beer lovers who come to sample the best that Oregon’s renowned craft beer scene has to offer. Portland, often referred to as “Beervana,” is known for its rich brewing culture, and OBF is the crown jewel of the city’s beer calendar.

With over 80 participating breweries and more than 100 beers on tap, the festival offers a diverse range of styles and flavors, from hop-forward IPAs to complex barrel-aged stouts. The festival’s location on the banks of the Willamette River provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities, with views of the city’s skyline and iconic bridges.

The atmosphere at OBF is relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of shaded areas for lounging, live music to enjoy, and a wide range of food trucks offering delicious eats. The festival is a celebration of community, beer, and the Pacific Northwest’s love of craft brewing.

The Beer Experience:

Oregon is home to some of the best craft breweries in the world, and the Oregon Brewers Festival is a showcase of the state’s brewing talent. The festival offers a wide variety of beer styles, with something to suit every palate. Some of the most popular styles at OBF include:

IPAs: Portland is famous for its IPAs, and OBF is the perfect place to sample some of the best examples of the style. Look out for juicy, hazy New England-style IPAs as well as more traditional West Coast IPAs with piney, resinous hop flavors.
Sours: Sour ales have become increasingly popular in recent years, and OBF features a variety of tart, fruity beers. From kettle sours to barrel-aged wild ales, there’s a sour beer for every taste.
Barrel-aged beers: Many of the participating breweries bring their barrel-aged creations to the festival. These beers are often aged in whiskey, bourbon, or wine barrels, imparting deep, complex flavors of oak, vanilla, and dark fruit.
Stouts and Porters: For those who prefer dark beers, OBF offers a range of rich, roasty stouts and porters. Whether you’re into coffee-infused stouts or chocolatey porters, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Pale Ales: Crisp, refreshing pale ales are a festival favorite, and OBF features some of the best in the Pacific Northwest. These beers are hop-forward but balanced, with a light malt backbone that makes them easy to drink on a sunny day.

In addition to Oregon breweries, the festival also features a selection of beers from across the United States and even a few international breweries, giving attendees the chance to taste beers from all over the world.

The Food Experience:

The Oregon Brewers Festival offers a fantastic selection of food to pair with your beer. Portland is known for its vibrant food truck scene, and many of the city’s best food trucks set up shop at the festival, offering everything from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood. Some of the must-try food options include:

Gourmet Burgers: Juicy, perfectly cooked burgers topped with everything from bacon and blue cheese to avocado and spicy aioli. These pair beautifully with a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale.
Fish Tacos: Fresh, flavorful fish tacos served with salsa and guacamole. These light, refreshing bites are a perfect match for a crisp pilsner or pale ale.
BBQ Ribs and Brisket: Tender, smoky BBQ is always a crowd-pleaser, and the festival offers plenty of options. Pair your BBQ with a rich porter or a barrel-aged stout for the ultimate flavor combination.
Wood-fired Pizza: Many food vendors offer freshly made wood-fired pizzas, with toppings ranging from classic Margherita to more adventurous combinations like prosciutto and arugula. Pizza pairs well with just about any beer style, but a pale ale or IPA is always a safe bet.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Portland is a haven for plant-based eaters, and the festival caters to vegans and vegetarians with a variety of options, from falafel wraps to veggie burgers.

Why Oregon Brewers Festival is Unique:

What sets the Oregon Brewers Festival apart is its focus on showcasing Oregon’s craft beer scene. The state is home to some of the most innovative and respected breweries in the world, and OBF is a celebration of that talent. The festival’s emphasis on community and sustainability also makes it stand out—many of the participating breweries are committed to using local ingredients and environmentally friendly practices.

The festival’s location is another highlight. Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers stunning views of the Willamette River and Portland’s iconic bridges, creating a picturesque setting for a day of beer tasting. The relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the festival makes it a great event for both serious beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:

Arrive early: The festival can get crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to avoid long lines at the beer stands and food trucks.
Bring a water bottle: OBF is held outdoors in the summer, and it can get hot. Be sure to stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle—there are plenty of water stations throughout the festival.
Pace yourself: With over 100 beers to try, it’s easy to overindulge. Be sure to pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and take breaks between tastings to enjoy the live music and food.
Explore Portland: While you’re in town for OBF, take some time to explore Portland’s many breweries, beer bars, and restaurants. The city is a beer lover’s paradise, and there’s always something new to discover.

The Oregon Brewers Festival is a must-visit event for anyone who loves craft beer. With its stunning location, diverse beer selection, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to experience the best of Oregon’s brewing culture. Whether you’re sipping on a hazy IPA by the river or enjoying a barrel-aged stout with a plate of BBQ ribs, OBF offers an unforgettable beer experience in the heart of one of the country’s most vibrant beer cities.

Great American Beer Festival (Denver, USA)

January 16, 2026October 12, 2024 by esar431

Overview and Experience:

The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver, Colorado, is the premier event for beer lovers in the United States. It’s not just a beer festival—it’s the largest ticketed beer event in the country, an experience that any serious beer enthusiast should have on their bucket list. Hosted annually by the Brewers Association, the festival brings together over 800 breweries, offering more than 4,000 beers to sample, making it a paradise for anyone looking to explore the vast diversity of the American craft beer scene.

Imagine walking into the sprawling Colorado Convention Center, where aisles upon aisles of tasting booths await you. Each booth represents a different brewery, and they range from small local operations to well-known national brands. Whether you’re a die-hard IPA fan or someone who prefers a malty, smooth porter, there’s something for every palate at GABF. The sheer variety of beer styles is staggering, and while it can be overwhelming to decide where to start, it’s also an exciting opportunity to expand your beer horizons.

The festival lasts for three days, and it’s divided into multiple sessions, allowing you to experience the event at your own pace. GABF also hosts educational seminars, tasting sessions, and discussions on the latest brewing techniques. You’ll meet brewers, taste new releases, and get an inside look at the craft brewing industry. The festival is a celebration of the creativity and passion that drives the American beer movement.

The Beer Experience:

The diversity of beer styles on offer at GABF is what truly sets it apart. You’ll encounter everything from classic styles like:

American Pale Ale: A hop-forward but balanced beer with a crisp, refreshing finish.
India Pale Ale (IPA): Known for its strong hop bitterness and aroma, ranging from piney and resinous to fruity and tropical.
Stout: Dark, rich beers with roasted flavors, often featuring notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel.
Pilsner: A light, crisp, and refreshing lager with a clean malt backbone and a slightly bitter finish.
Porter: Similar to stout but typically lighter in body, offering a mix of chocolate and roasted malt flavors.

But beyond the classics, GABF is also the place to find cutting-edge innovation in the brewing world. Here are a few of the experimental and seasonal beers you’ll encounter:

Barrel-aged stouts: These are often the stars of the show, featuring deep, complex flavors of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and oak from being aged in bourbon or whiskey barrels.
Sours and wild ales: These beers are fermented with wild yeast strains like Brettanomyces, which give them a tart, funky flavor. Many of them are brewed with fruit like cherries, raspberries, or peaches, adding a juicy layer to the sourness.
Hazy IPAs: Also known as New England IPAs, these are juicy, fruity, and cloudy beers that have taken the craft beer world by storm. They’re less bitter than traditional IPAs, with flavors of tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, and guava.
Fruit-infused beers: From passionfruit to grapefruit, many breweries experiment with adding fruit to their beers, creating refreshing, flavorful brews that are perfect for sipping.
Spiced beers: During the fall, you might also come across spiced beers brewed with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, reminiscent of pumpkin pie or mulled cider.

In addition to the diverse beer offerings, GABF includes a prestigious competition judged by beer experts. Breweries submit their beers in various categories, and medals are awarded for the best examples of each style. Winning a GABF medal is a significant achievement for breweries, and it often serves as a mark of excellence for the beer.

Food and Pairings:

While beer is the star of the show, GABF also offers a fantastic array of food options that pair perfectly with the brews. Throughout the festival, you’ll find food trucks and vendors serving everything from gourmet burgers to artisan pretzels. Some of the culinary highlights include:

Gourmet burgers: Topped with everything from bacon and blue cheese to avocado and spicy aioli, these burgers are a satisfying companion to a cold beer.
BBQ: Think slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, all served with tangy sauces that enhance the bold flavors of stouts and porters.
Pretzels: Soft, chewy pretzels with a side of beer cheese or mustard are a festival staple. The salty snack pairs beautifully with lagers and IPAs alike.
Cheese plates: Artisanal cheeses paired with bread, fruits, and nuts are a perfect match for Belgian-style ales and sours.
Beer ice cream: Yes, you read that right! Some vendors serve ice cream made with craft beer, offering a sweet and creamy treat that’s a must-try.

Why GABF is Unique:

The Great American Beer Festival is a celebration of not just beer but the entire craft brewing industry in the U.S. It’s a place where creativity and tradition come together, offering a window into the incredible diversity of the American beer scene. What makes GABF truly special is its focus on education. In addition to the tastings, the festival offers a variety of seminars on topics ranging from brewing techniques to beer and food pairings. You’ll walk away from GABF with not only a full belly but also a deeper understanding of the art of brewing.

For those interested in more than just tasting, GABF also offers the opportunity to meet the brewers behind the beers. It’s a chance to hear the stories of small, independent breweries and to learn about the process and passion that goes into making each pint.

Additionally, GABF’s atmosphere is fun, festive, and welcoming. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, you’ll find a community of fellow beer lovers eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm. The festival is also home to plenty of beer-themed activities, including brewery swag giveaways, photo booths, and even a silent disco where you can dance the night away after a long day of tasting.

Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:

If you’re attending GABF for the first time, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

Plan ahead: With so many beers to try, it’s helpful to review the brewery and beer lists before you go. Make a plan to prioritize the styles or breweries you’re most excited about, but also leave room for discovery.
Hydrate and pace yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and try to sample everything, but remember that you’re in this for the long haul. Drink water between tastings and pace yourself to avoid burning out too early.
Go for the gold: Pay attention to the beers that have won GABF medals. These are often the best examples of their styles, and they’re a great starting point if you’re looking for a sure thing.
Try something new: One of the best parts of GABF is the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. If you’re normally a stout drinker, give a sour or a fruit beer a try. You might discover a new favorite.

The Great American Beer Festival is an unparalleled celebration of craft beer in the U.S. Whether you’re there to taste innovative new brews, meet the passionate people behind your favorite brands, or simply enjoy the lively, festive atmosphere, GABF delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s a true reflection of the creativity, community, and craftsmanship that define the American beer industry.