Denver - Sept. 23

We arrived in Denver around Noon local time. Checked in to our hotel and unpacked. Relaxation was the key after 30+ hours in the van. I got a quick swim in the hotel pool, took a shower and headed to the Falling Rock Tap House (where else!?!?). Great lineup of beers and some of the most knowledgeable barstaff around. Can't beat it. Judges meeting at 5 p.m. to go over our schedule and then off to a reception at Rock Bottom. Getting to meet people who have been in this industry for so long and really made a lot of this possible was the highlight of my week! Phil Markowski (Southampton Public House), Garret Oliver (Brooklyn Brewery), Fal Allen (Anderson Valley) and the list goes on. It really was a thrill! Rubbing elbows with guys like Mitch Steele of Anheuser-Busch and Grant Wood of Sam Adams reminds you what a great community this is. No one is "too good" or too important to hang out over a beer and talk about this thing we all love so much.