Hey, here’s what Avery Brewing is pouring at GABF (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
With more than 700 breweries pouring about 3,500 beers, the Great American Beer Festival can be overwhelming.
It’s imperative to have a plan. As the minutes before Thursday’s first session whittle away, we have been tweeting tips about how to make the best out of your festival experience.
Have something to add? Leave a comment or tweet at us @First_Drafts.
tip No. 1: No tickets, no problem. Last two years, they’ve been available on the streets for face value as sessions begin.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
tip No 2: Hydrate. Met one out-of-towner tonight who set timed reminders on her phone to drink water. Smart. 5,280 feet.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
Tip No. 3: Eat well before entering. Like burritos or . Or something carb-y.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
tip No 4 is divisive. says pretzel necklaces are effective carb-consumers. We say it’s lame. What say you?
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
Tip No. 5: Get a plan. Don’t wander aimlessly. Pick an in-demand brewery with a line first. We always start with .
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
Tip No. 6 (which builds off No. 5): Concentrate on breweries that don’t distribute in your area. This is your chance to try them.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
tip No. 7: Identify breweries in advance to visit. Our regional previews (shameless plug) are great tipsheets.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
That said, don’t shut yourself out to discovery. Ask around. Just be careful about random table-hopping and going too fast. tip No. 8.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
And saving our best tip for last …
tip No. 9: Don’t drink that entire 1-ounce pour. If it isn’t great, pour it out after a sip. You’ll be able to sample far more.
— First Drafts Blog (@First_Drafts)
