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The success of America’s craft brewers over the past five years — and the phenomenal growth of the industry — prompts this question: Do we even need American Craft Beer Week anymore? The Boulder-based Brewers Association created the celebration seven years ago as a way to recognize independent breweries and get the word out about their beer. But in 2012, every week seems to be American Craft Beer Week.
Nonetheless, the answer appears to be yes. After all, 2011 was only the first year in which all fifty states hosted official ACBW events, so there is still some work to do. This year’s fiesta, running May 14 through 20, will include nearly 2,000 events nationwide.
In Colorado, there are dozens of activities tied to the week, including brewery tours, special releases, food-and-beer pairings and tap takeovers.
Strange Brewing, for instance, which opened its doors during ACBW in 2010, will celebrate its second birthday by unveiling its new outdoor biergarten and hosting events, food trucks and live music all week long. Dry Dock Brewing, meanwhile, will tap a new firkin every day — most of which were voted on by Facebook fans.
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For a list of many of the happenings in Denver and around the state, check out the calendar at www.craftbeer.com or the Facebook page of your favorite brewery.
May 14-20, 2012
