BOULDER, CO • May 5, 2012—Brewers from around the world received awards from an elite international panel of judges in the 2012 Brewers Association World Beer Cup. The ninth bi-annual competition boasted the strongest field of entrants on record, with 799 breweries from 54 countries and 45 U.S. states entering 3,921 beers in 95 beer style categories. A 17.7 percent increase over 2010, the entries were eligible for gold, silver and bronze awards in their respective categories. Judges presented a total of 284 awards.

Read the complete press release.

Heading into Friday, the 2012 BrewExpo America has lived up to expectations as the largest edition of the event to date. This year’s tradeshow boasts 20 percent more exhibitors than last year, with just over 250 companies exhibiting at this year’s show.

Attendees have already taken advantage of the convenient and concentrated networking and shopping opportunities during the first day of the show, and Friday should prove to be just as busy. To accommodate the increased traffic and interest, tradeshow hours have been expanded this year. As usual, complimentary lunch and beer stations are provided in the tradeshow hall.

If you thought this year was great, just wait until you see what we have in store for the 2013 BrewExpo America in Washington, D.C. Next year, the event will be held in the Washington Convention Center which will allow for a significantly larger exposition hall—more exhibitors, bigger, more detailed booths and better shopping opportunities for you and your business!

You say Double IPA, they say San Diego Pale Ale. Learn more about the making of this year’s Symposium Ale.

In keeping with Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) tradition, the Brewers Association (BA) presented a trio of awards to influential members of the brewing community. Following remarks from San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, BA board member Dick Cantwell announced the 2012 recipients of the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing, the Brewers Association Recognition Award and the F.X. Matt Defense of the Small Brewing Industry Award.

Described by a fellow brewer as an artist, a scientist and an inventor, James Ottolini of the St. Louis Brewery, Inc. is the recipient of the 2012 Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing. The list of his creative brewing solutions ranges from redesigned milling processes to reduce brewers’ exposure to dust to extensive research on dry-hopping, which has been said to result in “beer with bold floral characteristics, but a soft, inviting quaffability.”

It’s been more than 10 years since the Brewers Association Recognition Award was presented to co-recipients, but this year, Doug and Wynne Odell and Doug’s sister, Corkie Odell, of Odell Brewing Co. are all given the honor. Having started their brewery in 1989, the Odells are well known for their inspiring vision for their company. Their brewery has a co-worker-managed charitable committee to support local non-profits; they offer a profit-sharing plan for employees; and they have supported local homebrewers in their paths to starting their own professional breweries.

Lastly, the full-time executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association, Tom McCormick, is the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award recipient. Referred to as the “The Secretary of Defense for Craft Beer” by one peer, Tom has tirelessly devoted his work to the industry’s issues at the state level. Much of his success has been due to his work to build and maintain relationships with elected officials.

To wrap up the General Session, Steve Hindy delivered a fascinating account of his path from international journalist to craft beer pioneer and beyond. Attendees left inspired as they headed off for three days of seminars and tradeshow activity at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego.

Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) commenced with the customary Welcome Reception, bringing together 3,000 beer professionals to celebrate the start of the brewing industry’s annual gathering. This year’s attendees were treated to CBC’s wildest reception venue yet—the world-renowned San Diego Zoo! Throughout the course of the evening, old friendships were renewed and new ones were made. Plus, attendees enjoyed the Zoo’s many attractions, like the Sky Tram gondola ride, featuring views of the city, and live animal demonstrations with the Zoo’s professional handlers.

Naturally, the event was flush with different beers, courtesy of the San Diego Brewers Guild. Attendees enjoyed their choice of 72 different beers from 39 different breweries based in the San Diego area.

Despite the festivities, CBC-goers will be ready to go for Thursday morning’s general session. Steve Hindy of Brooklyn Brewery is delivering the keynote address and is anticipated to tell some memorable stories to a packed house.

Some of your favorite authors will be available to chat and sign books during the event. Check out the Week Events calendar for listings.

WHAT:

San Diego will play host to the 29th edition of the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) & BrewExpo America®. Presented by the Brewers Association, CBC is the largest industry event, and the only one that serves both brewpubs and packaging breweries. Bringing together small and independent brewers from across the country, CBC draws more than 4,000 brewing industry professionals for workshops, collaboration and education. The CBC program includes over 50 sessions and workshops focusing on issues including sustainability, sales, packaging and export development among others, along with daily receptions and hospitalities.

Read the full release.

The beer is named “San Diego Pale Ale,” with a healthy dose of understatement, as this double IPA weighs in at a hefty 10 percent ABV. Naturally, the beer couldn’t represent its hometown without significant quantities of hops—Columbus, Citra, Crystal and Columbia are all used to give the beer some classic West coast flavor.

John Hunter of Karl Strauss adds hops. Lots of hops.

Over the course of two days, March 19-20, the beer was brewed with help from a host of luminaries from the San Diego Brewers Guild. It’s sure to be fresh and flavorful when its given to attendees at registration and enjoyed in hospitality suites throughout the conference.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Lamb.