Last week, I broke the very sad news to my friends and followers that, for the first time in 5 years, I was unable to attend the Great American Beer Festival. Unfortunately, the brewery I work for was unable to participate this year and I didn’t have the budget to go on my own.

No beer for Wenchie = #sadface

Upon posting my sad news, an angel of beer named Micha Rains appeared. She told me, “the Great American Beer Festival cannot happen without The Wench. We must make this happen!” And then she proceeded to pitch her company, AGA Marvel, on a partnership between our two brands. They offered to buy me a plane ticket and put me up in a hotel room in exchange for helping to work their booth during GABF. A chance to go to GABF and all I had to do was help promote amazing kegerators? My answer was obvious.

My Fairy Beermother Micha

And so, I hopped on the first plane out to Denver, rolled my sleeves up and became a mini-ambassador for AGA Marvel. And let me tell you, I had a blast. And because I’m so grateful for AGA Marvel’s kindness, I want to take this opportunity to tell you about their awesome beer dispensers, which I had the honor of “playing” with all weekend.

If you’ve never seen them before, the AGA Marvel beer dispensers are a glorious sight to be seen. And I’m not just saying this because they were so kind to me, I’m completely honest when I tell you how versatile, efficient, easy-to-use and just plain old pretty these things are. We were showing off the outdoor models, which were wrapped entirely in super shiny stainless steel. I love shiny objects, so I was instantly enamored.

I heart shiny objects

Each 24″ system comes ready to go with all necessary tapping equipment – draft tower, hoses, 5 lb. CO₂ tank and regulator, drip tray, and interior floor shield to protect the inside liner. They all provide the option to store one half, one quarter (plus bottles), or two 1/6 barrel kegs–or can be converted to a full refrigerator with metal shelves that easily store inside when not in use.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. The Marvel beer dispensers come with several custom options.

First, you can opt for the indoor model, which comes in black, stainless steel or wood; or the outdoor model, which is built with corrosion resistant commercial grade stainless steel. Next, you can decide between a single tap tower or a duel tap tower. Then, you can choose between an exterior drip tray or a drip tray that empties into a plastic bottle inside the refrigerator, for easier cleaning.

Double the beer, double the fun!

There is also a portable outdoor version that comes with heavy duty casters and mug rails, pro-style handles and stainless steel toe kicks so you can wheel it around in style. Both versions can either be free-standing or built under existing counter-tops and bars. Cooling temp ranges from 33° – 52° F, so you can keep your beer chilled at the most optimal serving temperatures.

Bottles and kegs, oh my!

When it comes to price, which I’m sure you all are curious about, these systems run upwards from $1,899, depending on the model and variations chosen. Naturally, extra perks like drip trays and wheels cost a bit more. As far as buying concerns, AGA Marvel has a national network of independent dealers, servicers and fitters that sell, install, repair and maintain their products. To locate a dealer, enter your zip or postal code here.

All in all, these systems were easy to setup and use. On the floor, we used an a portable outdoor beer dispenser to pour rootbeer and DRAFT Magazine used two of the portable outdoor systems to pour special beers in their VIP lounge. Everyone who came across the systems were wickedly impressed–as was I. And if you are in the market for a kegerator, the AGA Marvel beer dispensers come highly recommended by none other than yours truly!

Super sleek design.

In closing, I just want to send a super shout-out to my friend Micha and her team at AGA Marvel who gave me the wonderful opportunity to attend the Great American Beer Festival. It was officially the best GABF I’ve been to yet and it would never have been possible without the amazing folks at AGA Marvel! Thanks Art, Micha, Dick and Leah! XOXO!!!

Follow @AGAMARVEL on Twitter

Like AGA MAVERL on Facebook

Follow AGA MARVEL on Pinterest

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Event Radar

Oak-aged Extravaganza

The Who: Firestone Walker & Odell Brewing

The What: After last pour at Friday’s GABF session, Freshcraft will be tapping some amazing beers from two world class with breweries, Firestone Walker & Odell Brewing, that boast some of the best barrel aging programs in existence. Come out and meet some of the folks that make these beers happen.

The When: October 12th

The Time: 10pm – close

The Where: Freshcraft

The Address:1530 Blake St.

The Beers:

• Firestone Walker Parabola
• Firestone Walker 14th Anniversary Ale
• Firestone Walker Reginald Brett
• Odell Deconstruction
• Odell The Meddler Oud Bruin
• Odell Leopold Fernet Barrel Aged Porter

See you there!

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Event Radar

Shmaltz Sweet 16 Party

The Who: Shmaltz Brewing Company

The What: Put on your prettiest-pink-party-dress and simultaneously celebrate your Quinceañera and Sweet 16 with Shmaltz Brewing Company! Party will feature the pouring of two special beers:  Jewbelation Quinceañera (15 malts, 15 hops, 15% alc), which is aged for 5 months in Siembra Azul Tequila barrels, and Jewbelation Sweet 16, a complex, enormous brown ale with a dynamic labyrinth of multi-layered flavors; brewed with 16 malts, 16 hops and soaring to 16% alc. hmaltz Proprietor, Jeremy Cowan will be on hand to chaperone –– and you can rest assured this event will be tastier than 16 cupcakes!

The Where: Euclid Hall

The Address: 1317 14th St. (Denver)

The When: October 11th

The Time: 2-5pm

The Cost: Free entry, cash bar.

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Event Radar

Battle of the States!

The Who: Golden Road (CA) and Oskar Blues (CO)

The What: Craft Beer “Throw Down” between new can brewery, Golden Road, and pioneer can brewery Oskar Blues. PLUS the special release of Golden Road’s Burning Bush IPA — A Rauch IPA, Burning Bush uses the smoked malt characterized by a traditional German style Rauchbier, combined with the hops of a west coast IPA. According to its brewers, the Burning Bush undeniably delicious. The Kitchen party attendees get to try it first.

The Where: The Kitchen

The Address: 1530 16th St (Denver)

The When: October 11th

The Time: 3-6pm (before the Thursday GABF session)

The Beers:

• Burning Bush Smoked IPA
• Hudson Imperial Rye Porter (Brandy barrel aged)
• Golden Road Hefeweizen
• Point the Way (cans)
• Wolf Among Weeds (cans)
• Oskar Blues G’Knight Imperial Red
• Oskar Blues/Sun King Chaka collaboration Belgian-style ale
• Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale
• Oskar Blues British Knight

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Event Radar

(Photo Credit: Cyrus McCrimmon, The Denver Post)

Crooked Stave “GABF Gone Wild”

The Who: Crooked Stave

The What: Daily tapping of an amazing (super limited release) sour beer each day during GABF (and a few days leading up). In addition to the special tappings, Crooked Stave will have bottles for sale including Batch#1, Oculus, Sentience Bourbon Barrel and they have even threatened to pull some rare oldies out of the cellar. If you are a sour freak, Crooked Stave is a must-visit during GABF. Be there, or be very very square.

The Where: Crooked Stave Barrel Cellar and Taproom

The Address: 1441 W. 46th Ave. Unit 19

The Time: Beers will be tapped every day at NOON.

The Epic Schedule:

Monday, Oct. 8th:
Cuvaison – Rustic 5 Grain Saison blended with various sour barrels.
W.W.B.I – 100% Brettanomyces fermented with Blueberries aged in oak.
Surette Reserva blended with Grape Kombucha – Rustic 5 Grain Saison with Grape Kombucha.
Tapping:
Sentience Bourbon Barrel aged Wild Quadruple
Batch #1 – 100% Brettanomyces, 100% barrel fermented

Tuesday, Oct. 9th Tapping:
Surette Reserva Chardonnay Barrel-aged (Batch 1 of Surette Aged 12 months in Chardonnay Barrels)

Wednesday, Oct 10th Tapping:
Oculus – Belgian-style Golden ale fermented with Colorado Biodynamic grapes and aged for 12 months in White wine barrels with our house sour culture.

Thursday, Oct. 11th Tapping:
Sentience Cognac Barrel aged Wild Quadruple

Friday, Oct. 12th Tapping:
Nightmare on Brett Bourbon Barrel-aged – 100% Brettanomyces Baltic(ish) Porter, Aged in Heaven Hill Barrels!

Saturday, Oct. 13th Tapping:
Blackberry Petite Sour – Classic!

___________________________________

Do you know of any other kickass events happening in Denver during GABF! Leave a comment below or shoot me an email!

CHEERS!

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Event Radar

“It’s All About the Package” Launch Party

The Who: Oskar Blues

The What: The “It’s All About the Package” Launch Party after the Thursday night Great American Beer Festival session includes larger-than-life live music by Halden Wofford & the Hi Beams, gigantic giveaways, and big, badass beers. Come on down and be a part of some BIG craft beer history in the making!

The Where: Blake Street Tavern

The Address: 2301 Blake Street

The When: Thursday, October 11th

The Time: 9:30pm – 1am

The Cost: FREE!! Well, with the official ticket which you can print off from the Facebook Event page. If you forget, just grab one at the Oskar Blues event booth during GABF. OR, you can be lazy and show the event doorman a picture of the ticket on your phone

According to the beertastic crew over at Oskar Blues, it’s going to be a HUGE night – be sure to bring your party pants!

Follow @oskarblues on Twitter!

Even though I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry, I have visited enough to have the down-low on Denver’s coolest bars for craft beer enthusiasts. It is important to note at this time that I am a cross-drinker and that, during GABF, I’m guilty of sipping on cocktails. This might sound sacrilegious, drinking booze during the country’s largest craft beer festival, but I assure you that palate fatigue happens to the best of us and more brewers than you think suffer from cross-drinking tendencies.

Regardless of whether or not you dabble in the spirits realm or only drink beer, I’ve compiled a list of what I think to be THE BEST booze destinations in the city of Denver — especially for craft beer lovers. So if you are headed to GABF this year, make sure to add these bars to your bucket list!

Photo Credit: Denver Nightscape by Dag Peak

10 Best Bars in Denver for Craft Beer Lovers

1. Falling Rock Taproom

1919 Blake St.

Even if you’ve never been to GABF, you’ve probably heard of the legendary Falling Rock Taproom. Located a good stumbling distance from the Colorado Convention Center, Falling Rock Taphouse is, by far, the most popular place to be during GABF. Falling Rock not only boasts an always updating tap list of the most coveted and celebrated craft beers in the country, it is also home to some of the most epic and buzz-worthy events during GABF including Dr. Bill’s famous rare beer tasting. Not to mention, I spend about 80% of my GABF trip at Falling Rock — so if you want to find me, look there!

Twitter: @FallingRockTap

2. Star Bar

2137 Larimer Street

Located just blocks from Falling Rock, Star Bar is a great destination for cross-drinkers looking for a place to escape from all the hops and perhaps even belt out a song or two (yes kids, this is a karaoke bar on Thursday nights). But, don’t forget your beer swilling friends — Star Bar also boasts an outstanding selection of craft beers both on tap and in the bottle. Can’t choose between a cocktail and a craft beer? No worries! Star Bar is one of Denver’s premier spots to enjoy a really well-made beer cocktail.

Twitter: @StarBar_Denver

3. Euclid Hall

1317 14th Street

For those desiring an orgasmic food & beverage experience, look no further than Euclid Hall. Fresh hand-cranked sausages, poutines to die for, and an extensive seafood selection — Euclid Hall is a carnivore foodie’s wet dream. They also have a full liquor license, mixing up some of the best cocktails you will find in Denver. Once again, if you can’t decide between one of their awesome craft beers and a cocktail, no worries! Euclid Hall is also a beer cocktail destination in Denver!

Twitter: @EuclidHall

4. Rackhouse Pub

208 South Kalamath Street

For those who partied too hard during the GABF festivities, Rackhouse Pub offers the best hangover deal around: $3 Beermosas and Bloody Marys plus FREE Bacon on Sundays. Now, you don’t have to wait until Sunday to experience the boozalicious awesomeness of the Rack. Not only is the mac & cheese alone worth the visit, Rackhouse Pub is also a whiskey lover’s paradise. Attached at the hip to Stranahan’s Distillery, Rachkhouse boasts a whiskey menu 60+ varieties deep, offering whiskey flights to the experts & novices alike. And you guessed it, the Rack also has beer cocktails!

Twitter: @RackhousePub

5. Cheeky Monk

534 E. Colfax

Belgophiles rejoice! Less cheeky and more monky, the Cheeky Monk is a one stop destination for all things Belgian and beer. If you are a mussel freak, and I’m not talking about WWF, this place is screaming your name. Cheeky Monk is famous for its moules & frites, offering  7 unique award-winning mussel recipes including the ever popular Bacon & Gorgonzola and my personal favorite, the Mulligatawny. Cheeky Monk also serves an extensive selection of Belgian and Belgo-style craft beers, all properly served in their coordinating vessels.

Twitter: @TheCheekyMonk

6. Colt & Gray

1553 Platte Street

A little ways a way from the Colorado Convention Center activity, the cab fair to Colt & Gray is well worth the cash. Limited release beers, high-end cocktails, world class wines — Colt & Gray is serious about it’s beverage program. But don’t let the booze menu distract you too much, Colt & Gray is also a gastronomy haven. For the meat afficianados, Colt & Gray offers an amazing array of charcuterie — painstakingly made in house. Foie gras, tartare, sweatbreads and bone marrow are also amongst the amazingly decadent meat items on the menu. If there was one place to splurge in Denver, this would be it. Oh yeah, Colt & Gray is yet ANOTHER beer cocktail hot spot.

Twitter: @ColtandGray

7. Freshcraft

1530 Blake Street

The name says it all. Fresh food, craft beer and a fun atmosphere, Freshcraft is open early (11am) to help you start your day of beer adventures — or recover from the previous night. And vegetarian beer lovers can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Although the farm-to-table beer destination boasts a menu loaded with tasty meat products, Freshcraft also has a delicious selection of meatless treats including vegan sliders, fried pickles, and quinoa cakes. Hungry after midnight? Freshcraft is one of the only beer spots you will find the serves a late night menu till 1am on Friday and Saturdays. Facing palate fatigue? Freshcraft is yet another destination that offers a great selection of spirits and cocktails!

Twitter: @FreshCraftFood

8. The Cruise Room

Located in the Oxford Hotel, 1659 Waze Street

No trip to Denver is complete without a pit stop at this legendary martini bar. The Cruise Room is downtown Denver’s first bar — opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Always dark with beautiful Art Deco décor, the Cruise Room is original in its entirety. Now I know what you are thinking; Hot damn girl! All you have done so far is talk about cocktails, do you even drink beer? Well, that is what the actual festival is for, my friends. But, if you are like me and my fellow cross-drinking brewers, your palate gets exhausted after drinking liquid hops, lacto-bombs, and imperial this-that-and-the-other-thing all day and night. If you want to run into la creme de la creme of the beer industry, this cult classic cocktail bar would be the spot.

9. Great Divide Taproom

2201 Arapahoe Street

The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning at least one brewery stop — and Great Divide tops my list as the best taproom in town. In addition to hosting some cool events during GABF, the Great Divide taproom is the perfect place to guzzle down awesome craft beers. Oh, and I hear it is a great spot for ogling cute beertenders (but don’t take my word for it — wink). Last year, Great Divide expanded its taproom, making it bigger, better and beerier than ever! And for those looking to start their craft beer adventures early, Great Divide is open early at the ripe hour of 10am Thurs-Sat during GABF!

Twitter: @greatdividebrew

10. Whiskey Bar

2201 Larimer St.

For those who need that one last drink before calling it a night, Whiskey Bar is the spot for ensuring your arrival in hangover city. But you don’t have to wait until last call to get your whiskey fix, Whiskey Bar offers $3 specials all day every day and a $3 you call it (yes, you read that right — you all the shots) happy hour from 4-7pm. With 200+ whiskeys and a constant streaming of sports, Whiskey Bar is also a great place to escape the madness of GABF to watch “the game” (whatever that may be for you).

Twitter: @WhiskeyBar

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But outside of amazing craft beer, awesome food and cocktails, these bars all share something much more important in common — all boast great atmospheres and wonderful people.

As with all lists of this nature, I’m sure there will be a plethora of hemming and hawing and some hurt feelings — which is why encourage leaving feedback in the comment section below!

Cheers!

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Event Radar

Colorado Rare Beer Tasting

The What: Amazing rare beers from 18+ amazing Colorado craft breweries

The When: Wednesday, October 10th from 6-9pm

The Where: Rackhouse Pub

The Address: 208 South Kalamath St. Denver, Colorado 80223

The Cost: $35

The Who: Aka PARTICIPATING BREWERIES & BEERS:

• AC Golden Brewing Company – TBD
• Avery Brewing Company – TBD
• Bristol Brewing Company – TBD
• Colorado Cider Company - Ol’ Stumpy, Pome Mel
• Crazy Mountain Brewery – TBD
• Dry Dock Brewing Company – Swabby Stranahan’s Barrel-Aged Quadrupel, Old Bligh’s Barrel-Aged Barleywine, Cellar Barleywine
• Elevation Beer Company – Apis IV, Oil Man Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout, Signal De Botrange
• Funkwerks – TBD
• Great Divide Brewing Company – TBD
• Grimm Brothers Brewhouse – TBD
• Left Hand Brewing Company – TBD
• New Belgium Brewing- Prickly Peach Passion
• Odell Brewing Company – TBD
• Oskar Blues Brewery – TBD
• Prost Brewing – TBD
• River North Brewery – TBD
• Ska Brewing Company – TBD
• Wynkoop Brewing Company – TBD

The Tickets: Click below!

Okay, so I haven’t been going to the Great American Beer Festival for nearly as long as most of my colleagues in the beer industry — but, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the scoop on the best events surrounding the big fest. Some events are more exclusive than others, and some events are definitely more expensive than others. But, it is my mission to share the wheres and whens to be during GABF with my fellow beer geeks.

GABF Beer Radar

Photo Credit: Mackinnon Photography

Avery Brewing Midnight Breakfast at Euclid Hall

Beer for Breakfast? Breakfast for dinner? Yes please!

The When: October 11, 2012

The Time: 11pm

The Place: Euclid Hall

The Address: 1317 14th St., Denver, CO 80202

The Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/264991 (only 75 will be sold)

The Cost: $100/ person

The Who: Both Exec Chef d’ Cuisine Jorel Pierce and Exec Chef Jeniffer Jasinski will be taking credit for the menu. Denver Cicerone Ryan Conklin assisted with the pairings as well as worked very closely with the Avery team to select beers from their cellar.

The What: “The tradition was built by the Avery team, they used to go to a random greasy spoon after GABF.  They were interested in creating an event that would build a long tradition and have everybody talking.  We (The ownership and chef team, Chef Jorel, Exec Chef Jen Jasinski, myself, Beth Gruitch and the Avery team all sat down to formulate this unique, high impact breakfast event that showcased our most unique food offerings paired with Avery’s most special beers.  This will be the 2nd year of Midnght Breakfast and we look forward to having some big names in beer.  I don’t have the freedom of commiting any guest names that will attend this year though I can tell you who attended last year.  Both Adam Avery and his dad, Dr. Bill, Zane Lamprey, Ken Grossman, and more were in attendance last year and we look forward to having a great attendance from notables again this year.” — Ryan Conklin, aka @DenverBartender & @DenverCicerone

And (drum roll please)….

THE MENU

Do you have an event you would like to see promoted on Drink With The Wench’s GABF Beer Radar? Please send the details to Ashley — routson@gmail.com or leave a comment in the section below!!

CHEERS!

Lucky enough to score a golden ticket? Here is what to expect at the 2012 GABF.

Nearly 50,000 attendees.

Over the course of 3 days, over 49,000 people are expected to attend the 2012 GABF. If you think that this sounds like a lot of people, you’re right. And make sure to get there early, the line starts to wrap around the building as early as an hour before doors open.

Approximately 580 breweries.

The 2012 GABF will have 110 more breweries pouring their beers in the hall this year, which is a 23 percent increase over 2011. It is also important to note that this growth is in correlation to the overall growth the craft beer segment has experienced this past year.

Farm-to-Table Pavilion

Quite possibly my favorite part of the fest, the Farm to Table Pavilion returns for a fourth year, bringing together chefs and craft brewers from across the country to serve small plates paired with special release beers that aren’t available in the festival hall. Sadly, one must have a ticket to enter the farm-to-table pavilion — a ticket which is only offered to BA and AHA members.

Confirmed farm-to-table breweries include:

• Alaskan Brewing Co
• Avery Brewing Company
• Ballast Point Brewing Company
• Denver Beer Company
• Devils Backbone Brewing Company
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company
• Ghost River Brewing Company
• Jester King Craft Brewery
• Saint Arnold Brewing Company
• Smuttynose Brewing Company
• Sun King Brewing Company

Brewpub Pavilion

New in 2012!!! The pavilion will include approximately 24 breweries representing all regions of the country and will be set up to replicate the brewpub atmosphere that craft beer enthusiasts enjoy, including seating and bite-sized snacks available for purchase.

Fresh Hop Ale Competition Category

New in 2012!!! This year’s GABF competition will feature a brand new “Fresh Hop Ale” category. The addition of this category signifies not only growing interest in this beer style, but also increased appreciation in the role of beer ingredients. This category was not possible in past years due to the timing of the festival and the hop harvest.

Pro-Am Competition

The GABF Pro-Am competition judges beer collaborations between professional craft brewers and homebrewers. Each beer entry is based on an award-winning homebrew recipe from an American Homebrewers Association (AHA) member. The homebrew recipes are scaled up and brewed by professional craft brewers for submission into the competition.

GABF Awards Ceremony

One of the most renowned competitions in the industry and recognized worldwide as a symbol of brewing excellence, the GABF competition honors 84 beer style categories with gold, silver and bronze medals. In 2012, an estimated 4,300 beers will be judged by an expected 185 judges from across the globe.

Silent Disco

Quite possibly the most popular event on the convention floor, the silent disco is sponsored every year by Oskar Blues. It involves a bunch of dancing fools getting down to music that only themselves and their dancing partners can hear through wireless headphones. Only those wearing the headphones can hear the music, so whether you are dancing or watching — it’s guaranteed to be hilarious.

And that’s not all folks! There will be book signings, educational panels and demonstrations from some of the country’s best brewers, merchandise, and so much more! And don’t forget about the after parties …. more info on those to come!