GABF 2015 Discussion & Info

I actually think it broke Google calendar last year there were so many events.

 

GABF week is honestly like nothing else I've seen anywhere else. Between all of the main events, special tappings, side events, random shares, trades, it's just craziness.
Back in my trading days my UPS guy was mentioning to me that like 1/4 of their packages were soaked with beer that week. All of the stuff shipping in and out was just overwhelming. I got a box that was soaking wet with beer and I was scared to death my trade bottles had broken. Turns out it was just the outside of the box soaked with someone else's beer.

 

Yeah, I definitely understand the draw for everyone. I am sure I will hit up a GABF session in the near future, I just haven't had the itch yet (largely due to the whole cost vs value thing for me)

 

U think this my last GABF. At least for a couple years. Too big, too expensive too much work, etc. Guess age is catching up with me?

 

So, over the last week, I made this spreadsheet and map showing all the breweries/taprooms east of the Rockies and their hours/locations.

http://www.craftbeeraustin.com/gabf-colorado-brewery-brewpub-taproom-listings-with-map/

It started mainly so I had something, but spent too much on it not to post it online. Figured it could be useful. I plan to put some PDFs up for each city and area, sorta as a mini guide. So, it may be useful for some.

 

My typical week during GABF.

-30% GABF
-10% sitting in my hotel room Sat afternoon/night with a bottle of single malt, watching college football and ordering Paxti's to the room
-30% sitting at the bar at TRVE getting krunked while enoying the music and shooting the shit
-10% Falling Rock
-20% random events, bars, tappings, etc

I used to get caught up going to all the different bars, breweries, etc but now I'd rather just hang at a few spots I know I enjoy without being on a time schedule and worrying about the logistics of everything. Trust me, it can be over whelming and unenjoyable trying to do too much. If you've never been, I would do some research and pick a handful of places you think you would like. Take your time so you can take it all in without being in a rush. Wherever you go there won't be any shortage of great beer and like minded people.

As for GABF specifically, normally a list will be posted on their website with the breweries and what beers they'll be pouring. The ones you mentioned are a great start but will also have the longer lines. I'll hit up a few of the more popular ones but half the fun is walking around and trying random breweries. There's a lot of hidden gems out there that no one knows or talks about.

Also, when planning ahead leave extra time because some places (ie The Source) will be crowded and have long lines depending on when you go. Just be aware so you're already mentally prepared for it. Obviously, earlier in the week is less crowded than later in the week though that seems to be changing as well due to all the other shit going on now a days.

Enjoy! You'll have a blast.

 

Oh yeah, I'll add another 10% for a total of 110% . While slightly off subject, if you're a single malt fan hit up Pints. Fantastic, superb, excellent, perfect place for a dram and they BREW THEIR OWN BEER, but I would personally stick to the single malt.

 

If you know of them, I will happily give you access to the doc

 

Brewtally insane put out a google format calendar with all tappings, events, etc. save yourself some work and look it up

 

Yes yes yes, anyone who likes single malt MUST hit Pints. Can't beat that selection.

And be that guy, ask for one of the $500+ single malts with coke

 

To any of the volunteers pouring this year, is anyone on the Malty Dawgs team?

 

Westword has begun their calendar of events. I'm sure this will get blown out as we get closer (judging on last year's calendar, which I thought was one of the more comprehensive ones out there).

http://www.westword.com/restaurants...-week-2015-calendar-of-amazing-events-6996845

A few things of note on the calendar that are news to this thread include the Avery/Euclid Hall Midnight Breakfast and the Beers Made by Walking fest.

 

Good info. I'll try the ones I mentioned and then wonder around looking for short lines

 

does anybody have any tips on where to stay? i usually try to use airbnb, so looking for areas near good bars or public transit. i think i have the former taken care of with that map, but could use some help with the latter.

 

Thank you for this one. This will be my first time in Denver for MANY years so everything is new to me. This helps a lot, going to try to see as much as I can during my 6 days there. Thanks again.

 

I should have PDF guides up as well in the next week or so. Going to have it easily printable for each city, and one just for downtown Denver with breweries/times and a map just for easily walkable places. Glad I could help.

 

I don't post much on here but avid reader, anyways this will be my first time attending GABF. Looking forward to it and hitting up some of the breweries there too.

 

Link? I could only find the 2014 calendar.

 

Brewtally insane.com. Under beer buzz for 8/20-"look for our GABF calendar to launch very soon".