We got invited to experience Reno's first CANFEST event on October 23rd, 2009. It is known as the Reno International Canned Beer Festival. I love that Reno is known for all the new and exciting events that start here. CANFEST in my opinion will grow to eventually rival the famous Rib Cookoff or the Italian Festival. This event has all the makings of a great international event.
The event was sponsored by Buckbean Brewing Company along with The Nature Conservancy and Great Basin Bird Observatory. There was a lot of emphasis on the Green properties of canned beer as opposed to other methods of distribution. ECORENO was there with a booth as well.
There was a total of 22 diffrent brewers represented at the event and each participant was given a 4 ounce tasting glass to walk the event with. You got to basically taste, try and drink as much beer as you wanted for the $35 entrance fee. Once you got in everything was free so the cost seemed more than worth it.
Along with the 22 different brewers there was a couple of guest speakers. First there was Paul Gatza, the Brewers Association Director who discussed the movement to can craft beer.
Did you know that 48% of all beer is consumed from cans? We found that very Interesting!
Ginger Johnson of WomenEnjoyingBeer.com also talked about women and beer trends.
This event was Great!
We enjoy good beer and found the opportunity to try all the variations an amazing experience.
Each brewer brought in their top 2 or 3 beers for you to try. Not only did we learn a lot about beer, canning and recycling; we also got a chance to try beers that are not normally available to try.
I personally never like to buy a whole six pack or case of beer I haven't tried before so this was a great chance to try 30+ beers in small amounts and truly find some great flavors. I came away from the event with a list of beers I would like to buy and share with friends.
Here is a list of all the brewers that were at the event:
USA
- 21st Amendment Brewery - California
- Anderson Valley Brewery - California
- Big Sky Brewery - Montana
- Bohemian Brewery - Utah
- Buckbean Brewery - Nevada
- Caldera Brewery - Oregon
- Coors Brewery - Colorado
- Four Peaks Brewery - Arizona
- High Noon Saloon & Brewery - Kansas
- Mammoth Brewery - California
- Maui Brewery - Hawaii
- Mudshark Brewery - Arizona
- New Belgium Brewery - Colorado
- Northwoods Brewery - Wisconsin
- Oskar Blues Brewery - Colorado
- Prescott Brewery - Arizona
- Rochester Brewery - Michigan
- Sleeping Lady Brewery - Alaska
- Surly Brewery - Minnesota
- Ukiah Brewery - California
- Uncommon Brewers - California
MEXICO
BELGIUM
SCOTLAND
ENGLAND
- Greene King
- Strongbow Cider
- Newcastle
IRELAND
JAPAN
CANADA
Truly an International Event with beers from many countries. I coudn't try them all because even with a 4 ounce glass I would have got plowed if I tried even half. I enjoyed everything I could.
There were a couple of beers that really stood out for me. I really liked the MooseDrool from Big SKy Brewery as well as the IPA from Caldera Brewery and the Belgian white from Mudshark. I also liked the Sapporo Reserve, I didn't even know that one existed before CANFEST 09.
There was a great turnout to the event that was held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in the Grand Theatre. They had tables in the center so you could stop with your beer samples and your food and talk with friends. We really enjoyed the layout.
Food and Beer pairings were provided by Tahoe Creamery, Dorado Confections and Roth Kase USA Ltd. Hanging above the event as well (seen in both photos) was Can-Art made from Buckbean Brewery cans.
I cannot say enough about this event. You really need to attend next year and make sure it is on your calendar. For more details about this event and next year follow us here on gonnahappen.com or on facebook, twitter or checkout the better beer blog.