The contest pits beers against each other in a blind tasting extravaganza, from which a team of judges select their favorites, based on overall quality and balance. The only stipulation? The beer has to be hoppier than average, but it can't be a barleywine.
Last year, Boulder brewer Mountain Sun (this week's Cafe review) took the prize for Hop Vivant, a surprisingly smooth double IPA with the ripping bitterness characteristic of its beer type.
This year, though, southern California-based Pizza Port claimed the top honor, landing the first and second place spots.
An omen of what's to come in GABF judging? Pizza Port can only hope.