This past weekend, downtown Denver transformed into a lively hub for beer aficionados as it hosted the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). This yearly event stands as the largest gathering of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 breweries and engaging around 40,000 attendees from across the globe. Annual festivities, orchestrated by the Brewers Association, offer not only a grand tasting experience but also serve as a prominent platform for judging excellence in the craft beer industry. A focal point of the festival this year was the revealing of the top winners in the IPA subcategories—a true centerpiece in the contemporary craft beer world.
Over the years, the craft beer realm has witnessed profound transformations, yet India Pale Ales (IPAs) have managed to uphold a powerful presence in the minds (and taste buds) of independently-minded American consumers. With a staggering share of 46% of the $29 billion craft beer market, IPAs are not only noteworthy but arguably the driving force behind the craft beer renaissance. The sheer popularity of IPAs is evident, as they consistently rank among the most-entered beer styles annually. For instance, in 2024 alone, a remarkable 8,836 entries were submitted in various beer categories, underscoring the style’s prominence and the zest for innovation among brewers.
At the GABF 2024, the sheer volume of IPA categories demonstrated the ever-evolving preferences of craft beer enthusiasts. Judges evaluated entries across multiple subcategories—no less than eight focused on variations of IPAs. Among these, the Juicy/Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and American Style IPA emerged as the top three, showcasing an array of flavor profiles that appeal to diverse palates.
The judging process itself echoes the grandeur of the Olympics, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded within each category. This year, the Juicy/Hazy IPA honor was awarded to a standout brew: Professional Human Being by Ambitious Ales, based in Long Beach, California. This exceptional beverage, boasting a 7.2% ABV, is crafted using a blend of Nelson, Citra, and Motueka hops, creating a robust tropical flavor that invites drinkers to savor each sip. Unfortunately for outside enthusiasts, this award-winner currently lacks national distribution, necessitating a visit to the taproom for those eager to sample its unique profile.
Another Long Beach brewery, Trademark Brewing, took home gold in the West Coast IPA category for its 7% ABV offering, Codebreaker. Famed for its rich, dank flavors combined with crisp notes of apricot and pine, this brew continues the theme of exceptional craftsmanship highlighted by the festival. Craft enthusiasts can anticipate a chance to order this beer online within California, further emphasizing accessibility for local fans.
The American Style IPA category also saw fierce competition, where Highland Park Brewery emerged victorious with their brew aptly named Competition. Differing from its West Coast competitors, their IPA relatively balances malt characteristics with hops, yielding a toasted cereal aroma surrounded by a resiny mango flavor profile. Priced around $22 for a 4-pack, this creation reflects the ingenuity prevailing in Southern California, which has now claimed gold medals across all three top categories.
It is worth noting that Greater Los Angeles’ recent success at the GABF serves as a culinary renaissance, as accolades in these prestigious categories mark a significant shift in the craft beer narrative, long dominated by Northern California. With its newfound reputation, Los Angeles emphasizes the rich tapestry of brewing innovation flourishing within its boundaries, shedding light on the talented craftspeople dedicated to this thriving industry.
With the GABF 2024 drawing to a close, it is evident that this vibrant atmosphere celebrates not just the beverages, but the passion, creativity, and commitment of breweries nationwide. These medals symbolize not just competition, but the unity of a community dedicated to craft brewing excellence. Here’s to the innovative brewing spirit, its exciting future, and the delightful beers yet to come! Cheers!