The Great American Beer Festival: A Culinary and Craft Beer Extravaganza
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is the nation’s signature event for craft beer enthusiasts, returning to Denver this October with its highly anticipated PAIRED experience. This year’s event promises an impressive lineup of acclaimed chefs and culinary innovators, offering festival-goers a unique culinary adventure paired with exceptional craft brews. PAIRED brings together James Beard Award winners, Michelin-starred chefs, and leading tastemakers, making the 2025 lineup one of the most enticing yet for craft beer and food lovers alike.
Colorado’s Culinary Gems Join PAIRED
Colorado’s culinary scene will shine bright at PAIRED, with local stars like Caroline Glover making her mark. Known for her work at Annette and Travelling Mercies in Aurora, Glover has been a force in the dining world, with accolades such as Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in America (2019) and a James Beard Award for Best Chef Mountain (2022). Her establishments continue to turn heads, being recognized among America’s best bars by Esquire and as semi-finalists for the James Beard Best New Bar award.
Other Colorado culinary luminaries include Kelly Whitaker and Mara King, renowned for their revolutionary dining concepts like The Wolf’s Tailor and Basta, which have earned Michelin stars and Beard awards. Joining them are Matt Vawter of Rootstalk and Radicato in Breckenridge, who recently nabbed a James Beard Award, and Josh Niernberg from Grand Junction’s Bin 707, a finalist for 2025’s Outstanding Chef award. Denver veterans like Jen Jasinski and Carrie Baird will also add their distinctive flair to the event.
Nationwide Culinary Stars Enhance the Festival
Further broadening the festival’s gastronomic appeal, PAIRED hosts talents from across the country. Milwaukee’s Dan Jacobs, a Top Chef alum and James Beard finalist, will bring a taste of Wisconsin to the event. From Washington, D.C., Danny Lee and Scott Drewno of Anju & Mandu, finalists for Outstanding Restaurateur, will join forces with Mike Friedman of The Red Hen, celebrated for his Michelin Bib Gourmand accolades.
This extraordinary gathering of creative talent ensures that PAIRED offers unforgettable moments for attendees at the GABF, highlighting the intersection of exceptional cuisine and craft beer innovation.
Innovation Beyond Beer: Introducing the Mocktail Bar
This year marks a new chapter for PAIRED, as it expands its horizons with a curated Mocktail Bar led by Steve Wildy, a renowned sommelier and James Beard semi-finalist. Wildy will showcase the artistry behind zero-proof pairings, reflecting the growing interest in non-alcoholic craft beverages. His presence underscores the event’s commitment to cutting-edge beverage experiences.
Curated by the Brewers Association’s Adam Dulye, PAIRED has evolved into a premier event celebrating the fusion of food and craft beer. Each year, top chefs and brewers gather in Denver, transforming it into a hub of culinary and brewing innovation. As Ann Obenchain of the Brewers Association states, “PAIRED is where culinary innovation and brewing creativity meet,” promising unique pairings available only at this esteemed festival.
Attendees can indulge in unlimited tastings of expertly paired small plates and craft beverages, with the option to enhance their experience by adding access to the GABF festival floor. This year, discover the extraordinary ways beer and food can come together through the collaborative spirit that defines the Great American Beer Festival.
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