by Zenia Brink - Staff Writer

For the uninitiated, beer has a bad rap. Mention beer to them and images of John Belushi smashing beer cans on his forehead, and frat boys chanting CHUG CHUG CHUG at keg parties come to mind. But can beer be cultural? Is there any other way to drink it than like a frat boy? Can it be swirled, sniffed and sipped the way wine is? The answer is, of course! And the Great American Beer Festival is here to introduce people to the fine art of beer.

The GABF is in it's 26th year of bringing together the best of craft beer from all over the nation. Held in Denver, Co on October 11-13, this year's festival will include 408 breweries in attendance, 75 style categories, 107 judges from 7 countries, and 2806 beers. From pale ales, to porters, lagers and stouts. Beers made with wheat, barley, rye, vegetables, fruit, and even coffee and chocolate. Attendees are given one ounce pours of any beer they want to try. Give the beer a sniff, see if you can detect the delicate aroma that hints at the contents of the beer. Sip the beer slowly and let the flavors absorb into your palette. If you love it, or hate it, tell them so! Many of the brewers attend the festival and are happy to discuss with you all things beer.

And if trying hundreds of different beers, doesn't wet your whistle enough, there are plenty of other activities at the GABF. Beer and food pairings, sessions with brewers, book signings, music and dancing.

For more information head on over to www.GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com and bring along that friend that turns their nose up at beer as though it where just something to chug, maybe after attending GABF they'll think twice about smashing that beer can on their forehead.