Big Beers Fest "UnVails" 19 new releases for Vail event

VAIL – Vail’s Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival has announced the tapping of 19 special brews at their 10th anniversary welcome reception, set for Jan. 8. Inspired by Brendan McGivney of Odell Brewing Co., who offered to create a 10th anniversary commemorative beer for the event, other breweries quickly jumped on board and embraced the idea. “We are absolutely overwhelmed and gratified by the generosity and support of these brewers,” said Laura Lodge, event coordinator. “It has been a real endorsement of our efforts over the past decade.” Known for its unique format and educational components, this international specialty beer festival has drawn more than 5,000 attendees in its time and most recently included Belgian and experimental beers from 84 breweries at its 2009 commercial tasting. The 2010 festival weekend will be hosted by the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa on Jan. 7 through 9, and includes brewmasters’ dinners, educational seminars, and a specialty homebrew competition judging among other things.Breweries that have committed to rolling out new releases in Vail for the Big Beers Festival weekend include the following:Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, COBoulevard Brewing Co, Kansas City, MOBreckenridge Brewery, Breckenridge, COCarver Brewing Co, Durango, CODeschutes Brewery, Bend, ORDry Dock Brewing Co., Aurora, COFlying Dog Brewery, Frederick, MDGreat Divide Brewing Co., Denver, COLeft Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, COAnheuser-Busch Brewing Co./ Michelob Brewing Co. St. Louis, MOOdell Brewing Co., Ft. Collins, COOskar Blues Brewing Co., Longmont, COPagosa Brewing Co., Pagosa Springs, COPapago Brewing Co., Scottsdale, AZPumphouse Brewery, Longmont, COSierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CASka Brewing Co., Durango, COStone Brewing Co., Escondido, CAWynkoop Brewing Co., Denver, COSome of the beers to be showcased at the welcome reception will be rolled out to regional or national/international markets following Big Beers Festival weekend, although many will be small batches only available at the event and at the brewery’s tasting room. Others are anniversary or seasonal releases that will be tapped as a “sneak peak” treat for festival attendees. All are expected to be at the commercial tasting on Jan. 9, and some will be featured on draft at Atwater Tavern on Gore Creek over the festival weekend.For event tickets, lodging information, event schedule and more information about the Big Beers Festival, including its beneficiary, the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, visit http://www.bigbeersfestival.com.