2018 San Diego International Beer Competition Seeks Breweries

DEL MAR, Ca. (Dec. 21, 2017) ­– You won’t want to miss being part of this hoppy brew crew – entries are now open through March 9 to the San Diego International Beer Competition.

Offering 57 classes from porters and pale ales to specialty chocolate and chili beers, you’ll find a perfect category to enter your prized brew into. Open to any licensed brewery, brewpub, meadery or cidery, entries are $50 each for up to eight entries. The competition celebrates the flavors, craftsmanship and innovation of a wide variety of beers, ciders and meads. Judging happens April 13-15 and results will be announced April 27.

Beer will be purchased from top-performing breweries to be served to 8,000+ beer lovers at the San Diego International Beer Festival, happening June 15-17 during the annual San Diego County Fair.

Last year, the San Diego International Beer Competition included 1,500+ entries from nearly 300 breweries representing 23 states and 20 countries. This year is expected to be even more robust.

“Not only is this a chance to compete against the best beers from around the country, but also to stack up your brews against beers from around the globe,” said Tom Nickel, competition coordinator. “San Diego is a hotbed for craft brewing and this competition brings together fantastic beers and world-class judges.”

All participating breweries will receive a minimum of four passes to the festival, and two commemorative t-shirts. Rosette ribbons will be awarded for gold, silver and bronze winners in each class, and a Champion Brewery Award will go to the brewery with the highest cumulative point total. One very special brewer will be awarded the Best of Show trophy from the San Diego Brewers Guild.

The San Diego International Beer Festival in June will feature five tasting sessions over three days. Each session offers four hours of unlimited sampling from hundreds of beers, including many from San Diego’s renowned craft brewing community. VIP tickets will include extra perks such as food pairings, a souvenir sampling glass and admission to the San Diego County Fair and the Gold Medal Beer Pairing Dinner on June 14 will give beer lovers a sneak peek of the festival a day before opening.

SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL BEER COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL
WHAT: Online entry to the West Coast’s largest beer competition is now open
WHO: Any licensed brewery, brewpub, meadery or cidery can enter
COST: $50 per entry until March 9; maximum of eight entries
WHERE: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA
WHEN: Judging for the beer competition is April 13-15; the festival is June 15-17 during the San Diego County Fair
INFO: sandiegobeerfestival.com

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About The San Diego International Beer Competition and Festival
The San Diego International Beer Competition and Festival, celebrating its 12^th year, is produced by the 22nd District Agricultural Association in conjunction with the San Diego County Fair. The international beer competition is open to any licensed brewery, brewpub meadery or cidery. The festival happens during the annual San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons, which draws approximately 1.6 million visitors annually. For more information, visit sandiegobeerfestival.com.