The Association of Brewers World Beer Cup 2004 competition received a
record number of beer entries, with 365 breweries or distributors from 39 countries entering 1,529 beers. “These record-breaking numbers show how truly international the World Beer Cup has become since its first year in 1996, where 600 beers entered from 250 breweries in 20 countries,” said Charlie Papazian, founder and president of the AOB. “The most exciting thing is that this competition keeps growing in both beer-entry numbers and consumer awareness.” A professional panel of beer judges from around the world will evaluate the participating beers in 81 categories April 13-14, 2004 at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, Calif. The Association of Brewers will present the World Beer Cup winners with awards April 17 at the Gala Awards Dinner and beer tasting in San Diego.