Avery Brewing Invitational & Anniversary Previews Brewery List

In the game of beers, you evolve or you die. Game of Thrones allusions aside, Avery Brewing, one of Colorado’s most storied brewing programs, has leaned into the notion that all great things must continue to evolve.

This philosophy rang true when the Boulder-based brewery left its humble roots in the alley for a state-of-the-art 67,000 sq. ft. facility in 2015. Such was the case when Avery sold a 30% stake in the company to Spanish family-owned brewing group Mahou San Miguel in 2015. It continued last year, when Avery scrapped popular festivals like Strong Ale Fest and Sour Fest for the debut of the Avery Invitational, and just weeks ago, Avery announced that it would extend Mahou’s investment to a 70% share of the company. Suffice it to say, Avery has seen quite a bit of change in a short period of time.

(READ: Adam Avery on the Decision to Sell Stake to Mahou San Miguel)

2018 Avery Invitational Crowd — Photo by Justin Graziano, @BeerBreathCO

But while some in the industry may bemoan change, change is necessary, and it’s not always bad. The Avery Brewing Invitational & Anniversary, which now enters its second year, is primed for an even bigger celebration than its debut. Armed with an all-star cast of breweries, and plans to unleash a myriad of vintages, this year’s festival aims to make a statement in celebration of its 26th anniversary.

Events Manager, Rachael Burrell teased that attendees can expect legacy brands like Mephistopheles’ Stout, Samael’s, The Beast and vintages of Rumpkin, Pumpkin, Tweak and Uncle Jacob’s, as well as a host of one-off gold foils.

2018 Avery Invitational Barrel Program — Timed specialty barrel tappings | Photo by Beer Breath CO

This year’s Avery Brewing Invitational & Anniversary will take place on Saturday, June 8 from 12-5pm. Tickets go on sale today, April 16 at 9:00 A.M. for $45. Attendance includes:

– 2 oz pours of 200 beers from more than 70 breweries hailing from Colorado and around the U.S.

– Timed Barrel Tappings from the Avery Wood Cellar

– Specialty Avery beers from Adam Avery’s Cellar

– Local live music on two different stages

2018 Avery Invitational Sensory Seminar — Former Avery employee and current Cerebral team member, Patrick Combs leads a seminar on Sensory Training

– Beer Centric Seminars from:

Travis Rupp- Innovation & Wood Cellar Manager, Avery Brewing Co
Colin Quinn- Special Projects Brewer, Avery Brewing Co
Patrick Combs- Production Manager & Advanced Cicerone, Cerebral Brewing

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Resource Central, an innovative nonprofit dedicated to helping people save water, reduce waste, and conserve energy. With over 40 years of experience, its programs have helped more than 500,000 people conserve natural resources. Learn more at ResourceCentral.org

And now your first look at the tentative brewery lineup for this year’s Avery Brewing Invitational & Anniversary. Keep in mind, participating breweries are subject to change.