This year interest continues to grow in the quintessential beer festival that happens in Denver annually, the Great American Beer Festival. This year was particularly competitive with brewery participation growing by 12%, and brewery space selling out in about two hours. Tickets sold to the general public at an alarming rate, selling out the entire festival in about two hours. Even for one of the largest craft breweries in Florida that is working on opening a massive new brewery to the public, showcasing their beers in Denver proved to be a challenge as well.

Melbourne’s Florida Beer Company was in a pickle: they were not going to be able to compete and defend their medal for Hurricane Reef Pale Ale. Instead of bowing out of the festival, Florida’s largest craft brewery decided to go to Denver as a festival sponsor. This move will allow Florida Beer Company a larger booth and a more prominent location on the festival floor.

From the FBC Blog:

We will be pouring our FBC core brands along with some unique new additions that will be released at the festival! Our sponsorship booth will encompass the Florida lifestyle and culture throughout the three-day event!

With the addition of Florida Beer Company to Florida’s GABF lineup, that makes seven Florida breweries going to Denver to represent the Sunshine State.

The Great American Beer Festival will take place October 10th, 11th, and 12th at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.