The Association of Brewers is announcing details for its 2004 Great American Beer Festival, September 30 – October 2, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. The 2004 edition of the annual GABF will feature 1600 beers from 320 American breweries. It will be the largest array of beers ever at the GABF, and the biggest selection of beers ever gathered together on the globe. “No country has a greater variety of beer styles than the United States,” says Paul Gatza, director of the Association of Brewers. “The record-setting beer list at this year’s GABF makes it the ultimate event for the world’s beer lovers.”
The AOB is expecting 23,000 beer enthusiasts to attend this year’s GABF. The 2004 GABF will also feature the expanded, 144,000 square feet layout of last year’s event, which includes the 44,000 square foot Beer Garden and Food Marketplace. The food & beer pairing seminars introduced at last year’s GABF will return to the Beer Garden. An A-list of American brewers will join chefs from Johnson & Wales University’s Culinary School for nightly demonstrations on how to cook with beer, and pair different styles of beer with various dishes. “Throughout mankind’s history, beer has been the preferred beverage to accompany great food,” says Nancy Johnson, GABF director. “Yet millions of American diners haven’t been exposed to the practice. Our seminars enlighten people on the joys of combining artfully crafted beer with artfully crafted food.” In addition to the beer & food seminars, The Beer Garden and Food Marketplace will host live music. It will also host the Cellerman’s Booth, which educates attendees about “cask conditioned” beer.