Info below was for the 2020 event and is for reference only.
Saturday, January 11, 2020 | 2:30 – 6:00 pm in the Beaver Run Conference Center (Colorado and Breckenridge Ballrooms)
Commercial Tasting Programs: 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017
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The Commercial Tasting on Saturday afternoon has been dubbed “one of the best collections of beer ever seen in one place.” This year, for our 20th anniversary there are nearly 600 beers from 175 different breweries!
This international slice of beer is extremely diverse; Belgians, lambics and sours highlight the lighter end of the spectrum, while the Barleywines and Strong Ales dominate the other, with specialty beers from some of the most creative commercial brewers in the world.
As has become traditional, the Commercial Tasting will begin at 2:30 pm in the afternoon, following a variety of educational beer and brewing seminars that you can attend by purchasing a ticket.
New for 2020, there will be a Big Beers VIP Lounge available for VIP ticket holders during the Commercial Tasting. Located in the Imperial Ballroom, the VIP Lounge will feature private restrooms, a trio of unique beers not available at the Commercial Tasting, an upscale selection of charcuterie and cheeses, a break from the noise and comfortable seating – complete with mountain view and cozy fireplace.The Lounge will open at 3pm and be available as needed until 6:30pm for VIP ticket holders to relax and escape from the melee.
Our 2020 Commercial Tasting will be held in the Beaver Run Conference Center. Due to the sheer size of the event, it will be split between the Colorado Ballroom and the Breckenridge Ballroom. Coat check will be located on the floor in between, and there will be several different routes to move between floors of the event. The main entrance to the event will be at the Colorado Ballroom entrance, just down from the Market Cafe on the third floor of Beaver Run.
During the Commercial Tasting, the 2020 Big Beers Homebrew Competition Awards Ceremony will be held at 3:30 pm in the foyer on the 3rd floor immediately in front of the Colorado Ballroom main entrance.
Once again this year each attendee will receive a coupon with their admission ticket that entitles them to a credit at the food station inside the Commercial Tasting event. This will encourage everyone to locate and frequent the food stations, enjoy the selections created by Chef Phil and his staff at Beaver Run Resort, and help all attendees be responsible with their consumption of fabulous beers throughout the afternoon.
Along the same lines, the Big Beers Festival has a zero tolerance policy for aggressive behavior and harassment. We ask that you report inappropriate behavior of any kind to our security team or event staff. The formal policy is below for your reference.
Volunteers for the Big Beers Festival can earn complimentary or discounted admission to the Commercial Tasting (as well as an event t-shirt!) through their time and effort. Volunteer shifts include such options as coat check, homebrew competition judging/stewarding, pouring during the tasting, assisting with the seminars, etc. One volunteer shift will reduce your Commercial Tasting ticket cost to $35, and two volunteer shifts earn free admission.
Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival Zero Tolerance Policy
The Big Beers Festival has a zero-tolerance policy for aggression or harassment of any kind.
Everyone should feel safe during the event, and we are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate any form of aggressive behavior or harassment of festival attendees, staff, volunteers, sponsors, or brewers.
If a participant breaks these policies, they will be removed from the fest and the proper authorities will be notified. If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, no matter how minor it may seem, please report it to any Big Beers Festival staff member or security guard immediately so the situation can be addressed.
Program Archives
- 2020 Commercial Tasting Program
- 2019 Commercial Tasting Program
- 2018 Commercial Tasting Program
- 2017 Commercial Tasting Program