Maui Brewing Company was one of the first breweries I wanted to hit at this year's Great American Beer Festival. The Lahaina-based brewer was named Grand National Champion at the United States Open Beer Championships earlier this year and has been getting national buzz after beginning distribution in California and Oregon.

I wasn't disappointed. Maui's CoConut Porter, which it sells in cans and on draft, was one of the most delicious beers I've had in a while, and its Smokestack Lager rocked.

Even better, Maui Brewing's Garrett Marrero promises that he'll be distributing all of his canned beers in Colorado by the end of 2010. "I can't say for sure who is handling our distribution, but rest assured we're on our way," he says, adding that he LOVES Colorado.

What other beers rocked my world at GABF? Here's a list:

21st Amendment, Hop Crisis, San Francisco, California

Bear Republic, Cuvee de Bubba; Healdsburg, California

Cascade Brewing, Sang Noir; Bend, Oregon

Cigar City Jai Alai India Pale Ale; Tampa, Florida

Cigar City, Guava Grove; Tampa Florida

Choc, Basement Batch; Krebs, Oklahoma

Duck-Rabbit, Milk Stout; Farmville, North Carolina

Goose Island, Demolition; Chicago, Illinois

Green Flash, Le Freak; San Diego, California

Kannah Creek Stumplifter Barleywine; Grand Junction, Colorado

New Holland, Charkoota Rye Smoked Doppelbock Lager; Holland Michigan

Pizza Port, Skidmark Brown; Ocean Beach, California

Redhook, Live Free or Rye; Seattle, Washington

Yak and Yeti, Himalayan IPA; Arvada, Colorado

Yak and Yeti, Chai Milk Stout; Arvada, Colorado

• Beer Man