We’re in San Diego to accept our first World Cup of Beer award. The layout is immaculate, the food is spectacular, and the room is full of brewing legends and industry heavyweights. We’re walking toward the stage when I reach for the speech I’ve prepared and realize…I’m not wearing pants. These things come with the territory of dreams, I guess, and making it to the World Cup of Beer is definitely a dream, but one we plan to realize. Hopefully, the next time I’m there I’ll remember to bring pants.
The world cup of beer is underway right now with the awards ceremony planned for May the 5th as the culmination of the Craft Brewer’s Conference in San Diego. This year there are over 4000 entries from all over the world with International entries account for 32% of the total.
There will be 92 styles judged during the competition, so there will be a lot of hardware being handed out that night (roughly 5% of total entrants will come away with an award). However, the volume of the awards does not take away from the honor of winning one. This is the “Beer Olympics” after all.
The best part about this competition, aside from the great food, beer, and camaraderie, is that it is an American event. America has long been the guiding force behind the craft beer movement, and hosting this conference, and the accompanying awards banquet, further establishes this great country as a brewing powerhouse and leader in the global market. So, with all that said, if you’re like us then you are anxiously waiting to see what great things this year’s conference brings. Here’s hoping that next year it will be us.
